5 Ways to Prepare for Breastfeeding During Pregnancy

1. Get Informed

Breastfeeding is a learned behavior—for both you and your baby. Taking a breastfeeding class around six months into your pregnancy is a great way to start learning. The more informed you are, the more confident you’ll feel. Understanding the benefits of breastfeeding, how it works, and the challenges that may arise can help you feel prepared for those early weeks. Learning about early hunger cues, cluster feeding, and normal newborn feeding behavior now will go a long way once your baby arrives. A good breastfeeding class and a trusted book can set you up for success. (Just keep in mind that there’s a lot of inaccurate information online, so it’s important to choose reliable sources.)

2. Have a Prepared List of Resources and Support

Support comes in many forms—professional, family, and friends. Consider scheduling a prenatal visit with a lactation consultant who can also follow up with you at home after the birth. Research shows that seeing a skilled lactation consultant within the first three weeks postpartum increases breastfeeding success.

Let your partner, family, and friends know you plan to breastfeed. Support from loved ones plays a vital role in the decision to start and continue breastfeeding. Finally, look for local parent or breastfeeding support groups. Peer support can be invaluable during the postpartum period—and it can even help lower the risk of postpartum depression.

3. Give Yourself the Time to Breastfeed

The first few weeks after birth are all about learning—your baby learning how to feed, and you learning how to respond to their cues. Breastfeeding takes time, and newborns spend a lot of time nursing. Many new mothers feel like they are “wearing” their baby, but this closeness is key to bonding and establishing breastfeeding.

It’s perfectly okay to say no to visitors. The early days are busy and intense—but also deeply meaningful. If friends want to help, ask them to bring a nourishing meal or wait a few weeks to visit (unless, of course, they’re coming to do the dishes or change the sheets!).

4. Have a Few Essentials on Hand

You don’t need much beyond your breasts to feed your baby—but a few simple items can make things easier. A natural oil like virgin coconut oil is great for nipple care, baby massage, and even cooking. Cotton breast pads can help with leaks (just remember to change them often), a breastfeeding pillow can make feeds more comfortable (often easy to find second-hand), and soft, breastfeeding-friendly clothes like button-down pajamas or shirts are worth having on hand.

It’s easy to feel pressured by marketing, but remember—you can keep it simple.

5. Most Importantly, Trust Your Body

The breastfeeding journey can be emotional and, at times, overwhelming. It’s easy to lose confidence if things don’t go exactly as expected. But remember: your body is designed to do this. While growing your baby—and even a whole new organ (your placenta!)—your body is also preparing your breasts to nourish your baby.

Trust in your body’s ability to produce the milk your baby needs. Be patient with yourself. Breastfeeding is a skill that both you and your baby learn together. It may not go perfectly at first—and that’s okay. Like anything worthwhile, it takes practice, time, and support.

By preparing now, surrounding yourself with support, and trusting your body, you’ll give yourself and your baby the best start to your breastfeeding journey.