• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Pregnancy Logo 2018

Pregnancy Magazine

Pregnancy and infancy news, tips, and reviews

“Great
  • Pregnancy
  • Labor & Delivery
  • Baby
  • Breastfeeding
  • Buyer’s Guide
  • mom

4 ways moms-to-be can ensure breastfeeding success

by Lizzie Goodman Leave a Comment

After the trials and tribulations of labor and delivery, many new moms are surprised to find that breastfeeding is anything but easy. While our bodies are designed to nurse and nourish our babies, the first weeks of doing so can be exhausting, frustrating and downright painful. Help ensure a smoother transition by preparing for breastfeeding now while you wait on baby.

Buy a comfortable bra

Because your bra size may change once your milk comes in, we don't recommend stocking up on fancy nursing bras just yet. You'll need easy access to nurse freely and frequently though, so we suggest picking up two or three nursing sleep bras to get you through your first postpartum days. Having a few you can interchange ensures you'll always have something clean on hand. Sleep bras are the ultimate in comfort, but offer little support – so plan on purchasing a true nursing bra a week or two into motherhood.

Get the right gear

Most new moms report nipple pain in the first two to six weeks of breastfeeding. Don't wait to find out if you're among this group – stop what you're doing right now and buy a nipple cream. Trust us, it will save your life and make all the difference in nursing your little one. Lanolin is a favorite among new moms, as it soothes and protects cracked and tender skin. But there are plenty of varieties on the market, so shop around until you find a cream that suits your needs. Because you might experience leaking, pick up a few absorbent breast pads to save your clothing too.

Buy a breast pump

Even if you don't plan to leave your baby's side, using a breast pump can aid in boosting or establishing your supply. Don't let the cost of a pump scare you – as mandated by the U.S. government, all health insurance coverage must include a breast pump for expectant mothers. Note: You may not be able to sign up for your pump before your third trimester.

Carve out a nook

Don't underestimate how much time you'll be nursing your new son or daughter. Newborns nurse every two hours. What's more, you must calculate the time for each nursing session based on when the last feeding began, not ended – meaning there's less time between sessions than you might think. Make breastfeeding something you'll look forward to by carving out a special space in your home. Set up a comfy chair (if it reclines, all the better!), fill a basket with sumptuous blankets and make this space one that feels like a peaceful retreat.

What are some ways you're preparing for baby? Share with us below!

Filed Under: Breastfeeding News

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
Peaceful Discipline by Sarah Moore

More to See

parent coaching

Parent Coaching: 3 Ways to Create a More Joyful Home

By Sarah Moore

The perfect workout for pregnant women (sponsored)

By Isa Herrera, MSPT CSCS

how to be a good mother

How to Be a Good Mother: 5 Ways To Raise Children with Love & Respect

By Sarah Moore

Aligned Parents webinar

By Paul Banas

Footer

Copyright 2023 Pregnancy Magazine Group

Emails powered by Wishpond: PregnancyWishpond

Dedicated WordPress hosting: PregnancyFlywheel

WordPress Theme: PregnancyTheme

This website provides information of a general nature and is designed for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for an examination by your healthcare provider. If you have any concerns about your own health or the health of your child, you should always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional. Please review the Terms of Use before using this site. Your use of the site indicates your agreement to be bound by the Terms of Use.

 

Recent

  • A Beginner’s Guide to Gentle Parenting: 5 Ways to Lead with Love
  • How to Be a Good Mother: 5 Ways To Raise Children with Love & Respect
  • Best Parenting Books: 28 Books That Will Change Your Life for the Better
  • Aligned Parents webinar
  • How to make sure your home is ready for the new addition to your family

Search

© Copyright 2023 Pregnancy Magazine Group · All Rights Reserved

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
SAVE & ACCEPT