Knowledge is power — and you need lots of power when you take on the challenge of breastfeeding your new baby.
There are plenty of things you can do to prepare yourself, prior to childbirth, to fully and successfully nurse your baby. Some of the top steps you can take include:
▪ Schedule regular prenatal visits. This is a very important step! Premature babies often aren’t able to breastfeed as easily as full-term newborns. So making sure your infant is as healthy as possible on arrival is paramount.
▪ Take a class. There are several classes you can take to alleviate some of the surprises of nursing. There are traditional classes and one-on-one training sessions available in most areas. Your doctor may have recommendations and so may your midwife if she isn’t doubling as your lactation specialist.
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▪ Maintain your own health. Your health is very important, both prior to your baby’s arrival and while breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor about your choice to nurse, with an emphasis on breast surgeries and medications you are using.
