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Many expectant mothers want to breastfeed their children after delivery. However: simply latching the newborn and the milk starts flowing? Reality usually looks different. The vast majority of women have to practice breastfeeding with their child first. But don't worry: that is completely normal and natural. Breastfeeding takes strength, nerves, time, tears, and patience at the beginning. Good breastfeeding preparation can help make breastfeeding easier for you after delivery.
💡 What is breastfeeding preparation? - Briefly explained
Breastfeeding preparation is the conscious physical and mental preparation for breastfeeding during pregnancy. It includes:
- ✓ Acquiring knowledge about breastfeeding techniques and positions
- ✓ Mental preparation for potential challenges
- ✓ Practical exercises and courses
- ✓ Building a supportive network
Breastfeeding preparation: Why breastfeeding takes time::/H2
No question: Breastfeeding is something completely natural. Human babies have been breastfed for thousands of years. Because of this, many people also believe that it is a completely instinctive process that requires no preparation. Social media, movies, and series then give us the additional impression that a mother should succeed in breastfeeding her child almost from the minute of birth. As if it were a matter of course.
This fuels expectations in pregnant women and new mothers that are not necessarily met in everyday life. The result: a sad, perhaps even stressed and disappointed mom during the postpartum period. Yet breastfeeding can be such a wonderful thing. It just takes some practice and time. That is why good breastfeeding preparation, especially one that takes place in the mind, makes sense.
What we can learn from other cultures::/H3
In many other cultures, especially among indigenous peoples, knowledge about breastfeeding and a healthy start to breastfeeding is passed down from generation to generation. Mothers are often surrounded by other mothers, learn from other women, breastfeed entirely according to the child's needs, and completely free of shame.
In our Western cultures, on the other hand, opinions are divided when it comes to the topic of breastfeeding. Breastfeeding in public, for example, is still a polarizing issue. Furthermore, pediatricians, scientists, and other experts disagree on how long breastfeeding should continue.
Finally, expectant mothers are often influenced by the opinions of others. Many expectant parents have few role models and receive little support regarding breastfeeding from their nuclear family. Communication about the specific challenges of breastfeeding is also minimal. As a result, very few women have the opportunity to observe a breastfeeding mother extensively before the birth of their first child. Deep-seated insecurities about this purely natural process have thus persisted through our society and the female sphere for decades.
What does good breastfeeding preparation look like?::/H3
Breastfeeding preparation does not mean that you have to complete certain exercises or rub your nipples with specific preparations. Rather, it means acquiring basic knowledge. How do you latch correctly? How exactly does the let-down reflex work? Why does clogged milk ducts occur? What could be the reasons why the child does not want to drink? The answers to these questions give you certainty and self-confidence.
💡 Did you know? 96% of all women can breastfeed! Less than 4% of women are unable to provide their child with breast milk. With the right advice and sufficient information, you will most likely be able to breastfeed.
Knowledge is power – also and especially when it comes to breastfeeding. Fathers or your partner should also take time for breastfeeding preparation. After all, they will directly accompany the breastfeeding period. They can therefore be a great support.
You have these 4 options for breastfeeding preparation:
1. Books and websites on breastfeeding preparation::/H4
There are countless books on the subject of breastfeeding, and ultimately you have to decide which one appeals to you most. We recommend, for example:
- "Breastfeeding: The companion book for a happy breastfeeding period – Everything important at a glance" by Vivian Weigert
- "Species-appropriate. The other baby book" by Nicola Schmidt (with great chapters on breastfeeding)
On the web, there are suitable sites such as Stillkinder.de or Still-Lexikon.de, which are certainly also well-suited for preparation.
2. Breastfeeding preparation courses::/H4
In many hospitals and midwifery practices, there are now – in addition to the antenatal class – also breastfeeding preparation courses. These are usually led by a midwife or breastfeeding consultant. You will be given knowledge and tips and can practice breastfeeding and latching "dry." These courses are now also offered online, either in the form of live courses or in video format.
3. Breastfeeding café::/H4
Exchanging ideas about breastfeeding, watching other mothers breastfeed in a calm and relaxed environment, and engaging in dialogue with role models and contact persons – all of this can be particularly helpful in preparing for breastfeeding. This is exactly what breastfeeding cafés are for, which are usually offered in hospitals or other social institutions. Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers come together and can talk about problems. In addition, a midwife or a breastfeeding consultant is usually on site to answer questions and share tips.
