Four Ways to Ensure Breastfeeding Success

Step One: Prepare Yourself Before the Birth

While there’s nothing you can do to physically prepare yourself for breastfeeding (harshly rub those nipples all you want—it won’t help!), you’ll want to learn all you can about nursing before you try it. You don’t have to become an expert, but it will help to know a few things.

Attend a La Leche League (LLL) meeting to learn breastfeeding tips from moms who’ve been there, done that. LLL meetings are fantastic ways to network with other nursing moms and learn about breastfeeding resources in your area.

Read about ways to ensure breastfeeding success and watch videos of how to properly latch your baby. Popular books include LLL’s “The Woman Art of Breastfeeding,” and “The Nursing Mother’s Companion.” Keep many of these how-to reference books on hand because they contain invaluable advice you can access any time.

Bookmark a few Internet websites like Kellymom.com and read over tips for a successful start. Be a sponge—learn all you can.

Find out the number of a certified lactation consultant near you. Whether you give birth at a hospital or your home, you’ll want to have easy access to professional breastfeeding help.

Even though breastfeeding is natural, it’s a learned process. You’ll want to have an idea of what a proper latch looks like before you have a hungry baby in your arms. Trust me, this research will pay off.