Breastfeeding Success Checklist: 

Popins's Suggestions to ease a complex experience; because Natural ≠ Easy

Starting strong:

Before You Deliver: 

• Have a great water bottle. Breastfeeding requires hydration and one-handed skill.
• Buy 2 nursing bras & tops. 
• Material against your skin should be comfortable. You should be able to access your breast easily with one hand (clip down cup or slide out).
• Purchase additional clothing after you’ve established a routine and have a better sense of what you like/need. 
• Buy a breast pump. If all goes smoothly it can sit in the box until after you’ve established breastfeeding, and if you need it sooner then you have it.

With your Partner: Discuss a feeding routine and plan to optimize it as you go. For example:

• Baby wakes up, cries or gives hunger cues
• Mom uses the bathroom while Partner checks/changes baby’s diaper
• Mom settles in, takes a few deep breaths, takes baby and focuses on good latch while Partner fills water bottle and delivers to Mom

At Home: Set up a breastfeeding station with supplies within arms’ reach. Consider your home set-up and where you’ll be during the day v. night.

• Spit-up rags/towels/muslin blankets 
• Nipple cream
• Nursing pads
• Snacks
• Water bottle
• Small pump or way to catch extra milk + Container for extra milk

Take all the help you can get:

Breastfeeding isn’t always comfortable, but it Should Not be Painful! If you are in pain your first few days, and/or your baby is losing weight, get help quickly. Small adjustments early can make a huge difference in meeting your long-term breastfeeding goals. Consider checking out lactation support options before you deliver.

• Ask for lactation support while you are in the hospital. 
• Talk with your healthcare provider, who can refer you to a lactation counselor. 
• Check out your local La Leche League chapter for local resources
• Other on-line resources: 
• Office on Women’s Health - Breastfeeding Resources
• La Leche League International
• KellyMom Breastfeeding 
• WIC Breastfeeding Support
• Good Books:
  • Heading Home with Your Newborn: From Birth to Reality (Jana & Shu)
  • New Mother’s Guide to Breastfeeding (Meek)
  • The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding (Wiessinger, West, Pitman)
• When/if you introduce pumping:
  • Practice with your pump (and ask an experienced friend for help or an initial lesson - the tubes and buttons can be intimidating)!
  • Check your flange sizing