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If you’re planning to breastfeed, there are some things you can do in your last month of pregnancy that may make the process easier. I tell my patients that while breastfeeding is totally natural, it’s also the hardest thing I ever did. Some preparation can make the learning curve easier.
Here’s how to get ready.
Get your breast pump.
Most health insurance companies cover the cost of breast pumps. Insurers usually require a prescription from your ob-gyn and may cover only certain pump models.
The last month of pregnancy is the time to do your research, make sure you have your prescription, and order your breast pump. (But most pumps have limited-time warranties, so there’s no reason to use up that time by ordering the pump any earlier.)
Choose a lactation counselor.
Hospitals have lactation counselors that help moms get off to a good start. But I also recommend that women find a lactation counselor who they can see soon after coming home. (It can take a while to figure out how to breastfeed.)
The month before birth is the time to choose a lactation counselor and to check into health insurance coverage.
Most insurers cover lactation counseling, but you need to know who is in your network. Then, identify the counselor you want to work with and find out how to make an appointment.
Your ob-gyn can refer you to a lactation counselor, or you can use the online directory from the International Lactation Consultant Association. I advise my patients to choose consultants who are certified by the IBLCE (International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners). They have the most training.
With the spread of the coronavirus, you may not be able to see a lactation counselor in person. But they still may be able to give you advice over the phone or on a video call. When you research lactation counselors, you can call them and ask how they handle virtual visits.
Choose a lactation counselor.
If you’ve had challenges with breastfeeding in the past, or if there’s anything you’re worried about, this is the time to discuss it with your ob-gyn.
There also are certain medical conditions that make it more likely that a woman will have difficulty with breastfeeding. Having a history of diabetes or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), for example, increases the risk of having a low milk supply.
When patients are at risk for a low milk supply, I talk with them about hand expression before birth. Hand expression is a technique where you use your hands to get the breast milk out of your breasts.
When you try it in the final few weeks of pregnancy, the goal is to produce colostrum – the fluid that’s made at the start of milk production. This technique may improve milk supply for some women.
Plan for skin-to-skin contact right after delivery.
Holding your baby directly against your bare skin right after birth is called “skin-to-skin contact.” Ask about how this is done where you’ll be giving birth. In my hospital, this is done with moms whenever possible.
Skin-to-skin contact helps establish the bond between mom and baby. It’s also one of the first signals to your body to start making milk.
Free up time for breastfeeding.
You can free up more time for breastfeeding when baby is here by doing some household prep in this last month. Stock the freezer with meals now so you don’t have to do a lot of cooking later. If friends and family ask how they can help, suggest they make some freezer meals for you.
Painting the baby’s bedroom is a task you can skip in the last month. Patients often feel they have to get this done. But for the first few months, the best place for the baby to sleep is in their own crib or bassinet in mom’s bedroom.
Know that not every woman is able to breastfeed, even with careful preparation.
Breastfeeding is one of the biggest challenges that new parents face. Some women or their babies may have health conditions or other challenges that make this feeding method unworkable.
If you want to breastfeed and are having trouble, work with your ob-gyn or lactation counselor. They can help address your baby’s latch, any issues with your pump parts and pumping technique, and other ways to increase your milk supply.
But if you still can’t breastfeed or you decide not to, it’s OK. Formula feeding can supply the nutrition your baby needs. You will find the feeding method that is best for you, your baby, and your family.
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After going to another clinic in Cheyenne that didn’t treat me as a priority, it was a breath of fresh air stepping into Cheyenne Women’s Clinic. The entire staff was amazing, but Dr. Dozier was exceptional. She was kind, patient & answered any questions I had with great detail. I will never not recommend her. I am so pleased with my experience here.
I feel so lucky to have had the doctors at the Women’s Clinic for all three of my deliveries and GYN care. They provide high quality, compassionate, evidenced based care and Cheyenne is lucky to have such a great group!
I absolutely have loved it here! We just finished having our second kiddo and have worked with the vast majority of doctors here and they are all excellent!
Had an absolute amazing experience with the Cheyenne Woman’s Clinic during my first pregnancy. They did their best to accommodate my labor desires and made me feel as comfortable as can be. My husband appreciated how they took care of me, and now we’re going back with our second pregnancy! Highly recommend.
All of my appointments I’ve attended through the Women’s Clinic have been amazing the nurses and doctors have been lots of help throughout my whole pregnancy with lots of advice and support, I love every person from there they definitely are a welcoming and loving place!
