Thinking about breastfeeding during pregnancy Many women who are pregnant think about breastfeeding and wonder if they will be able to do it. Often women say they will do it if they can and lots of women in New Zealand really do want to breastfeed. Building confidence Watch other mothers breastfeed Positioning and attachment More information Back to the Getting ready page Building confidence Women who feel confident in their body’s ability to make breastmilk may have been breastfed themselves or grown up in more of a breastfeeding family/ whānau and this can help them feel less uncertain about what to expect. Members of a family/ whānau who have breastfed or who encourage women in their decision to breastfeed can be very helpful and supportive. Back to top Watch other mothers breastfeed Watching other mothers breastfeed can be very beneficial as we tend to learn more by watching and by asking questions. The natural part of breastfeeding is making the milk for the baby but how a mother actually helps the baby latch onto her breast takes practice and observing other women can help. If you are not in a position to observe any breastfeeding and even if you have never seen another woman breastfeed her baby there are lots of things that can help with learning. Back to top Positioning and attachment Some research shows that practicing with a doll or even a good size teddy bear or other soft toy during pregnancy can help women feel more comfortable with working out a position to put the baby in while breastfeeding. Some practical tips too about positioning and attachment to help you can be found in the How to breastfeed section. Back to top More information More information on preparation in pregnancy can be found on the La Leche League website - Preparing for breastfeeding. Back to top Back to the Getting ready page Website feedback We welcome your feedback on this page.

Where to get help Midwives Healthline - 0800 611 116 Well Child La Leche League More information on these and other breastfeeding help providers...

Page last reviewed: 31 July 2009