4. Breastfeeding consultant::/H4
Even before giving birth, it is certainly beneficial to speak with a professional breastfeeding consultant. They usually offer "packages" including prenatal and postnatal care. You can ask your questions in advance and get individual tips for a good and healthy start to breastfeeding. Once your child is born, the breastfeeding consultant can also visit you at home to help with acute problems.
When is a good time to prepare for breastfeeding?::/H3
Especially in the very last weeks before birth, you might already be too excited to deal with the topic of breastfeeding in peace. Your thoughts are probably revolving more around the initial baby equipment or the checklist for your hospital bag.
We therefore advise you to at least mentally start preparing for breastfeeding in the second trimester. In general, however, it is difficult to give an exact recommendation here. You set the pace and should not stress yourself too much – there are already so many things to consider during pregnancy. Just listen to your intuition when you are ready to dedicate yourself to the topic of breastfeeding. That is then also a good time to prepare for breastfeeding.
Bonding: Breastfeeding preparation directly after birth::/H3
The first time the newborn is latched on, immediately after birth, with as much skin-to-skin contact as possible, is a decisive moment between mother and child. This so-called bonding serves to build a bond between you and also has a positive influence on later breastfeeding. Because when your little one now grasps the nipple and sucks rhythmically (and newborns usually do this quite instinctively), it begins to "activate" the breast. Milk production is stimulated in this way.
But don't worry: If direct latching is not possible due to a C-section or other medical reasons during birth, you can catch up on bonding later. Even then, it is possible to build a wonderful breastfeeding relationship. If in doubt, you just need a little longer for it.
And as already mentioned, beautiful breastfeeding primarily requires these two things: patience and time.
The swing2sleep automatic baby hammock: Security like in the womb::/H3
The gentle up-and-down movements of the swing2sleep automatic baby hammock simulate the movements your baby knows from the womb. This helps them to calm down, find sleep more easily, and process stimuli. In this way, it not only gives your baby a sense of security, but also gives you the important rest periods you need for your own recovery during the postpartum period.
Discover our automatic baby hammocks❓ Frequently asked questions about breastfeeding preparation
When should I start preparing for breastfeeding?
The optimal time to prepare for breastfeeding is the second trimester (weeks 13-28). During this phase, you are not yet too exhausted, but you have enough time to prepare mentally and practically. Many breastfeeding preparation courses take place between the 25th and 30th week of pregnancy.
Is a breastfeeding preparation course really necessary?
A breastfeeding preparation course is not strictly necessary, but highly recommended. 96% of all women are able to breastfeed, but the right technique and knowledge about typical challenges make the start of breastfeeding much easier. The course gives you confidence and practical practice opportunities.
How can I prepare my nipples for breastfeeding?
Special preparation of the nipples is not required. Hardening methods recommended in the past are outdated and can even be harmful. Correct latching of the baby is more important. For flat or inverted nipples, a lactation consultant can provide individual tips.
How much does professional breastfeeding consultation cost?
The costs for breastfeeding consultation are often covered by health insurance, especially if there is a medical indication. Private lactation consultants charge between €50-120 per consultation. Many midwives offer breastfeeding consultation free of charge as part of postnatal care.
Can I breastfeed successfully without preparation?
Yes, it is possible, but good preparation significantly increases the chances of success. Studies show that prepared mothers have fewer breastfeeding problems, breastfeed longer, and experience less stress in the early days. Investing in good breastfeeding preparation pays off.
What are the most important breastfeeding positions I should know?
The most important breastfeeding positions are the cradle hold, the football hold (clutch hold), side-lying breastfeeding, and the laid-back position (laid-back nursing). Each position has its advantages, and it is good to master several to be able to react flexibly to different situations.
Note: This article does not replace medical advice. In case of breastfeeding problems or uncertainties, please contact your midwife, lactation consultant, or pediatrician.
Photo by Timothy Meinberg on Unsplash
Photo by Luiza Braun on Unsplash
Photo by Wes Hicks on Unsplash
