Planning to breastfeed- Things you can do before baby arrives.

Just thought I would start writing a few articles that I hope will help mothers to breastfeed. I will start at the beginning and work my way through covering all topics like breastfeeding problems and how to deal with criticism and unwanted advice and any others that I can think

So first up for all those mums to be (or perhaps for future reference for mothers planning to have another baby). The one thing I will not go into is all the reasons why women should breastfeed - it has been drummed into mothers for years about the benefits so no-one really needs to hear them. What they need is practicle advice and support to help them succeed.

1) Learn as much as you can about breastfeeding before your baby is born. Some great books to read are 'Breastfeeding.......naturally' from the Australian Breastfeeding Association (note this book is free if you subscribe), also 'Breastfeeding' by Sheila Kitzinger. Try to get along to ABA group meetings so you can chat to other breastfeeding mothers.

2) Attend Breastfeeding Education Classes- these classes are approx $70 and include a subscription to ABA (where you get the free book) and cover all the basics of breastfeeding as well as what to expect in those first few weeks, how to access help and they also have a demo by a local breastfeeding mother and her baby (great for anyone who has never seen baby being breastfed)

3) Speak to a lactation consultant if you think you have flat or inverted nipples. Usually nipples change during pregnancy and in the first few weeks of breastfeeding but occasionally a women will have truly flat or inverted nipples. you can still breastfeed but it will require extra help when attaching your baby.

4) Plan ahead for those first few weeks at home with bub. It is best to spend as much time as possible just getting the hang of breastfeeding. If you can get help at your house either by your partner taking a few weeks off work or maybe your mother/MIL or a sister etc might be willing to stay with you for a while. Also if you have any visitors that ask that questions "is there anything I can do for you?" give them a job. I had a friend who wrote a list of jobs and stuck it to her fridge so that if anyone came to visit they completed a job and ticked it off. Jobs like putting washing on or doing the dishes are great. In those last few weeks of pregnancy make some dinners and freeze or buy ready made meals so you don't have to cook dinner every night.

5) On the practicle side you will nedd to put some thought into what you will wear while breastfeeding. Although there are some really nice nursing wear available these days some of can be very expensive. When you are first learning the best tops are those that unbutton all the way (so you can unbutton them from the bottom). Check that your bra fits properly and has room for nursing pads.

6) Stock up on nursing pads and set up a feeding station in your house. You could have handy water, a container of healthy snacks like dried nuts and fruit, your phone (or take it off the hook) the remote for the TV, a nappy/cloth to wipe up spills or squirts! and the number of an ABA counsellor in case you have a question.

7) Look at sleeping arrangements in your house. It is best in those first few weeks/mths to have baby in the same room as you as it is easier to establish breastfeeding. If you plan to co-sleep make sure you research how to do this safely.

8) Have the number for your local ABA counsellor in a handy place. Remember that they are there to help you with any question that you might have even if it has nothing to do with breastfeeding. I cannot remember the number of times I called mine with my second and I really wish that I had known all the great services they provided when I had my first.

Hopefully these tips will help some mothers. I think that some mothers tend to think that if they ring a counsellor they are showing that they are not coping or maybe that they are a failure. While there are some problems that may not be fixable when breastfeeding most are with correct support and advice. So with this in mind don't be afraid to ask for help, there are lactation consultants as well that are of great help so if you can have their number handy as well that would be even better.