Preparing to nurse

Before I had kids, I thought breastfeeding was going to be easy.  After all, it's natural, right?  You just stick the baby on and she does her thing.  For most of us, it's not that simple.  I really believe that part of what makes early breastfeeding difficult is that we don't know what to expect.  I've curated these links to help you prepare and get off to a good start, but a prenatal breastfeeding class is an even better way to prepare.  And, as always, I'm here for questions.  

Great Expectations

• Kellymom's collection of resources for starting out right

• 12 Things to Know Before the First Breastfeed

• Establishing your milk supply: Starting out right

• The Ultimate Breastfeeding Preparation Checklist

• Will Breastfeeding hurt?  (The short answer is that it shouldn't hurt much or for very long.  If it does, it means you need some extra support.)

• What to expect in the early weeks

• The first three days

How does milk supply work?

• Making Breast Milk: How your Body produces nature's perfect food

• 10 Steps to Make Plenty of Milk

• Frequently asked questions about milk production

• Responsive feeding and ensuring a good supply

Videos

• What can I expect in the first 40 days of breastfeeding?

• Tips and essentials I wish I had known

• Natural breastfeeding positions in action

• The breast crawl

• The Basics of Breast Massage and Hand Expression