Align your expectations for breastfeeding

First of all, it is important that you relate to breastfeeding. Both you as a woman, and you as a partner. Talk about breastfeeding. What does breastfeeding or being breastfed represent to you? What do you know about breastfeeding? Do you have experience, were you breastfed yourself, do your friends breastfeed? The mental and emotional preparation is important. And it is important that you prepare together as a couple. It is you as a woman who will breastfeed. And you as a partner, who is the most important support - therefore your thoughts and feelings about breastfeeding are also important.

Breastfeeding establishment can take a month

That said, it is important to know that it is completely normal for breastfeeding to take up to a month. Many people are surprised that breastfeeding, for the vast majority of people, is something that has to be learned. Yes, we women are created to breastfeed, and our children to suckle. And … it is learning by doing. It can take time to get to know your child, it can take time to figure out which breastfeeding positions are good for you, and it can take time for your milk to come in.

Remember to take care of your mother

There are a number of things that are important to know in relation to milk production. As a breastfeeding woman, you need food, a few liters of fluid and sleep/rest. Every day. If you are reading this while you are pregnant, it may seem crazy that I am writing this, because doesn't it come naturally? Not quite when you are a new mother. It is completely normal to forget to notice your own needs and deprioritize acting on them. But without food and drink - and sleep and rest - the hero is no good. In this case, the mother and milk production.

Childbirth can affect your milk production

Birth can also affect milk production. For example, the medication during a cesarean section will inhibit milk production, and it will take longer for the milk to come in. The same can apply if you have received a lactation-stimulating drip during a vaginal birth, have bled heavily, or experienced something unsafe or chaotic during birth. It can take time to settle into your nervous system and body. This is one of the reasons why it is so important to stay calm during the breastfeeding establishment phase.

Breastfeeding establishment requires calm

For the same reason, it is important that you talk to your relatives. Ideally before the birth. Make it clear who is welcome at maternity visits in the first weeks. And make it clear that you are the one inviting - and must always cancel at short notice. At the same time, I would recommend that maternity visits last a maximum of 30 minutes, and that you do not come prepared with various dishes. As a new mother, your body is full of postpartum hormones, which make it difficult to feel and act on your own limits. It is easy to become overwhelmed, which will affect milk production. Baby is also affected by going from arm to arm, even if it is loving, well-meaning family arms. A newborn child is easily overstimulated and often reacts by falling asleep to block out stimuli. During corona, it became clear how much calm plays a role in breastfeeding. During corona, there were very few or no maternity visits. And breastfeeding processes flourished, were easier and lasted longer. Look how interesting it is!

It's okay to ask for help.

Brief your partner and relatives about your wishes and needs for support. This could be, for example, filling the freezer with easy and nutritious dinners. Relatives can also help with shopping, cleaning, and picking up/dropping off and spending time with any siblings. In my opinion, asking for help is powerful and beautiful!

Make space for breastfeeding, even in your home

Set up a cozy area for breastfeeding in your home. It can be in an armchair, the end of the sofa or something else. The key is that you, as a breastfeeding mother, can sit comfortably. That is, with flat feet (possibly use a low stool or a couple of books under your feet) and that you have good support for your lower back and back, so that you can relax well. The more you can relax, the easier the milk will flow. You also need support under the baby, which must be “lifted” up to your breasts. Some people benefit from a nursing pillow. Others simply use a pillow or something that can be folded under the baby.

Keep in mind that you will be breastfeeding for many hours a day. It is therefore good to have space for a large glass of water, a plate of food, your phone with podcasts or anything else you may need during your breastfeeding sessions.

Nursing suitcase

If you already have a child or children, you can make a nursing suitcase together. A small suitcase that the older siblings can find and you can enjoy together while breastfeeding. The suitcase can, for example, contain pixie books, a fig stick, a couple of cars, finger puppets or other age-appropriate items. A nursing suitcase can help prevent sibling jealousy that for some people occurs during breastfeeding, where the focus is naturally on the baby.

Remember to use your consultation midwife, health visitor or others with real breastfeeding knowledge. It is always strong and completely okay to ask for help and advice.

Know that I am cheering for you and your breastfeeding establishment!