Planning Ahead for Breast-Feeding
Plan
a breast-feeding strategy during your pregnancy.
- Talk to your health professional early in your
prenatal care about your plans to breast-feed. During your first visit, you
will have a breast exam to detect any lumps or irregularities. If you have
inverted nipples, which fold inward instead of pointing out, your health
professional can suggest ways to prepare for
breast-feeding.
- Arrange to attend a breast-feeding class and
possibly join a breast-feeding support group. These are offered at many
hospitals and birthing centers by midwives or breast-feeding (lactation)
consultants. Classes and support groups can help you anticipate and manage
breast-feeding difficulties should they arise.
- Write down any
breast-feeding questions or concerns, and discuss them with your health
professional.
- Purchase breast-feeding items, such as breast pads
and shields, bottles, nipple cream, nursing pillows, and burping pads. Also, rent or purchase a breast pump before you deliver. Having a breast
pump available after delivery may be helpful when your milk comes in.
- Talk to friends and family members about your decision. Discuss
how their support in your efforts is important.
- Buy a
breast-feeding book for quick reference. Your health professional may have a
good recommendation.
If you are planning on working away from your baby after a maternity
leave, look into accommodations for pumping. The ideal setup is a quiet,
private room where you can pump a couple of times a day. Some states mandate
that employers allow breaks and privacy for pumping. If you don't live in such
a state, talk to your human resources department about making arrangements that
work for both you and your employer.
Credits
| By | Healthwise Staff |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology |
| Last Revised | July 23, 2012 |