• You should:
• Pick a breastfeeding-friendly hospital if possible (unless you've decided on home birth)
• Interview obstetricians and pediatricians, and pick ones that share your commitment to breastfeeding. Don't assume anything. Try to interview other doctor's in your obstetrician's group--you don't know which one will be attending your birth--make sure they know your desires regarding breastfeeding.
• Talk to your partner, family members, and friends about your desire to breastfeed and your reasons for it. It's better to deal with any negative feelings now rather than later when you have the baby.
• Get a few good books or videos on breastfeeding. Share them with your partner.
• Learn about lactation consultants in your area. You don't want to waste time looking for one if you have problems. Also locate breastpump rental stations in case you decide that you need one.
• Find out about breastfeeding support groups in your area. Consider attending a meeting before you baby arrives.
• See if any of your friends, family members, or neighbors have breastfed, are breastfeeding, or are planning to breastfeed. It helps to have company!
• Think about whether you want any nursing clothes, nursing stools or pillows, or other tools. If so, look for sources.
• You don't need to:
• Prepare your nipples (by rolling, rubbing, etc.) unles they are flat or inverted.
• Don't:
• wash your nipples with soap (soap removes protective oils secreted by glands in your areola)
• use any creams or ointments other than (perhaps) pure lanolin on your nipples

Back to:
How to breastfeed
The breastfeeding page