Getting Breastfeeding Off to a Good Start

(United States Breastfeeding Committee)

There a few things you can do before and after your baby is born to help get breastfeeding off to a great start.

Before Baby is Born:

• Start reading a comprehensive book about breastfeeding such as The Breastfeeding Book by Martha and William Sears
• Attend a breastfeeding support group in your area. It is very helpful to see other moms nursing their little ones especially when you are pregnant with your first baby. Here is a list of CNML mentors - hopefully someone lives close to you. Or attend our CNML online meetings which take place on the first Thursday of the month.
• Find a good lactation consultant in your area so if issues come up, you know whom to call.
• Attend a breastfeeding class, if possible, in your area. If you are interested in taking part in a breastfeeding class put on by CNML, send me an email at catholicbreastfeeding(at)yahoo(dot)com.
• Join the CNML Facebook group for friendships with other Catholic moms who nurse their babies and spiritual support, too!
• Write up a birth plan that protects the breastfeeding relationship such as: formula only when medically required and rooming in with baby so you are more easily able to nurse on demand
• Request a copy of Getting Started with Breastfeeding: For Catholic Mothers from CNML.

After Baby is Born

• If possible, put baby to breast within the first hour of life. 
• Ask the hospital’s lactation consultant to observe you while nursing just to check your latch and positioning and to answer any questions. 
• Call your local lactation consultant early on when problems arise.
• Try to choose a pediatrician who is supportive of breastfeeding.
• Take good care of yourself! Eat and drink to thirst. Rest. Remember that your main job right now is nursing your baby!
• Limit visitors and ask for help with meals and errands.
• Keep reading about breastfeeding! If any questions or concerns come up, the CNML website has a lot of info particularly on common concerns like sore nipples, engorgement, the mastitis spectrum, positioning and latching. Also, Ask Dr. Sears has a lot of great info about different aspects of breastfeeding.
• Keep attending a breastfeeding support group for continued support.
• Request a prayer shawl or a nursing mom gift bag from CNML for comfort and spiritual support on your breastfeeding journey.

Written by Gina M. Peterson, BS, IBCLC