Planning for your baby’s arrival is joyful, exciting and maybe a little overwhelming. There are lots of things you can do in advance, such as deciding where your baby will sleep, stocking up on diapers and making sure you have onesies. Another important way to plan, especially for first-time lactating parents, is by preparing to breastfeed your newborn.

Lactation consultants Gail Flory, R.N., from Sibley Memorial Hospital, and Hannah Rose, B.S.N., R.N., from Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital — who, together, have more than 30 years of lactation experience — share breastfeeding tips that new lactating parents can add to their pre-baby checklist. 

1. Learn before baby is born.

   Many new lactating parents think breastfeeding will come naturally to baby and mother, but this isn’t often the case. Rather than trying to learn how to breastfeed when you’re exhausted and your newborn is crying at your breast, learn in advance. Hospitals may offer breastfeeding education as part of childbirth classes. This will give you proper instruction and the opportunity to ask questions. If you know a mother who is currently breastfeeding, ask her if she would let you watch how she gets her baby to latch. It takes practice and patience.  

2. Get comfortable.

   Make sure you and your baby feel supported and secure. Bring the baby up/down to your breast level so you can sit comfortably and not be hunched over, which strains your neck and back. Use a breastfeeding pillow or other items you may have around your home such as stuffed animals, small pillows and blankets. You can even fill a tube sock with rice to make your own adjustable and comfortable support. Keep something to drink, your cellphone and anything else you may need within reach. 

3. Understand your milk supply.

   During the first few days and weeks of breastfeeding, your body is establishing the healthy amount of milk that your baby should take at each feeding. Full-term babies get very busy when they get home! Newborns can nurse eight to 12 times a day, and are night people in the beginning. (All normal!)
   
   There are a few things that may affect your flow of breast milk in the early days or throughout your months of breastfeeding, such as overactive let-down, plugged milk ducts and delayed milk production. If you have trouble or pain with breastfeeding, talk to a lactation consultant.

4. Latching may be tricky.

   Latching can be the trickiest thing to learn with a wiggly, handsy baby! How the baby attaches to your breast affects how it feels (and whether it hurts or not) and how efficiently your baby gets milk. Seeing a lactation consultant can really help with this.

5. Breastfeeding and pumping should not hurt the entire time.

   It is normal for breastfeeding to hurt for the first couple of seconds when latching baby. If the pain continues, your baby’s latch could be too shallow, and you should try relatching. Not only is it more comfortable for you if baby is latched deeper, but it also ensures the baby is able to transfer milk well. If pumping is painful, adjust the pump suction until it is comfortable, and make sure you have the correct flange size. If breastfeeding or pumping continue to be painful, contact a lactation consultant for help.

6. Obtain a reliable pump.

   Eventually, you may need to pump, whether you plan on going back to work, are scheduling some time away from your baby or even enjoying an adult beverage. You can purchase a double electric breast pump, or oftentimes, you can get a pump from your health insurance company. If you are not sure how to use your pump or are unsure when you should pump, reach out to a lactation consultant.

   Note to lactating parents: Early on, renting a hospital-grade pump can help establish your milk supply until the baby can regularly nurse. If your baby needs regular supplementing (per the doctor) or you two are separated for any reason, that will ensure a more robust supply.