Top Ways to Prepare for Breastfeeding During Pregnancy
Breastfeeding is natural, but that doesn’t mean it comes naturally to everyone. Many new moms expect their baby to instinctively latch and for milk to flow easily, but in reality, breastfeeding takes preparation, patience, and support—especially in the early weeks.
The good news? There are key steps you can take during pregnancy to increase your chances of breastfeeding success. As an IBCLC in Boise, I’ve worked with many moms who say they wish they had prepared sooner. So, let’s talk about the top things you can do prenatally to set yourself up for a smooth breastfeeding journey.
1. Take a Breastfeeding Class
One of the best ways to feel confident about breastfeeding is to learn how it works before your baby arrives. A good prenatal breastfeeding class will teach you:
✔ How to latch baby properly (so you can avoid pain and nipple damage)
✔ How to know if your baby is getting enough milkhttps://www.babybonds.us/shop/p/breastfeeding-guide
✔ What to expect in the first days and weeks
✔ How to troubleshoot common breastfeeding problems
Many hospitals offer classes, but working with an IBCLC lactation consultant in Boise for personalized breastfeeding education can be even more helpful.
Action Step: Sign up for a breastfeeding class https://www.babybonds.us/shop/p/breastfeeding-guide
2. Get Your Breastfeeding Support System in Place
Breastfeeding is easier when you have support from your partner, family, and a lactation consultant. Many moms stop breastfeeding early because they don’t have the right help when challenges arise.
Here’s how to build your breastfeeding support system before birth:
✔ Choose a lactation consultant – we are happy to support you if you live in the Boise area. www.boiselactation.com
✔ Talk to your partner – Make sure they understand how they can support you, like helping with night feedings or handling chores while you nurse.
✔ Find a local breastfeeding support group – Connecting with other moms who are breastfeeding can be incredibly encouraging.
3. Learn About Your Breast Pump & Insurance Coverage
Even if you plan to exclusively breastfeed, having a breast pump on hand can be helpful for:
✔ Building a small freezer stash
✔ Relieving engorgement
✔ Letting your partner help with feedings
✔ Going back to work while maintaining milk supply
Most insurance plans cover free breast pumps, but not all pumps are created equal. Spectra S1, Motif Luna, and Baby Buddha are great options that provide stronger suction than some standard insurance pumps.
Action Step: Contact your insurance company before birth to see what pumps are covered, and order yours early! www.breastpumps123.com
4. Know What a Good Latch Looks Like
One of the biggest reasons moms experience nipple pain or low milk supply is due to an improper latch. Understanding how to get a deep, effective latch from the start can help you avoid many common breastfeeding struggles.
✔ Baby’s mouth should be wide open before latching
✔ Lips should be flanged outward, not tucked in
✔ Baby’s chin should be pressed against your breast
✔ You should feel a deep pulling sensation, not pinching or pain
If you experience cracked nipples, pain, or difficulty latching, working with a Boise IBCLC can help you fix the latch before it leads to bigger problems.
Action Step: Watch videos on how to get a deep latch and learn different breastfeeding positions before baby arrives.
5. Understand How Milk Supply Works
Many moms worry about low milk supply, but true low supply is rare. The key to maintaining a healthy milk supply is to nurse frequently and remove milk efficiently in the early weeks.
✔ Milk supply is based on demand—the more milk is removed, the more your body will produce.
✔Avoid early supplementation unless medically necessary, as it can interfere with supply.
✔ Pumping is NOT an accurate measure of milk supply—baby is usually more efficient at getting milk than a pump.
Action Step: Learn the early hunger cues so you can nurse baby before they become overly fussy, making latching easier.
6. Plan for Skin-to-Skin & The Golden Hour
The first hour after birth, known as The Golden Hour, is a powerful time for breastfeeding. Babies who have uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact are more likely to:
✔ Latch successfully on their own
✔ Regulate their body temperature and breathing
✔ Have a stronger milk supply long-term
Even if you have a C-section, you can request skin-to-skin contact as soon as possible.
Action Step: Tell your birth team you want immediate skin-to-skin and that baby should stay with you unless medically necessary.
7. Set Realistic Expectations for the First Weeks
Many new moms are surprised by just how often newborns nurse—usually 8-12 times a day. This is completely normal and helps establish a strong milk supply.
✔ Baby’s stomach is tiny, so frequent feedings are expected.
✔ Cluster feeding (when baby nurses constantly for a few hours) is a normal part of growth spurts.
✔ Breastfeeding should not hurt—if it does, seek help from an IBCLC lactation consultant.
Action Step: Expect the first few weeks to be a learning process, and give yourself grace as you and your baby figure it out together!
Final Thoughts: Prepare Now for Breastfeeding Success
Breastfeeding is a journey, and the more prepared you are before birth, the more confident you’ll feel once baby arrives.
✔ Take a prenatal breastfeeding class
✔ Find a trusted IBCLC lactation consultant in Boise
✔ Learn about breast pumps & insurance coverage
✔ Practice deep latch techniques
✔ Understand milk supply & feeding patterns
Need expert breastfeeding guidance? Get personalized support from Melanie Henstrom, IBCLC at BoiseLactation.com or call 971-235-8773 to schedule a consultation.