How to Prepare for Breastfeeding While Pregnant

(Photo : Unsplash/KevinLiang)

Even if you're pregnant, your breasts are starting to develop as well, and you might not even know it at first. During your first trimester, your breasts are starting to grow because of the milk ducts that has been slowly getting big through time. While the milk ducts are enlarging, the fats in your body and in your breasts have also been increasing.

At this point, you may now be experiencing colostrum which is the predecessor of the full breast milk. This usually leaks from your breasts while you are still pregnant. Together with the development of your uterus and internal organs that are keeping your baby healthy and nurtured, your breasts are also developing and changing at the same time, where it is already preparing your breast milk for your baby when they come out. 

As a mother to a newborn, the best thing that you can give to your baby is breast milk. Breastfeeding is the healthiest food that you can give to a newborn child up to a couple of months as they are growing. As long as you can still breastfeed, it is best to let your baby be breastfed rather than feeding them through a bottle.

Also, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), it is always recommendable mothers to practice breastfeeding the moment their babies arrive. AAP recommends breastfeeding for the first 6 months of the child, and if you can still breastfeed after that, it is best to continue until the baby reaches its first year. As long as the breastfeeding process does not harm and is beneficial for both mom and baby, breastfeeding is the best way to go.

Moreover, breastfeeding offers a lot of benefits not only for the baby but also for the mother as well. Unlike formula-based milk, breast milk is the cheapest yet healthiest milk you can provide to your baby because it is absolutely free. Breastfeeding can be easily handled and will most probably be a natural routine for new mothers and repeating mothers alike, however for new mothers, it may be a little tricky at first. If you're a first-time mom who is planning to do breastfeeding when your baby arrives, here are some tips that you can consider. 

The more you know, the better.

While you're still carrying your baby inside you, it is always smart to do research and read more books on pregnancies and motherhood. Not only this is a nice afternoon hobby but it provides information about how to deal with pregnancy and how to be prepared. You may opt to go on the internet and search for parenting and pregnancy-related websites and blogs for all your questions and inquiries. You can also join groups where you can get to talk to other pregnant moms and learn tips and get advice from them. Also, if your birth center or clinic has breastfeeding classes and seminars, don't hesitate to sign up. This does not only allow you to gain knowledge about breastfeeding and pregnancy but you can get to have new friends as well. 

Get breastfeeding essentials while you're pregnant. 

In breastfeeding, you only need yourself to feed your baby. However, there are breastfeeding tools that can be of help when you breastfeed your baby. When you do your baby shopping along with their essentials, you can also get breastfeeding tools for you. Here are some things you might want to get for convenient breastfeeding:

• Nursing bras and shirts

• Breast pads

• Nipple cream

• Breast pumps

• Breastfeeding pillow

Have a quiet and comfortable space for breastfeeding.

Your breastfeeding space can still be your baby's room, but if you want a more comfortable place to breastfeed, you can always get pillows, blankets, and a comfortable chair for you to sit on while breastfeeding. Creating a quiet space for breastfeeding is the best gift you can give to yourself and your little one.