Getting ready to breastfeed

Here’s some things you can do to get ready to breastfeed:

Step 1

Learn all that you can about breastfeeding! The more you know about breastfeeding before your baby arrives, the more confidence you will have.

• Consider taking a prenatal class. See our local resources section find prenatal classes available in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo.
• Reading is also a great way to learn about breastfeeding and prepare for having a baby. See our online resources and print resources sections to find out more about our recommended reads and websites!

Step 2

Find Support

• Talk to your family and friends about breastfeeding. Discuss your expectations and find out how they can help.
• Pregnant families are encouraged to attend local support groups. Everyone is welcome and groups run on a drop-in basis. This is a place where families learn from each other’s experiences. See our Resources section to find out about groups in Wood Buffalo.

Step 3

Trust your body.

• Know that your body is built for breastfeeding!

Step 4

Include skin-to-skin in your birth plan.

• Skin-to-skin can help breastfeeding get off to a great start.

The Work of Breastfeeding – Breastfeeding may start out a bit more challenging while you and your baby figure out your feeding rhythm but often by 6 weeks it becomes much easier than bottlefeeding.