Successful Breastfeeding begins Antenatally

We often hear that breastfeeding is "natural". And perhaps in days gone by women did find adjusting to feeding a new baby easier. So why does it seem so hard for us? "Why is it so hard for me? "

Well the world we live in has changed. No longer are we living in close communities where we are participating in the raising of children from a young age. We don't see other women feeding their babies. These days there is a whole movement intent on having mothers stay hidden in case a breast or nipple is seen out in public with a hungry baby trying to feed. But that is a discussion for another day.  The learning that once took place throughout our lives is suddenly thrown at us once the baby is placed on our chests after birth. The pressure to have breastfeeding sorted before discharge anywhere from 4 hours to maybe 4 days post delivery is daunting to say the least. 

Learning about breastfeeding before your baby is born, without the stress of a crying infant and a sleep deprived brain can set you up for a better and more enjoyable breastfeeding experience.  

Information 

• Attend an Antenatal Breastfeeding Class, or a private session with an IBCLC to learn and discuss breastfeeding and how to get off to your best start breastfeeding your baby.
• Knowing that if your breastfeeding journey didn't go to plan with previous babies, it doesn't mean that things will be the same this time. Meeting with an IBCLC and working out how things could be different this time and having a plan in place can be helpful.
• Read  about breastfeeding - how it works, what are the benefits and things that other mothers found helpful. 

• Speak with breastfeeding mothers - ask them about their experiences. What helped, what didn't. 
• Watch breastfeeding mothers and see how they feed their babies. Joining the Australian Breastfeeding Association and meeting other mothers there can provide a safe place to ask questions, see babies being breastfed and provide a network of supportive women
• Speak with any family members. Ask how they fed and let them know how you would like to be supported with regards to feeding your baby.
• Watch videos of babies feeding. A great site with many videos is Global Health Media. 
• Acknowledging that a mother's health can influence our breastfeeding outcomes. Knowing that if you have conditions such as gestational diabetes, PCOS or previously struggled to make enough milk for an earlier baby  (to name but a few...) having a breastfeeding plan in place to offset these risk factors can improve your chances for meeting your breastfeeding potential.
• Recognising that our birth choices can also influence our breastfeeding journey. Sometimes we don't have control over what happens with our births, but aiming for the least amount of interventions is a good place to start. If things don't go to plan then speaking to an IBCLC and setting up a breastfeeding plan after the birth can help get breastfeeding off to the best start.

Create a positive mindset

• Have a positive attitude to breastfeeding. Most women are able to breastfeed. Let people know that you’re planning on breastfeeding your baby. Hearing this will helps you to become accustomed to the fact yourself.
• Having realistic expectations is important. Yes, breastfeeding is natural, but so is walking. Yet we allow our babies many months to practise and perfect this skill. The same mindset should be applied to breastfeeding. It is not unusual for mums and bubs to have some early hurdles. With support most mums work through their struggles.  
• A supportive partner is huge predictor of breastfeeding success and enjoyment. Speak with your partner and let them know how they can support you. Including them in your antenatal preparation helps them to appreciate how important breastfeeding is for both mum and baby's lifelong health. 

                                Information
                              Determination
                                  Support