If you’re pregnant and planning to breastfeed, you’re already thinking ahead, and that’s brilliant. While it’s true that breastfeeding is a natural process, it doesn’t always come naturally at first. The early days can be a learning curve for both you and your baby.
The good news? A little preparation during pregnancy can make a big difference. By understanding how breastfeeding works, setting realistic expectations, and gathering a few key tools, you’ll be giving yourself the best possible start.
Here’s how to get ready - physically, practically, and emotionally - before baby arrives.
Why Preparing for Breastfeeding Matters
You’re already preparing for birth but breastfeeding deserves your attention too. In fact, studies show that parents who learn about breastfeeding before giving birth are more likely to meet their feeding goals and feel confident doing so.
Breastfeeding can provide:
- Vital nutrients and antibodies for baby
- A reduced risk of infections, SIDS, obesity, and more
- Protection for you against certain cancers, diabetes, and heart disease
- Emotional bonding and hormonal support for both parent and child
1. Learn What to Expect in the First Week
The first few days of breastfeeding are unique. Your body produces colostrum, a golden, nutrient-rich milk, before your mature milk comes in. It’s normal for feeds to be:
- Very frequent (8–12+ times in 24 hours)
- Irregular in rhythm
- Paired with lots of sucking for comfort, not just nutrition
Understanding this can help you feel in control in these first few days instead of worrying that something may be wrong.
2. Take an Antenatal Breastfeeding Class
Whether online or in person, a breastfeeding preparation class can equip you with practical skills and boost your confidence. Look for classes that cover:
- How to position and latch baby
- Feeding cues to watch for
- How to know baby is getting enough
- What to do if it hurts
- Partner support during feeding
These classes often include midwife-led advice and Q&As with other parents-to-be – which can help form a great support group post-birth.
3. Get Familiar With How Milk Supply Works
Many people worry about not producing enough milk, but understanding supply and demand can help you manage these worries.
- Your body makes milk in response to baby feeding
- The more frequently and effectively baby nurses, the more milk you'll make
- Pumping or hand expressing can help if you’re still working on correcting baby’s latch
- It’s normal for your breasts not to feel full for the first few days - colostrum is produced in small but mighty amounts
4. Prepare Your Space for Feeding
Set up a cosy, calm feeding space at home with:
- A comfortable chair or bed setup with pillows
- A side table for snacks, water, phone, and muslin cloths
- A dimmable light for night feeds
- A footstool to relieve back and shoulder tension
You’ll be spending a lot of time here, so make it work for you.
5. Stock Up on Breastfeeding Essentials
While you don’t need everything before baby arrives, a few products can make the early days more comfortable:
Lansinoh® HPA® Lanolin Nipple Cream
- Clinically proven to soothe and protect sore nipples
- 100% natural with no need to wipe off before feeding
Lansinoh® Breastfeeding Pads
- Disposable pads that absorb leaks discreetly
- Keep clothes dry and skin comfortable
You may also want to consider a manual or electric breast pump for expressing milk once breastfeeding is established.
6. Talk With Your Birth Partner About Feeding Support
You don’t have to do this alone. Whether it’s a partner, friend, or family member, having someone who understands how to support you in the early days can make a real difference.
They can:
- Help spot feeding cues
- Bring drinks and snacks during feeds
- Help you position baby
- Reassure you when it feels tricky
7. Find Your Support Network Early
Don’t wait until there’s a problem to seek help. Identify your local and virtual breastfeeding support options before birth:
- Midwife or health visitor
- Local breastfeeding support groups
- Local IBCLC Lactation Consultants
- National Breastfeeding Helpline (UK)
- Lansinoh Live Midwife Chat
Having someone to call at 3am when feeding feels hard can be a lifeline.
Midwife’s Top Tips
- Learn to spot feeding cues (rooting, hand-sucking, alertness) before baby cries
- Practice different holds - cross-cradle, rugby ball, and side-lying
- Remember: tiny tummies = frequent feeds and that’s normal
- Don’t wait for pain - apply nipple cream from day one
- If in doubt, ask for help; early support makes all the difference
You can’t plan every moment of your breastfeeding journey, but with a little preparation, you can feel more confident, calm, and supported.
Take time now to learn the basics, gather your toolkit, and connect with support. Breastfeeding doesn’t have to be perfect; it just has to work for you and your baby. One feed at a time.
