Pregnant and Considering Breastfeeding? | Breastfeeding

Prepare before your delivery

Learn about breastfeeding. Take a breastfeeding class, read a book, or check out the online breastfeeding resources below. It’s important to start breastfeeding as soon as possible after birth, and preparation can help you be ready. Don’t wait until after you have given birth to learn how to help your baby latch, how often to breastfeed, or how to increase your milk supply.

Tell your health care provider that you would like to breastfeed. Discuss any breast surgery or injury you may have had. If you are taking supplements or medicines, talk with your health care provider about treatments that can work with breastfeeding.

Get to know your delivery hospital or birthing center. Take a tour or class. Ask about the hospital’s breastfeeding policies to ensure your delivery team can help you meet your breastfeeding goals.

Connect with your partner, family, and friends. Your partner, family, and friends can play an important role in helping you breastfeed. Before your baby arrives, share your decision with them. They can provide support and encouragement.

Learn the first steps to take after birth

You can take steps immediately after birth to help get breastfeeding off to a good start. Many hospitals support these practices, and it’s always OK to ask hospital staff for help.

Practice skin-to-skin care. Skin-to-skin time right after birth can help your baby find their way to your nipple. This practice also helps your hormones kick in to start making milk. Be prepared to feed your baby about every 2 hours at first.

Breastfeed as soon as possible after giving birth. This helps you establish your milk supply.

Avoid infant formula in the hospital when possible. Remind hospital staff that you want to breastfeed so the staff doesn’t bottle-feed or supplement your baby with other fluids, unless medically necessary.

Ask for your baby to room-in with you. Let your baby stay in your hospital room all day and night. This will help you learn your baby’s feeding cues and breastfeed often. It’s possible that your hospital can do routine newborn exams right in your room.

Ask for help. If you’re having trouble getting a good latch, if you are worried about whether your baby is getting enough milk, or have other concerns, ask hospital staff for help.

Know who to ask if you need help

Two moms breastfeeding their babies. — Ask for support when you need it.

Know what resources are available in your community in case breastfeeding problems arise after you are discharged from the hospital. Your hospital may offer breastfeeding support services after you leave the hospital. If you are enrolled in WIC, contact your local WIC clinic to ask how you can get breastfeeding support. WIC is the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children.

Talk to friends who have breastfed.

Consider joining a support group. Ask your hospital or your pediatrician if they know of any breastfeeding support groups or resources in your community.