Pre-natal Preparation

Preparing For Breastfeeding Your Newborn

Along with all the bodily changes you will be experiencing, the new flood of hormones seem to activate what I like to call the ‘nesting instinct’. This can manifest in many different behaviours for different mothers-to-be.

You may find yourself pre-occupied with baby clothes, bedding and equipment. Baby Stores become a favourite place for browsing. Other mothers will go into a ‘cleaning frenzy’ and other become obsessed with preparing the nursery.

All of this is in preparation for your pending newborn. Preparation is good and there are a few things to consider before you begin breastfeeding.

Once you’ve reached the third trimester, you’ll probably start stocking up on nursing bras, breast pads, and loose button down shirts for the coming months ahead.

Preparing Your Nursing Area

While getting ready to breast feed, you can also create your personal area, a custom designed breast feeding area for yourself.

Your nursing area should reflect your personality.

If you like a loud, yet friendly surrounding, you could consider setting up in a corner of the living room or family room. Keep an extra chair or two near you so family members or even friends can keep you company.

If you prefer peace and quiet, a cosy study or empty guest room would be ideal. You can close the door, dim the lights down, and then take a few deep, calming breaths while you breast feed.

Your Own Chair

No matter if it’s a glider, overstuffed recliner, or desk chair with wheels, you should make sure your nursing chair is very comfortable. You’ll be sitting in the chair for hours each day, so you’ll want it to be very comfortable. You should always look for one that offers back and shoulder support, along with arm rests.

Foot Support

You can use a footstool, low coffee table or a stack of pillows to elevate your feet as you breast feed. If you raise your legs and feet to bring your baby to your breast, you’ll avoid possible backache.

Pillows and More Pillows

Your neck, arms, feet, and back will need as much support as you can give, so don’t hesitate to surround your body with pillows. If you lay a pillow across your lap for your baby to lie on, he’ll be very comfortable and that much closer to your nipple. For extra comfort, you can even purchase a specially made nursing pillow that will encircle your waist.

- -

Table for one

You should always keep a small table or stand within arm’s length of your breast feeding chair.

What you use should be big enough to hold a coaster, glass of liquid and a lamp for night-time feeds. Some women prefer to drink through a straw, while others prefer to drink from the glass.

You’ll also want to keep healthy snacks on hand as well, such as fresh fruit, nuts, or crackers and peanut butter to help you replace the energy you use while you breast feed.

This lamp table is ideal as it also has a magazine rack where you can store your breast feeding essentials as well.

Distractions

If your baby is a slow eater or has a really big appetite, you may want to keep yourself busy while he feeds. You can fill the shelves of a nearby cupboard or bookcase with your favourite books or crossword puzzles to occupy yourself until your baby is full. You should also keep a phone nearby as well so you can answer any calls without disturbing baby and so that you can talk to family or friends to pass the time. You could also use this time to read to your baby.

Sometimes it’s tough to sort out all the details, but I’m positive you’ll have no trouble making sense of the information presented above. Use it to your best advantage and adapt it to suit your needs and lifestyle.

Comfy Breastfeeding Place