You have spent hours building your registry, researching baby gear, and getting the nursery ready, but I would guess you haven’t given breastfeeding preparation much thought yet? If you answered yes to this question, it’s ok! It’s common for breastfeeding to get pushed to the bottom of the list until the baby is almost here.

Yes, breastfeeding is natural, but it doesn’t necessarily come naturally to every mom and baby. Breastfeeding is a learned skill for both of you. You don’t need to have everything figured out before your little one arrives, but spending some time preparing for breastfeeding during pregnancy can increase your changes of success and help you feel more confident, supported, and ready for the postpartum transition.

As a mom of three who breastfed for a combined eight years, I know firsthand that every breastfeeding journey looks different. As an intimate apparel designer with more than 15 years of experience designing bras, I have also worked with thousands of mothers navigating pregnancy, pumping, and postpartum recovery.

My below guide will walk you through practical ways to prepare for breastfeeding during each trimester.

How Can You Prepare for Breastfeeding During Pregnancy?

The best way to prepare for breastfeeding during pregnancy is to learn about the basics before your baby arrives, build your support system, gather a few key supplies, and have ready to go comfortable nursing and pumping bras. You do not need an entire room full of breastfeeding products before delivery. Education, support, and realistic expectations are often more valuable than any item.

First Trimester: Build Your Foundation

The first trimester can feel overwhelming. Between fatigue, nausea, and processing the news that your life is about to change, breastfeeding won’t be at the top of your priority list just yet, but this is the perfect time to start learning and educating yourself on what to expect.

Begin by reading evidence based resources about breastfeeding or taking classes to understanding what to expect during the early days after birth, you will start off much more prepared than if you wait until after birth. Learning about topics such as milk production, cluster feeding, and proper latch techniques can help reduce anxiety later.

It’s important to consider who you can turn to if you need help after your baby arrives. This may include your partner, a close mom friend, a lactation consultant, your healthcare provider, or a local breastfeeding support group. Having support in place before you need it can make a significant difference during those emotional first weeks postpartum.

Second Trimester: Start Planning Ahead

Many moms begin to feel more energized during the second trimester, making it an ideal time to start preparing for breastfeeding. If your hospital or local lactation consultant offers a breastfeeding class, consider signing up. Taking a class during pregnancy allows you to learn in a low pressure environment and ask questions before your baby arrives.

You can also begin researching breast pumps and reviewing your insurance coverage. If you plan to return to work or think you may need flexibility with feedings, understanding your pumping options ahead of time can save stress later.

The second trimester is also when many women notice significant breast changes. Your breasts may feel fuller, more sensitive, or increase in size as your body prepares for milk production. Wearing supportive, flexible bras can help you stay comfortable throughout pregnancy. Look for maternity and nursing bras that offer room for growth without restrictive underwires or uncomfortable seams. Pro tip: Choosing combination nursing and pumping bras that fit during pregnancy and postpartum can save both money and frustration.

Third Trimester: Gather Your Breastfeeding Essentials

As your due date approaches, focus on keeping things simple. You DO NOT need every breastfeeding product advertised on social media. Instead, focus on a few essentials that will help support your feeding journey for the long run.

Here are a few items worth having on hand before delivery:

• 2 - 3 comfortable nursing and pumping bras

• Nursing pads for leaking, we suggest reusable ones!

• A breastfeeding pillow, we love the Boppy.

• An insurance provided breast pump (ex. Spectra, Baby Buddha)

• Contact information for a lactation consultant (online or local)

One of the most common questions I hear from expecting moms is when they should buy nursing bras. The answer depends on your comfort and breast changes, but many women find the 2nd to 3rd trimester the ideal time to invest in a few of your first nursing bras. Your rib cage often expands during pregnancy and your breast size will continue to fluctuate after delivery. Choosing bras with flexible sizing and adjustable features can help accommodate these changes. Look for styles that allow easy nursing access and offer bonus hands free pumping functionality so you do not need separate bras for every stage.

What to Expect During the First Week of Breastfeeding

New moms expect breastfeeding to feel instinctive immediately. For some, it does but for the majority, it takes time. During the first week, your baby will feed frequently, sometimes every hour instead of the commonly talked about 2-3 hours. Cluster feeding is normal and does not mean you have a low milk supply. This is your baby increasing your supply to their demand. Just keep going!

Your milk will transition from golden colored colostrum to mature white colored milk within the first few days to a week after birth. As you and your baby learn together, it is normal to have tons of questions (I did too with my first baby!). Remember to reach out for support early. Friends who have been through this or lactation professionals that work with new moms all day every day. You never need to struggle alone.

Breastfeeding Your Baby Is Not All or Nothing

Social media often portrays breastfeeding as either effortless or impossible. Most breastfeeding journeys fall somewhere in between. Some moms exclusively breastfeed and some exclusively pump. A lot of moms combo feed for flexibility to transition between feeding methods as their needs change. Your breastfeeding journey does not have to look like anyone else's to be successful.

Preparing for breastfeeding during pregnancy is not about mapping out a perfect plan to follow. It’s about giving yourself knowledge, support, and flexibility so you can make informed decisions once your baby arrives over just winging it and seeing how it goes.

Frequently Asked Questions about Breastfeeding:

Do I need a breast pump before giving birth?

Yes, it is highly recommended to order your insurance breast pump before delivery. Plans don’t always work out as expected and you may need to pump sooner than you think in the event your baby doesn’t latch well right away or your baby needs time away from you in the NICU. If you plan to pump, return to work, or want flexibility with feedings, having a breast pump ready before delivery can be helpful. Many insurance plans cover the cost of a breast pump so check your coverage and use insurance for a free breast pump if you can!

How many nursing bras should I buy before my baby arrives?

Most moms find that 2 to 3 combo nursing and pumping bras is a good starting point. Choosing versatile styles that support both nursing and pumping can simplify your postpartum experience. No one wants to be changing their bra all day long.

When should I start wearing nursing bras?

Many women begin wearing nursing bras during the 2nd or 3rd trimester as their breasts change and comfort becomes a priority.

Can I prepare my nipples for breastfeeding during pregnancy?

There is no evidence that exercises or special treatments improve breastfeeding outcomes. The best preparation is education, support, and access to lactation resources!

You Do Not Have to Figure Out Breastfeeding Alone

Nursing and Pumping is a journey of learning, adjusting, and finding what works for you and your baby. Preparing during pregnancy can help you feel more confident, but it is important to remember that flexibility matters just as much as planning. Give yourself grace and ask for help when you need it. Trust that you and your baby will learn together in time, but it doesn’t always start out perfect from day 1.

If you are looking for comfortable nursing and pumping bras that grow with you through pregnancy and postpartum, explore our collection of maternity friendly styles designed by a mom who has been there.