Lactation consultant Freda Rosenfeld offers help and advice on getting started with breastfeeding and what to expect in the first few weeks. Even though breastfeeding is natural, it is still a learning process for mother and baby. There are a number of things you can do to prepare if you are planning to breastfeed. You should make sure your doctor checks you for flat or inverted nipples. These are easy to take care of before the baby is born. If you do have this condition, ask someone to address the issue. Make sure you have a system in place to be with your baby and to get into a groove. Have a little breastfeeding station set up; every mother is different and relies on different things. If it's your first baby, you should get everything you think you'll need: a pillow, a receiving blanket, a table where you can keep a cup of water, and a comfortable seat that supports your back (I do not recommend gliders, as they are too restrictive). The most important thing you will need is patience. It will take time for you and your baby to breastfeed easily and effortlessly. You should have a pediatrician ready so that if any problems do arise there is someone to go to right away. A good support system is also very important, both from family and friends, and the medical community. When I first started work as a lactation consultant in 1990, there was very little in the way of support and knowledge from doctors and nurses. Now things are better but not great. Successful breastfeeding still depends more on a woman's ability to overcome the common hurdles of early post-partum and nursing life. A mother's personal desire to nurse and the ability to get help towards meeting that accomplishment account for about 80 percent of her success as a nursing mother. Sore nipples are not uncommon, but if you still have serious discomfort after 4 days, seek help. Nowadays, we do not recommend preparing your nipples at all. What is important is that your baby's lips are wide and their tongue is sticking out before they latch on. Make sure enough of the areola (the brown or pink area surrounding the nipple) is taken into the mouth to ensure the nipple glides easily in and out as the baby sucks. Also, hold your baby very close to you when nursing. Breast engorgement is no longer normal after day 5 or 6 and should be checked out. Maybe your baby isn't draining the breast properly or you are over-producing. Don't wait longer than 1 to 2 days if you feel your baby is not getting enough wet or dirty diapers. This is why it's important to have a pediatrician ready. • Freda Rosenfeld is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and Certified Childbirth Educator. She is a past president of the New York Lactation Consultant Association and has been in private practice for over 13 years. Back to top | 
