Preparing Yourself For Breastfeeding: The First Steps

Preparing Yourself For Breastfeeding: The First Steps - Hegen

Breastfeeding is something that most mothers find special about entering motherhood and caring for their new bundle of joy. While breastfeeding sounds like it is a natural instinct a mum would have, it does take some knowledge and practice to get it right.

Here are 3 tips to help you prepare yourself to get your breastfeeding journey off to a good start.

 

Ensure you have the necessary accessories

Before breastfeeding, make sure you have all the accessories and products you may require to make yourself feel comfortable. Here is a list of essentials you should prepare:

  • A comfortable nursing chair
  • Nursing pillow
  • Nursing bra
  • Nipple cream
  • Manual and electric breast pumps
  • Breast milk storage containers
  • Ice pack for alleviating engorgement

If you’re deciding if you need a breast pump, consider whether you would prefer to breastfeed exclusively or occasionally bottle feed in the long run.

A handy tool would also be a massager, which would be a lifesaver when you experience breast engorgement or blocked ducts.

 

 

Hegen PCTOTM Double Electric Breast Pump has a kneading ring massager that creates gentle cupping and kneading sensations to release tension from breast engorgement and helps to stimulate milk supply.

 

Join a breastfeeding class

 

Consider signing up for an antenatal class where a certified health professional can teach you the various ins and outs of breastfeeding. In a class, you will be able to get more accurate advice instead of limiting yourself to only the information you find online. With a professional’s assistance, you will be able to walk out as a more confident mother, ready to provide for your baby.

Hegen Lactation Centre’s Caring for Newborn class will equip you with all the breastfeeding knowledge you need to prepare yourself for the first latch. 

 

Seek guidance from a lactation consultant

Looking for help from a lactation consultant who knows what is best for you will be highly beneficial as you can confide in them about breastfeeding issues you may have and gain expert advice.

Around a month before your expected due date, take the time to go for a prenatal consultation with a lactation consultant. Going for a consultation to identify your issues and seek help with your concerns will help you feel more prepared to handle breastfeeding issues should they arise. A lactation consultant can also help create a plan for you based on your breastfeeding goals. At the prenatal consultation, you can also have your nipple size measured to determine the correct flange size for use if you are intending to pump.

 

Conclusion

Preparing yourself well gives you more confidence to get your breastfeeding journey off to a good start. Breastfeeding is a precious journey that a mother will enjoy as a time of bonding with her baby.

Here at Hegen, we offer antenatal classes and lactation consultations conducted by professional lactation consultants in a safe, private and relaxing setting. We also have a wide range of breastfeeding products that will help you through your breastfeeding journey. Visit our website and find out more about our services.