How to Prepare for Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is a natural process, but that doesn’t mean it always comes naturally. Understanding how to prepare for breastfeeding—both physically and mentally—can help ease your transition into this new chapter. Nearly 60% of mothers stop breastfeeding earlier than intended, often due to challenges that could be addressed with education and support. By preparing ahead of time, you’re more likely to feel confident, empowered, and ready to meet your baby’s needs from day one.

Key Takeaways

Learn the basics of milk production and newborn feeding behavior.
Build a strong breastfeeding support system in advance.
Create a calm, comfortable space for nursing at home.
Consider prenatal education, colostrum collection, and lactation consults.

Tips for Preparing for Breastfeeding

Wondering exactly how to prepare for breastfeeding before baby arrives? Let’s walk through key steps to set you up for success.

Learn About Breastfeeding

Start with education. Understanding how breast milk is produced, what a good latch looks like, and how often newborns feed can relieve a lot of the stress in those early days. Prenatal breastfeeding classes help answer your questions in real time and build foundational knowledge. This kind of breastfeeding education is a game-changer for new moms.

Establish Support Systems

Breastfeeding isn’t something you have to do alone. Surround yourself with a network of breastfeeding support—whether that’s your partner, a lactation consultant, or even a community group. Emotional encouragement and practical tips from others can help with common challenges like latching, supply concerns, or nursing pain. The earlier you build this support system, the more confident you'll feel.

Create a Breastfeeding-Friendly Environment

Set up a space at home that makes feeding easier. A quiet, comfy area with a supportive chair, water, snacks, burp cloths, and a nursing pillow can make a big difference—especially during those long nighttime feeds. If you plan to breastfeed outside the home, consider investing in nursing-friendly clothing for added comfort and convenience.

Gather Breastfeeding Essentials

When preparing for breastfeeding, some helpful items to have on hand include:

Nursing bras and leak-proof breast pads
Nipple balm (like lanolin or coconut oil)
Burp cloths and a nursing pillow
Breast pump (manual or electric)—many are covered by insurance
Milk storage containers or bags

Having your essentials ready before delivery can help you feel more organized and supported.

Consider a Lactation Consultant

Meeting with a lactation consultant before giving birth can offer reassurance and help you develop a personalized plan. If you’ve had a previous breastfeeding challenge or are expecting twins or a NICU stay, this can be especially helpful. They’ll also be your go-to resource for things like when to start pumping or navigating milk supply concerns postpartum.

Prepare Mentally and Emotionally

A huge part of knowing how to prepare for breastfeeding is understanding that there’s no one-size-fits-all experience. Breastfeeding can be emotional—joyful, frustrating, overwhelming, and empowering all at once. Give yourself grace, allow time to learn, and remember that asking for help is a strength. Practices like journaling, mindfulness, or talking to a therapist can also be helpful if you’ve experienced anxiety or depression in the past.

Prepare Your Body

Preparing your body for breastfeeding starts with small, intentional habits that support milk production and overall comfort once baby arrives:

Eat a balanced, nutrient-rich diet
Stay well hydrated
Avoid harsh soaps on your breasts
Learn how to do gentle breast massage or hand expression
Understand how milk production works during pregnancy

If you’re wondering when breast milk production starts during pregnancy—it actually begins forming as early as the second trimester, though most won’t leak or express much until later.

When Does Breast Milk Come In?

It’s a common question: When does breast milk come in? After birth, your body first produces colostrum—a thick, golden milk rich in antibodies. This “first milk” shows up immediately after delivery. Around 3 to 5 days postpartum, your mature milk “comes in” and increases in volume. This timeline can vary based on factors like delivery type, breastfeeding frequency, or medical history. Frequent nursing helps stimulate this transition.

Collecting Colostrum

Colostrum is your baby’s first superfood—easy to digest and packed with immunity-boosting properties. Some parents choose to express and store it during late pregnancy, especially if the baby may need extra support at birth.

Benefits

Helps stabilize baby’s blood sugar
Provides concentrated nutrition and antibodies
May ease the transition if your baby struggles to latch

Drawbacks

Not everyone is able to express colostrum prenatally
Hand expression can be time-consuming and slightly uncomfortable
Should be done with medical guidance to avoid stimulating contractions

How to Collect Colostrum

With your provider’s OK, start around 36–37 weeks. Warm your breasts, massage gently, and hand express into sterile syringes or containers. Freeze and clearly label your colostrum for storage.

Bottom Line

Knowing how to prepare for breastfeeding gives you a strong head start. From prenatal education and emotional prep to having the right tools and support in place, every step you take now helps lay the foundation for success later.

Preparing for Breastfeeding FAQ

What is the best way to prepare your body for breastfeeding?

Eat well, stay hydrated, and learn about how your milk supply works during and after pregnancy.

How do I prepare my nipples for breastfeeding while pregnant?

Skip the scrubbing—just use gentle cleansers and keep your skin moisturized and breathable.

Can you pump before a baby is born?

You can hand-express colostrum near the end of pregnancy, but avoid electric pumps unless your provider advises it.

When to start pumping? / When can I start pumping?

Most parents who plain to pump start pumping after milk comes in, around 3–5 days postpartum. If baby is in the NICU or not latching, you may start sooner—ask your provider or lactation consultant.