What Every New Mom Needs to Know Before Baby Arrives
Breastfeeding is often described as “natural,” but that doesn’t mean it always comes easily or instinctively—for you or your baby. In reality, breastfeeding is a learning process, and preparing ahead of time can make the journey more successful and less stressful.
If you’re expecting and planning to breastfeed, understanding the basics before birth can help you feel more confident and ready. As a postpartum doula, I’ve worked with many new moms, and I know that the more informed and supported you are, the smoother your breastfeeding journey will be.
Here’s what you need to know before your baby arrives!
1. How Breast Milk Production Works
Your body begins preparing for breastfeeding long before birth. During pregnancy, your breasts start producing colostrum, the nutrient-rich, golden liquid that serves as your baby’s first food.
✔ After birth, when the placenta is delivered, your hormone levels shift, signaling your body to start producing more milk within a few days.
✔ Breastfeeding works on a supply and demand system—the more your baby nurses, the more milk your body produces.
✔ Frequent feeding, especially in the first few days, helps establish a strong milk supply.
✨ What You Can Do: Plan for lots of skin-to-skin contact and frequent nursing sessions to encourage a healthy milk supply.
2. The First 24-48 Hours: What to Expect
The first couple of days are critical for establishing breastfeeding. Your baby will be sleepy but eager to nurse, and they will rely on small amounts of colostrum to keep them nourished.
✅ Expect frequent feedings—newborns nurse every 1-3 hours (yes, even at night!).
✅ Your baby will show hunger cues like rooting, smacking lips, or sucking on hands—try to feed before they start crying.
✅ You may experience engorgement (swollen, full breasts) when your milk “comes in” around days 2-5—frequent nursing helps relieve discomfort.
💡 Pro Tip: Try to breastfeed within the first hour after birth (the “golden hour”)—this helps baby latch well and kick-starts your supply.
3. Mastering a Good Latch
A proper latch is the key to comfortable, effective breastfeeding. A poor latch can lead to pain, nipple damage, and low milk transfer—so it’s important to get it right early.
✔ Baby’s mouth should be wide open, covering as much of the areola (not just the nipple) as possible.
✔ You should feel tugging, not pinching or sharp pain—pain is a sign to adjust the latch.
✔ Baby’s lips should be flanged out (not tucked in).
💡 What You Can Do: If latching is painful or baby isn’t feeding well, ask a lactation consultant or postpartum doula for hands-on support.
4. Common Breastfeeding Challenges & How to Overcome Them
Even with the best preparation, many new moms experience hurdles in the early days. Here’s how to handle the most common challenges:
Engorgement (Breasts Too Full & Hard)
✔ Nurse frequently to prevent milk buildup.
✔ Use warm compresses before feeding and cold packs afterward.
✔ Hand express or use a manual pump to relieve pressure.
Sore or Cracked Nipples
✔ Ensure a deep latch—pain is often due to a shallow latch.
✔ Use lanolin or breast milk on nipples to soothe irritation.
✔ Try different breastfeeding positions to reduce strain.
Low Milk Supply Concerns
✔ Nurse on demand—skipping feedings can lower supply.
✔ Stay hydrated and well-nourished.
✔ Use skin-to-skin contact to naturally boost milk production.
💡 What You Can Do: If you experience ongoing pain, supply concerns, or baby isn’t gaining weight, seek lactation support as soon as possible.
5. Breastfeeding Positions to Try
Finding a comfortable position is essential for a good latch and relaxed nursing experience. Try different holds to see what works best for you and your baby:
🤱 Cradle Hold – Classic position with baby’s head in the crook of your arm.
🛌 Side-Lying Hold – Great for nighttime feeds and C-section recovery.
👶 Football Hold – Ideal for moms recovering from a C-section or with larger breasts.
🦘 Laid-Back Nursing – Uses gravity to help with a deeper latch.
💡 Pro Tip: Use pillows or a breastfeeding support cushion to keep baby at a comfortable height.
6. How to Build a Strong Milk Supply
The first few weeks set the foundation for your milk supply, so establishing good habits early is key.
✔ Nurse often—every 2-3 hours or more frequently if baby wants.
✔ Avoid pacifiers and bottles in the first few weeks (unless medically necessary) to prevent nipple confusion.
✔ Get plenty of rest, water, and nourishing food—your body needs fuel to make milk!
💡 Pro Tip: Pumping isn’t necessary in the early days unless recommended by a doctor or lactation consultant. Let baby regulate your supply naturally through nursing.
7. When to Seek Breastfeeding Support
Breastfeeding is a learning process for both mom and baby, and it’s okay to ask for help.
🚨 Call a lactation consultant or doula if you experience:
❌ Painful latch or cracked, bleeding nipples
❌ Baby isn’t having enough wet/dirty diapers
❌ Low weight gain or baby seems unsatisfied after feeding
❌ Unexplained fussiness or refusal to nurse
✨ What You Can Do: Don’t wait! The sooner you get help, the easier it is to fix breastfeeding issues.
Final Thoughts: Breastfeeding is a Journey, Not a Test
Breastfeeding takes patience, practice, and support. It’s completely normal to have ups and downs, but with the right knowledge and resources, you and your baby can have a positive experience.
✔ Trust your body—it was made for this.
✔ Lean on your support system—partners, doulas, and lactation consultants can help.
✔ Give yourself grace—every feeding is a step in the right direction.
If you need personalized breastfeeding support, I’d love to help! As a postpartum doula, I provide hands-on assistance to help you and your baby get off to a great start.
📩 Contact me today to learn more about how I can support you on your breastfeeding journey!
What’s your biggest concern about breastfeeding? Drop a comment below—I’d love to help!