Breastfeeding checklist
Some new mums find the prospect of breastfeeding intimidating, but with the right preparation before baby comes, it can be a wonderful experience. Here’s a simple breastfeeding checklist for mothers to guide you through your first months of breastfeeding.You can print it out for easier use away from your screens.
How to prepare for breastfeeding
◯ 1. Familiarise yourself with various breastfeeding positions
♀Breastfeeding may feel difficult at first, as you try to find the best position and posture for you and your baby, but do not worry. A period of adjustment is only natural. Breastfeeding is not a breeze for everyone, so it’s great to have a few extra positions up your sleeve if your baby is refusing to latch on.
It is recommended that babies should be fed in a smooth and uninterrupted manner following the babies’ clues on
- How much to feed,
- How long to feed
- When to feed.119
Disruption of feeding with unnecessary juggling, arranging, wiping, and burping should be avoided. Check out our breastfeeding body page for more information on breastfeeding positions.
◯ 2. Invest in some extra breastfeeding support
♀Investing in some extra physical support is another significant point on your breastfeeding checklist. Many new mums swear by their:
- Breastfeeding pillows
- Breastfeeding chairs.
Your comfort while breastfeeding is very important, so don’t dismiss it as a luxury if you think it will make feeding time a lot more pleasant.
◯ 3. Take a breastfeeding multivitamin
♀During breastfeeding, nutritional requirements to support infant growth and development as well as maternal reproduction health are influenced by maternal nutrition.
A healthy diet is important and it’s especially important to have a diet that supplies the increased nutrients you need during breastfeeding. It is recommended that breastfeeding mothers should consume healthy diets and vitamin supplements. Taking a breastfeeding multivitamin, such as Elevit Pronatal multivitamin will ensure you’re getting enough of the important nutrients.
◯ 4. Pick up some breastfeeding clothes
♀Of course you can get by with the clothes that you already have, but garments that are designed specifically for breastfeeding mums can help make the process more convenient and comfortable.
Whether you end up going the whole way with breastfeeding tops and dresses, or simply invest in a few maternity bras is completely up to you. Opt for what works best for your body.
◯ 5. Buy a breast pump
♀It is possible to express breast milk by hand, but a pump definitely makes life easier. Don’t forget to also buy some breastfeeding accessories in the form of:
- Bottles
- Airtight containers
- Breast milk storage bags
Breast pads are also a vital item to help manage any leakage worth considering.
◯ 6. Stock your fridge with healthy food
♀Healthy eating and finding the right nutrient rich food for breastfeeding requires planning ahead, so try to have a fully stocked fridge at all times. Frozen vegetables, fruits, and meats are a great way to ensure you always have something on hand.Learn more about What to eat when breastfeeding on our nutrition page.
◯ 7. Organise some breastfeeding entertainment
♀It’s not uncommon to be feeding for up to 45 minutes at a time. Yes, a lot of this is precious bonding time, but there will be moments where you need a little something to keep you entertained:
- Download some of your favourite TV shows
- Buy some audio books,
- Create a breastfeeding playlist to pass the time pleasantly.
◯ 8. Join a parenting group
♀Many new mothers seem to sometimes ignore this on their breastfeeding checklist. Joining a parenting group will help a lot. If you’re new to motherhood it’s important to take all the emotional and practical support you can get.
Locate a parenting group on social media or a parenting website and start meeting fellow breastfeeding mums or mums who have breastfed before. You can even start off in online parenting groups if you’re not ready for public outings yet.
◯ 9. Attend a breastfeeding class
♀If you have questions about breastfeeding, breastfeeding classes can provide answers and advice to give you the confidence you need to successfully breastfeed.
You can contact your midwife, early childhood nurse or find a local lactation consultant who can advise you of your nearest class, or search online parenting sites for more details.