Antenatal Breastfeeding Preparation

As I meet mothers on their journeys I keep hearing them repeatedly say ‘Nobody told me’ when they reflect on their breastfeeding experiences, as unique as they may be. The same phrase is uttered in different languages and coloured with different emotion, but it is always heartfelt and filled with genuine surprise.

Breastfeeding is considered such an integral part of our lived motherhood experience. Often it’s described as ‘natural’ and as far as physiology is concerned, indeed it is natural. After all we are mammals, hard-wired to nurture our young with our milk, but is it ‘cultural’? Do we live in a society that not only encourages new mothers to breastfeed, but also nurtures and supports the mothers in the very intense stage of learning the ropes and, most importantly, prepares the future parents for it before the arrival of the first baby?

We may not have the traditional model of society anymore, when the knowledge is passed from generation to generation on an instinctive level of mentoring and learning by imitation and repetition, but we can actively seek to ‘unpack’ our expectations/ideals/fears and intentions about breastfeeding when we embark on the journey of becoming parents. 

I am certain that being prepared for breastfeeding is far more than knowing about the ‘correct’ latching technique and signs of effective milk transfer. It is also having an opportunity to talk about it with someone beforehand, connect with breastfeeding families, get into the ‘right frame of mind’. It’s knowing that breastfeeding may come with challenges but also with solutions and support, that it connects you with community instead of isolating you.