Breastfeeding must-haves

There are all sorts of motherhood myths regarding breastfeeding, and the preparation you can do during pregnancy. Some suggest toughening up nipples by applying nipple cream, expressing to stimulate milk flow while still pregnant, or even topless sunbathing! Alas, these are just folklore, but while there is generally nothing you can do to prepare physically for breastfeeding, you can get yourself ready in other ways. Frances McInnes from Breastmates shares her top tips to prepare for this most important journey.

Invest some time in developing a breastfeeding plan with your midwife.

Mentally prepare yourself. Expect that its not going to be easy over the first few days and acknowledge that breastfeeding takes a while for both you and baby to learn.

Visualise how a baby feeds, and how their mouth and tongue action will work to get the milk flowing. Use a doll to get angle right, and then imagine how the baby will open their mouth, how you will hold them, and where their head will be. If you know anyone else who is currently breastfeeding, spend some time with them and actually watch while they are feeding. A real life demo might be a godsend. Watch the Breastfeeding Naturally DVD, which is now free to all pregnant women through their LMC.

Be prepared to put everything else on hold for a few weeks while you adjust and settle into a feeding routine. Many mothers are surprised by how long it takes - around 20-30 minutes per feed, and you'll be doing this about every 3-4 hours.

Put together a list of numbers for people you can call when things aren't going well, for example your midwife, lactation consultant, LLL group, or friends that have had babies. Is there someone you could call at 1am when everything turns to custard?

Give nature a helping hand with these breastfeeding must-haves

1. Milk Hoodie, $119 from www.eggmaternity.co.nz