How to Prepare for Lactation during Pregnancy

Preparing for lactation during the initial stages of pregnancy can help to prevent breastfeeding problems. Here are few things that women can follow to prepare for lactation.All first time mothers are worried about how to prepare themselves for breastfeeding or lactation during pregnancy. Most of them may wonder whether they need to do something physically for preparing their breasts to feed their baby. But the reality is the body of a pregnant woman prepares on its own for feeding during pregnancy.Even some of them notice tender breast in the first two months of pregnancy. Later breasts may become larger and areolas get darker showing veins under skin very clearly. These things are common with any expecting mother. This is the natural way in which the body prepares to produce milk. So, women must not think of any preparation for breastfeeding physically but think more of mental preparation.There are some things women can do themselves to prepare for breastfeeding during pregnancy. Such as: In this articleChecking NipplesUnderstanding Effects of MedicationsEffects of Surgeries on Breastmilk ProductionConversation with Your Husband and FamilyThings to BuyChecking NipplesIn some cases women do not pay attention to their nipples until they start nursing. Flat or inverted nipples may cause problem for nursing. Sometimes it may become impossible also to nurse with flat or inverted nipples. If you observe that your nipples are flat or inverted there is a technique which is used to encourage flat or inverted nipples to protrude. The name of this technique is Hoffman. For following this technique, you have to place your thumbs on nipples each side then press breast tissues by pulling the thumbs apart from one another gently.Understanding Effects of MedicationsIf you are taking any medicine for some health ailment during pregnancy then you must ask your doctor if it would affect breastmilk production. Women may not give importance to this issue but later after delivery when milk is not formed they may start regretting. There are some medications which are not compatible for breastfeeding. So, before reaching that point, inform your doctor during first trimester of pregnancy itself.Effects of Surgeries on Breastmilk ProductionIt depends on which type of surgery you had, incision location, damage of nerve tissue, any milk ducts or blood supply to the breast. These things can be diagnosed by your doctor, so it is better to inform your doctor during first consultation. If there is any major injury, they can cure it before delivery.Conversation with Your Husband and Family If you are feeling any kind of fear before due date of pregnancy, talk with your husband or mother. You will get all your myths clarified yourself to get confidence. Also you can ask your doctor.Things to BuyMay be for some mothers these things does not matter, but such things can make your breastfeeding experience more convenient and comfortable. Such things include things like nursing bra, nursing pillows and breast pumps. Such breastfeeding aids help to absorb excess milk and prevent soreness in breast.Mostly, during first time pregnancy, every mother likes to read and know about month-by-month development of a foetus. Expecting mothers also start watching videos, read e-books or get their queries resolved during each doctor visit. So, during such doctor visits, queries related to preparing breasts for breastfeeding can be resolved. The doctor is the best person to provide guidance on preparing for breastfeeding.Why is it necessary to prepare for breastfeeding during pregnancy? What kind of problems can be avoided by preparing for breastfeeding? When should a pregnant woman start preparing for breastfeeding? Discuss here.