As a mom-to-be, sometimes it can feel like there is no end to the decisions you have to make – your baby’s name, nursery preparation, birth bag needs, breast pump selection and more… As an expectant mother, your preparation for breastfeeding can be the sweetest part of the approach to birth. The following article can help you to find out when and from whom you can get information about breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding is known to be the healthiest way to feed your baby. Breastfeeding offers many benefits to both mother and baby(see Benefits of Breastfeeding). Expectant mothers often leave learning about breastfeeding techniques and information about breastfeeding until after birth. At this point, the mother may panic because she does not know what to expect, or she may be too tired to focus on the information provided by health professionals.
Experts recommend that mothers should receive breastfeeding training and techniques and information about breastfeeding support products from a health professional in the weeks leading up to the birth, when they have enough time. Otherwise, they state that lack of prior knowledge about breastfeeding may prevent mothers from continuing the breastfeeding process.
When should you start talking to your doctor about this?
Experts recommend that you start researching about breastfeeding, ideally in your last trimester. It is important to focus on breastfeeding with your doctor, and before the baby is born, you should familiarize yourself with any breastfeeding support products you may need.
Here are some sample questions you can ask your specialist at your next doctor’s visit and our advice for you.
- How what you experience during and immediately after birth can have an impact on breastfeeding
- How medication and medical intervention, skin-to-skin contact, early breastfeeding initiation and room and board can all play a role in your breastfeeding experience
- You can ask now if you will have a lactation consultant (lactation consultant) after the birth, and if so, you can meet him or her at least one month before the baby is born.
- You can also talk to your doctor about other topics to better understand what you can expect from your birth team and how you should communicate with them.
In the first days after your baby is born, you will already have a lot to do!
You are on the brink of the biggest adventure of your life!
It may feel a little strange to start learning about breastfeeding before giving birth, but you can be sure that it will save you a lot of trouble.
Discussing these important issues early on will give you the best possible opportunity to achieve your breastfeeding goals.