MILC Moment: How to make breastfeeding successful – before you even give birth!

By Rebecca Costello, IBCLC

Our lactation consultants work with a lot of families – over a third of the moms who give birth with WBWC end up seeing one (or more!) of our LCs. We also see many moms and babies who birthed elsewhere – often they say we were recommended to them by a friend or family member who came to WBWC for their birth/and or breastfeeding help. (Thank you, and we are honored!)

     Working with so many new families, we get a chance to see up close what types of resources help new parents. Many people take childbirth classes, but we really notice a difference when first-time parents were also able to do some preparation for what happens after birth! They tend to be calmer, more confident, and adjust more easily to life with a newborn. All of this affects breastfeeding – big time! (Especially when challenges arise.)

     How can you prepare for your baby to arrive? Spend some time asking your friends who are parents about what life with a newborn is like, and their best tips for a smooth transition! Get some books on baby care and breastfeeding – read them, and get your partner to read them too! No friends with kids? Not into reading? WBWC offers classes on Breastfeeding Basics and Newborn Care to help you get ready. Our classes are fun, interactive, and taught by experienced lactation consultants and nurses! Not able to make it to the WBWC classes? Many local childbirth educators, doulas, and other professionals offer baby care and breastfeeding classes. We encourage all first-time parents to sign up and study up! We think you’ll be more likely to have a successful experience breastfeeding, and be happier, more confident parents all around.