You’re pregnant and feeling prepared – you’ve read the books, been to the classes, read our essential guide to getting your baby’s room ready and now the nursery looks perfect. But then someone mentions breastfeeding, and suddenly, you’re hit with a wave of questions and worries you hadn’t even considered.
Will it hurt? What if my baby won’t latch? How will I know they’re getting enough milk? Am I doing it right? These concerns are completely normal, and honestly, every expectant mum has them.
The good news? Successful breastfeeding isn’t about doing everything perfectly from day one. It’s about doing what you need to make yourself comfortable, and for many mums, comfort can be found in doing a bit of research and prep and knowing where to turn for support if you need it…starting with this guide right here.
Advice for new mums from Munchkin’s Lactation Specialist, Kerry Baker (Registered Midwife and Lactation Consultant, International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE))…
Preparing to breastfeed is key to a more positive experience. The better prepared women are, the more likely they are to get off to a strong start and recognise early when things aren’t going as they should.
By having this understanding, women can reach out sooner and help prevent unnecessary stress. Equipping women with the tools, skills and resources to get things going well from the outset sets the stage for greater success overall.
Why preparation is key to breastfeeding success
Understanding how to prepare for breastfeeding is all about building knowledge and confidence before your little one arrives. Think of it as laying the groundwork, both mentally and physically, for one of the most important skills you’ll develop as a new parent.
While your body is already gearing up for breastfeeding during pregnancy, a bit of extra preparation can go a long way. Practising hand expression post 36 weeks, learning comfortable feeding positions, and knowing what essentials you’ll need can help things feel a lot less overwhelming in those early days.
Mental preparation is just as crucial as the physical side. Understanding the basics of how breastfeeding works, like recognising hunger cues, knowing what a good latch looks and feels like, and mastering comfortable positioning, gives you a solid foundation for those moments of (understandable) doubt.
Research published in the British Journal of Midwifery shows that many new mothers stop breastfeeding earlier than planned due to discomfort, latching difficulties, and concerns about milk supply. The good news? Many of these difficulties can be eased with the right knowledge and support in place.
While no two journeys look the same, a little preparation goes a long way in helping you feel supported, informed, and ready for what’s ahead.
10 essential tips for successful breastfeeding
These 10 tips for successful breastfeeding are practical strategies that can genuinely improve your breastfeeding experience.
- Get the basics of latch and positioning right
A good latch is key for comfortable feeding. Hold your little one close with their nose in line with your nipple and head slightly tilted back to encourage a wide mouth. Their chin should touch your breast, with their nose clear and more areola visible above the top lip than below the bottom.
- Learn to read your baby’s feeding cues
Watch for early signs like rooting (turning their head and opening their mouth), sucking motions, or bringing their hands to mouth. Crying is actually a late hunger cue, so responding to earlier signals makes feeding easier for both of you.
- Don’t watch the clock, watch your baby
Let your baby set the pace rather than timing feeds. Some babies are quick feeders, others take their time. Focus on your baby’s cues instead of watching the clock.
- Prioritise your own wellbeing
Drink plenty of water, eat healthy, and rest when you can. Your body needs energy to make milk and care for your little one. Little things can help make that easier, like using a baby bouncer or a baby swing to give your arms a break while your baby stays safe and content for a few moments.
- Stay prepared with a good supply of nappies
Having plenty of nappies on hand makes those frequent changes easier and less stressful, especially in the early weeks when your baby may need changing every couple of hours. To help you plan ahead and avoid last-minute dashes to the shops, take a look at Munchkin’s article that explores how many nappies do newborns need?
- Build your support network early
Find your go-to people before your little one arrives – your midwife, helpful friends, or local breastfeeding groups can all be great sources of advice.
- Don’t hesitate to ask for help
Breastfeeding can be tricky. Reach out early to your midwife, health visitor, or local breastfeeding support groups if you have questions or concerns. Getting support makes a big difference.
- Keep skin-to-skin contact going
Skin-to-skin time helps calm your little one, encourages natural feeding instincts, and supports milk production.
- Keep breastfeeding essentials close by
Having the right tools on hand can make breastfeeding easier and more comfortable. Consider using a Munchkin Baby Thermometer to keep track of your baby’s temperature, especially if they’re fussy. A calming white noise machine can help soothe your baby and create a peaceful environment during feeds. Our silicone breast pump is great for using between feeds without the hassle of a traditional pump, and our breast milk collector cup allows for more efficient milk collection and storage. These simple additions can provide significant comfort and convenience. - Be kind to yourself
Breastfeeding can be challenging, but it’s important to remember that you’re doing your best. Give yourself grace and understand that the journey may have its ups and downs. Don’t be too hard on yourself if things don’t go perfectly right away. Celebrate small victories, and always ask for help when you need it. Taking care of yourself physically and emotionally is just as important as caring for your baby, and it can make your breastfeeding experience much more positive and rewarding.
