Saying “I Do” To Breastfeeding

Congratulations on deciding to breastfeed your baby. Now is the time to find out more about breastfeeding and make the necessary arrangements.

Find out all you can about breastfeeding once you have decided to do it. This article recommends websites and books you can read, and guides you in making the necessary arrangements with your spouse, family members and healthcare team.

Clear your mind

Breastfeeding is as much psychological as physical. Here are some preparation tips:

• Adopt a positive attitude and be confident that you can and will succeed.

• Plan how long you want to breastfeed.

• Talk to your spouse and attend breastfeeding talks or antenatal classes where breastfeeding is taught, together if possible.

• Surround yourself with supportive people. Do not be discouraged by negative comments made by people who may misunderstand or have misconceptions about breastfeeding.

Make the arrangements

Inform your spouse and family members of your decision to breastfeed:

• Request that baby not be given water or infant formula unless medically indicated.

• Baby should not be given teats or pacifiers as these may confuse him and make him reject the breast.

Also, remember to inform your healthcare team:

• Make sure they know that you would like to breastfeed baby as soon as possible after birth.

• Ask that baby rooms in with you in the hospital so that you can be with him and breastfeed whenever he is hungry.

Find out more

• Speak to your doctor about breastfeeding.

• Chat with mothers who have breastfed successfully.

• Talk to breastfeeding support groups and lactation consultants.