4 Ways to Prepare for Breastfeeding While Pregnant

4 Ways to Prepare for Breastfeeding While Pregnant

There's no question that becoming a first-time mother is a huge life change. And with that change comes a lot of new worries and concerns. For many women, the biggest worry is whether or not they'll be able to handle the challenges of breastfeeding. Will they produce enough milk? Will their babies become hungry too fast? What kinds of supplements can they take to increase fat in breast milk?

If you're a first-time pregnant mother who's feeling overwhelmed, just know that you're not alone. In Singapore, a large majority of new mothers believe that breastfeeding is good for their babies, but less than 1% of them continued to do so after the six-month mark. This is much lower than the 30% target set by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Benefits of Breastfeeding

It's no secret that breastfeeding is one of the best things you can do for your baby. Breast milk is packed with nutrients that are essential for your baby's development and health. But did you know that breastfeeding can also benefit you, as the mother?

Breastfeeding releases oxytocin, a hormone that has calming and relaxing effects. Oxytocin also helps your body bond with your baby, which can help reduce stress and promote a sense of well-being. Women who breastfeed are also at lower risk of developing breast cancer.

Breastfeeding is free, so it can save you a lot of money over the course of your child's first year and beyond. It is also a great way to bond with your baby. It's a special time when you can cuddle and snuggle, and just focus on each other.

Preparing for Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is a wonderful way to bond with your baby and provide them with the best possible nutrition. However, it can also be a bit of a learning curve. Here, we’ll share a few ways on how you can prepare for breastfeeding success – even while pregnant.

1. Talk to your partner

Breastfeeding can be a family affair – for instance, fathers can choose to bottle-feed their babies while mom gets some much-needed rest, while older siblings can help to get the nursing essentials ready. Breastfeeding can also be both exciting and stressful. For pregnant mothers, it’s good to start talking to your partner about your breastfeeding goals and what support you’ll need once your baby is home.

2. Get online and read

In the calm before the storm, it’s good to learn as much as you can about breastfeeding. There’re lots of great resources online, including guides and equipment lists. The more you know, the better prepared you’ll be. Once you have the information on hand, practice latching your baby onto a doll or stuffed animal so that you get the hang of it before your bub arrives.

Before you head on to buy, learn the difference between a wearable breast pump for hands-free pumping, and a hospital-grade dual electric breast pump for efficiency. You’ll find many pumping accessories available in the market or online which will make your breastfeeding experience a pleasant one.

3. Stock up on essentials

There’re plenty of reasons to stock up on breastfeeding essentials when pregnant. For one, it's a great way to be prepared for the early days and weeks after the baby arrives. Having everything you need on hand will help you feel more confident and comfortable as you start your breastfeeding journey.

Plus, stocking up now means you won't have to worry about running out of supplies in the middle of the night or dealing with pesky store hours. And let's be honest: who has time for that when you're trying to care for a new baby? Stock up on essentials like nursing bras, breast pads, and don’t forget the lactation supplements such as sunflower lecithin for clogged milk ducts too!

4. Have a contingency plan

Like many things in life, breastfeeding can be unpredictable. From low supply to clogged ducts, issues may crop up which may interfere with a smooth breastfeeding journey. Therefore, develop a plan to address common breastfeeding challenges, and keep helpful contacts handy.

Speak to a specialist such as your gynaecologist or a professional lactation consultant to learn how you can boost milk supply or prevent other similar issues while breastfeeding.

Stay Prepared for Breastfeeding with Legendairy Milk

In today's world, it's more important than ever to be prepared for breastfeeding. Whether you're a first-time mother or you've been through it before, there are always new challenges that can come up. Your breastfeeding success depends on how much you prepare yourself for it. By planning your breastfeeding journey before delivery, you’ll most likely be able to make breastfeeding easier and more comfortable. 

At Legendairy Milk, you’ll find all you need to get through this process smoothly. From breastfeeding supplements which will help increase milk production as well as enrich your breast milk, to accessories and equipment, mothers-to-be will get a peace of mind. What more, we also provide professional breastfeeding consultation to mothers in Singapore through home visits or video calls. 

Whether you’re looking for a one-stop shop for all things breastfeeding, or a lactation specialist to offer support and guidance, we’ll be there for you every step of the way. Contact us or visit our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to learn more.

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