Discomfort when breastfeeding? Here’s what to do…
Breastfeeding discomfort is common; it can knock your confidence and take away what should be a pleasant experience. While a little tenderness in the early days is completely normal, ongoing pain usually means something isn’t quite right – thankfully, it’s usually fixable.
Breastfeeding pain relief starts with addressing the cause. Poor positioning or a shallow latch are common culprits, and even small tweaks to how your baby is held or attached can make a huge difference.
Helpful strategies to relieve nipple pain include:
- Applying nipple cream after feeds
- Using cooling gel pads between sessions
- Wearing properly fitted nursing bras.
- Some mums find that expressing a little breast milk and letting it dry on the nipple helps, too; thanks to its natural antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties, it can gently support healing.
Times like this are exactly where support aids like Munchkin’s Flow nipple shield can be especially helpful. Flow can help to protect sore nipples, as it acts as a soft protective barrier, while the see-through milk channel gives you that extra peace of mind that baby’s actually feeding and milk’s coming through.
Why Lactation Specialist, Kerry recommends Flow for mums experiencing nipple pain…
Flow can be a beneficial tool for women who haven’t yet found the root cause of their nipple pain, allowing them to continue feeding during that time. Maintaining milk supply and keeping the connection between mum and baby at the breast is key to supporting and preserving breastfeeding and ensuring baby’s needs are met.
How to get ready for breastfeeding
Taking a few practical steps before your little one arrives can help you feel calm, capable, and better prepared for whatever the early days bring.
- Step 1: Attend antenatal classes (around 28-32 weeks)
Pick classes that focus on breastfeeding, especially ones where you can practice with dolls and ask plenty of questions in a relaxed setting.
- Step 2: Learn as you go through pregnancy
Read up on trusted breastfeeding guides, watch helpful videos online, and familiarise yourself with common difficulties and how to handle them. Understanding the basics before you’re in the thick of it makes everything less stressful later.
- Step 3: Find local support groups (by 34 weeks)
Look up nearby breastfeeding support groups and parent and baby groups. Many welcome pregnant mums, so why not pop along and meet others?
- Step 4: Talk feeding plans with your midwife (during check-ups)
Chat with your midwife about your breastfeeding goals and any worries, plus ask about the support you can expect where you’ll have your baby.
- Step 5: Learn to hand express colostrum (after 36 weeks)
Get your midwife to explain to you how, then practise at home in a relaxed, private setting. Learning to hand express a little before birth can boost your confidence, help you understand your body, and (if you’re able to express) provide a small backup supply for those important early feeds.
- Step 6: Prepare your hospital bag with feeding essentials
Pack supportive nursing bras, nipple cream, breast pads, and comfortable clothing with easy breast access.
- Step 7: Set up some comfy feeding spots at home (before baby arrives)
Create some comfortable, cosy spaces in different rooms where you’ll feed, with good lighting, back support, and everything you’ll need within arm’s reach. Think snacks, water, muslins, nipple balm, and even a white noise machine to help soothe your baby (and you!) during longer feeds, especially in the evening.
- Step 8: Get your partner or support person involved
Share what you’ve learned about breastfeeding so they can help you get comfortable and support you during feeds. If you can attend breastfeeding classes together even better!
Successful breastfeeding is about preparation, comfort, and support. Each part plays a role: preparation gives you confidence, pain relief helps you keep going, and support aids like Munchkin’s Flow provide reassurance and help when you need it.
Don’t be afraid to lean on what’s out there – whether that’s advice from your midwife, friends and family, or a feeding group in your area. Being prepared isn’t about doing it all alone; it’s about knowing when and where to ask for help. Two amazing sources of support and information include our StrollerCoaster Podcast and the Munchkin blog, both full of relatable stories, expert advice, and practical tips to help you feel more confident on your journey. For more specialist advice, chat with Erica, our expert advice bot. Erica offers personalised guidance for all your queries, and she’s always got your back.
A kind word from Kerry…
Speak to us. Make sure that you are utilising the expert resources around you by asking for help if things are not going well. Don’t accept things as enough if they don’t feel right.
We, as healthcare professionals, want you to confide in us. We want to help and provide you with the support that you deserve when you need it. Flow could be beneficial for you during that time prior to receiving expert support, for as long as you need it.
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