Getting ready to breastfeed
It helps to know as much as possible about breastfeeding before your pēpi (baby) is born. Find out what you can do to prepare for breastfeeding.
Benefits of breast milk
Breast milk benefits your pēpi because:
- it is all they need to eat and drink for the first 6 months
- it means a healthier pēpi who gets fewer colds, tummy bugs, infections and allergies
- it helps you and your pepi form a close bond which is good for emotional wellbeing
- it decreases the risk of sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI)
Breastfeeding also benefits you because:
- it gives you a chance to rest while you are feeding your pēpi
- it helps you to feel close to your pēpi
- it saves you time and money
- it may reduce your risk of some cancers and bone disease.
This video features breastfeeding women talking about planning to breastfeed and the benefits to them and their pēpi.
Breastfeeding. Naturally. Chapter 1: Preparing for Birth — Breastfeeding NZ on YouTubeexternal link
Preparing for breastfeeding
It is normal to feel nervous about breastfeeding and to wonder if you will be able to do it. Most women and pēpi are physically able to breastfeed. It will help if you know what to expect and are prepared.
Ways you can prepare for breastfeeding include:
- getting support from whānau and friends
- watching others breastfeed
- practising breastfeeding positions
- going to pregnancy and parenting classes, or a breastfeeding class.
Have support people
You need support to breastfeed. Members of your whānau who have breastfed, or who will encourage you in your decision to breastfeed, can be very helpful and supportive.
Find out who in your whānau could be a good support person when you are learning to breastfeed.
Watch others breastfeed
Watching others breastfeed can be very helpful. We tend to learn more by watching and asking questions.
The easy part of breastfeeding is making the milk. But latching your pēpi well on to your breast takes practice and time for you both.
Practice breastfeeding
You could practice breastfeeding with a doll or large teddy bear while you are pregnant. This can help you to feel more comfortable with handling your breasts and working out a position for baby while breastfeeding.
Antenatal milk expression (AME)
Consider hand expressing your colostrum (first milk) during the last few weeks of pregnancy and freezing it for your pēpi after birth. As well as having some extra milk ready for your pēpi, you will learn how to hand express which will come in handy during the first week or two after the birth.
Your healthcare provider or midwife may recommend you express colostrum during your third trimester if:
- you have diabetes in pregnancy
- you are having a planned caesarean birth
- you have high blood pressure
- you have had low milk supply with a previous pēpi
- your pēpi is not growing well (either small or large for their gestational age).
Ask your midwife for an expressing kit and information about when to start, reasons to stop, and guidance on storing your expressed milk.
Antenatal hand expression — BC Women's Hospital on YouTubeexternal link
Education and support
If there are breastfeeding or parenting education classes in your area, these can be very helpful. Ask your healthcare provide or midwife if they can recommend a class, or you can search for local classes online.
You could also join a breastfeeding support group such as La Leche League.