By Brianne Taggart, RN, IBCLC + Founder of Breezy Babies

You’ve packed the hospital bag. You’ve folded the tiny onesies. You’ve probably Googled “how often should a newborn eat?” at least once.

But here’s what most parents don’t think about until 2am on day three:

Breastfeeding support.

As an IBCLC, I can tell you the best time to prepare for breastfeeding is before your baby is born.

Not when you’re cracked, bleeding, exhausted, and questioning everything.

So let’s talk about what to know about breastfeeding before delivery — and how setting yourself up early can completely change your postpartum experience.

1. Breastfeeding Is Natural But It’s Also Learned

Yes, your body is designed to make milk. But breastfeeding is still a skill. Babies are learning how to latch. You’re learning positioning, milk supply, hunger cues, and how to nurse while functioning on very little sleep. That learning curve is normal. The difference between “overwhelmed” and “confident” usually isn’t willpower. It’s support.

Scheduling a prenatal lactation consultation with an IBCLC gives you a roadmap before you’re in the newborn fog. Think of it like prepping for birth but for feeding.

2. The First Two Weeks Shape Your Milk Supply

If there’s one thing I wish every expecting parent understood, it’s this:

The first 10–14 days help lay the foundation for your long-term milk supply.

Frequent feeding.
Skin-to-skin contact.
Understanding cluster feeding.
Avoiding unnecessary supplementation when possible.

Small early decisions can prevent:

• Low milk supply

• Nipple damage

• Engorgement

• Mastitis

• “Is my baby getting enough?” panic

When you meet with a prenatal lactation consultant, we talk through what’s normal newborn behavior versus when to seek help so you feel steady instead of spiraling.

3. You Can (and Should) Meet With an IBCLC Before Baby Arrives

This surprises so many parents. You don’t have to wait until something hurts.

A prenatal breastfeeding consult can cover:

• What happens in the first hour after birth

• How to advocate for immediate skin-to-skin

• What to expect when milk comes in

• How to know if baby is transferring milk

• Pump basics (even if you’re not planning to pump right away)

• When to call for lactation help

It’s calm. It’s proactive. It’s easier to absorb information when you’re not sleep-deprived. And many insurance plans cover prenatal lactation visits.

4. Telehealth Lactation Consults Actually Work

Let’s normalize this. You do not need to pack up your 4 day old to get expert breastfeeding help.

Through telehealth lactation support, we can:

• Watch a full feeding

• Assess latch and positioning

• Evaluate pumping setup and flange sizing

• Review diaper output and weight gain

• Help troubleshoot pain or supply concerns

Sometimes you just need reassurance. Sometimes one small adjustment changes everything.

Telehealth makes early breastfeeding support accessible especially in those tender first days when leaving the house feels impossible.

(And if you’re local to us, we also offer in-home visits — which truly is our secret sauce.)

5. Comfort Matters More Than You Think

Here’s something that doesn’t get talked about enough:

Breastfeeding is physical. You’ll be sitting. A lot. Adjusting. Repositioning. Learning.

Having supportive, well-designed nursing bras before baby arrives can make a real difference in your comfort and confidence.

Brands like Davin & Adley design bras that move with you whether you're nursing, pumping, or doing skin-to-skin in those early postpartum hours (use our discount code of BREEZYBABIES for 10% off)

Because when you feel physically supported, it’s easier to focus on learning and bonding, not adjusting straps every five minutes. Preparing your breastfeeding wardrobe is just as practical as preparing your hospital bag.

6. Waiting for a Problem Makes Everything Harder

Most of the calls we get sound like this:

“I wish I had reached out sooner.”

By the time parents call, they’re:

• In pain

• Worried about supply

• Exhausted

• Questioning whether breastfeeding is “working”

Breastfeeding support doesn’t have to start in crisis mode. When you have an IBCLC scheduled or at least saved in your phone before baby arrives, you feel calmer. Prepared. Not alone. And that changes everything.

Quick Tips to Get You Through Until Help Arrives

Even when you’ve scheduled support, sometimes you need something right now. At 11pm, when baby is frustrated and your breasts feel like rocks.

Here are a few gentle, evidence-based tips to help you bridge the gap until you meet with your IBCLC:

If Latching Feels Shallow or Pinchy

• Bring baby to you, not you to baby. Leaning forward often causes a shallow latch.
• Aim your nipple toward baby’s nose before they open wide. This encourages a deeper latch.
• Wait for a big, wide mouth (like a yawn) before bringing baby in quickly.
• If it hurts beyond the first few seconds, gently break the suction with your finger and relatch. You don’t have to “tough it out.” Small positioning tweaks can make a huge difference.

If Your Breasts Feel Engorged

Engorgement often happens around days 3–5 when milk increases.

To soften the breast before latching:

• Try reverse pressure softening, gently press fingertips around the areola for 30–60 seconds to move fluid back and help baby latch more easily.
• Gently shake and move your breasts right before feeding to encourage milk flow.
• Hand express just enough to soften your breasts if baby is struggling to latch.
• After feeding, apply cool compresses to reduce swelling.

Firm breasts don’t mean too much milk. They usually mean swelling + increased blood flow which settles with frequent, effective milk removal.

If You Feel a Tender Spot or Early Clogged Duct

The newest guidance is gentle, not aggressive.

• Feed normally and frequently.
• Use gentle breast movements towards your armpits, think light sweeping motions, not deep digging massage.
• Avoid intense or painful massage (this can increase inflammation).
• Use cold compresses after feeding if the area feels inflamed.
• Rest and hydrate, your body is recovering too.

If you develop fever, flu-like symptoms, or worsening redness, that’s when it’s time to reach out immediately.

If You’re Unsure Whether Baby Is Getting Enough

Look at:

• 6+ wet diapers per day after day 5
• Audible swallowing during feeds
• Baby relaxing and unclenching hands after nursing

And if you’re unsure? That’s not failure. That’s when a weighted feed with an IBCLC gives you real data instead of guesswork.

Here’s What’s Actually True

Breastfeeding can be beautiful. It can also feel overwhelming.

But when you prepare before baby is born with education, a support plan, telehealth access, and comfortable nursing bras ready to go — the early days feel less chaotic and more manageable.

At Breezy Babies, we support families from pregnancy through weaning, in-home and via telehealth anywhere.

If you're expecting, here’s your next step:

Free Tips And Tricks

👉 www.breezybabies.com

Check Your Insurance Benefits

👉 https://breezybabies.com/pages/lactation-insurance-eligibility-check

Text Our Support Line

📱 801-513-3255

Because the best breastfeeding advice isn’t reactive.

It’s proactive.

And future you, the one holding that brand new baby at 2am — will be so glad you planned ahead.