How to Prepare for Breastfeeding During Pregnancy

Planning for your baby’s arrival is exciting, joyful - and sometimes a little overwhelming.

There’s so much to think about: where your baby will sleep, what to pack, and how life will change once they arrive. One important (but often overlooked) way to prepare is gently learning about breastfeeding - especially if this is your first baby.

This article isn’t about rules or pressure.
It’s about helping you feel informed, supported, and confident, whatever your feeding journey looks like.

The Benefits of Breastfeeding (For Baby and You)

Breastfeeding offers many benefits - but it’s also important to say this clearly:

Breastfeeding is a choice.
Some mums breastfeed, some mix feed, some don’t - and all choices are valid.

If breastfeeding becomes part of your journey, here’s how it can help:

For your baby

Breast milk:

• provides perfectly balanced nutrition that adapts as your baby grows

• supports immunity with antibodies that help protect against infections

• reduces the risk of gastrointestinal, ear and chest infections

• is associated with lower risk of SIDS

• supports brain and nervous system development

For you

Breastfeeding can:

• help your uterus contract and reduce post-birth bleeding

• support postpartum recovery

• reduce the risk of breast and ovarian cancer later in life

• encourage bonding through skin-to-skin contact and oxytocin release

• save money, as it's free and always available

Preparing for Breastfeeding Before Birth

Breastfeeding is natural - but it’s also a learned skill for both mum and baby.

You don’t need to know everything now. Simply knowing that support exists can make the early days feel far less overwhelming.

Helpful steps during pregnancy include:

• letting your midwife, doctor or hospital know you plan to breastfeed

• learning the basics of latch and positioning through a class, book, or trusted resource

• knowing where to get help if you need it (such as a lactation consultant or breastfeeding helpline)

There’s no pressure to “master” anything before birth - support is there when you need it.

The Early Days After Birth

The first days after birth are when you and your baby learn together.

Many mums find it helps to:

• enjoy skin-to-skin contact as soon as possible after birth

• feed early and often, following baby’s cues (rather than the clock)

• keep baby close so you can recognise hunger signs

• ask for help with latch and positioning - this is very normal

Breastfeeding often takes patience and practice - and support matters.

Nourishing Yourself While Breastfeeding

If breastfeeding becomes part of your journey, nourishment matters for you too - not just your baby.

When you’re breastfeeding, your nutritional needs increase because your baby is relying on you for their nutrition.

Many mums find it helpful to:

• cook and freeze simple meals before birth

• stock up on nourishing, easy snacks

• prioritise regular fuel, even on low-energy days

This is where simple, nourishing support can make a real difference.

A Gentle Reminder

Breastfeeding doesn’t need to be perfect to be meaningful.

Rest when you can.
Eat well when you’re able.
Drink plenty of fluids.
Ask for help - early and often.

Whether breastfeeding is part of your journey for weeks, months, or not at all - you deserve support.

And we’re here for every stage of motherhood 💛