Breastfeeding
In pregnancy – planning for breastfeeding
Think about what is important for you.
It is never too early to read, learn and talk about breastfeeding.
Most people have a view about breastfeeding before having their baby. What have you heard from friends, television, or in the community?
Pregnancy – breast changes
Learning about the changes in your breasts during pregnancy may give you a better understanding of your body’s ability to breastfeed. The good news is, no physical preparation is required!
Most women notice breast changes in pregnancy, however some do not. Your breasts will usually increase in size – as the due date approaches, hormone changes cause your breasts to feel larger and tender. Sometimes, visible veins appear. In the third trimester, some pregnant women begin to leak colostrum from their breasts.
How your body makes milk
Your breasts are filled with milk making glands that are called alveoli. This is where your milk is produced. The milk travels from the alveoli through a series of milk ducts to the nipple openings.
The more often your baby breastfeeds, the more milk your breasts make.
Breastfeeding hormones
When your baby breastfeeds, your brain releases two hormones.
Prolactin is the hormone that causes your breasts to make milk.
Oxytocin helps with your letdown reflex (release of milk). These hormones also increase the level of bonding and comfort you feel during breastfeeding.
What happens during milk let down?
When your baby latches on and begins to breastfeed, the alveoli release milk. This is called the let down or milk ejection reflex. Let down occurs several times during a feed. In the early days, you may not even notice this is happening.
How can I tell if my milk is letting down?
- sensation of warmth or tingling in the breast
- sudden thirst
- milk dripping from the other breast
- ‘after birth’ pains
- changes in the baby’s sucking pattern from quicker sucks to slower deeper sucks.
More information: Australian Breastfeeding Association – Breastfeeding Information
Can all mothers breastfeed?
Most women can breastfeed with the right information, support and practice.
Speak to your midwife, doctor or lactation consultant if any of the following applies to you:
- previous breast surgery
- a medical condition requiring medications
- diabetes
- your current pregnancy is twins (triplets, quads, etc).
More information: Australian Breastfeeding Association
Things to think about while you are pregnant
- Why have you decided to breastfeed your baby?
- What information about breastfeeding do you already have?
- Are family members supportive of your interest in breastfeeding?
- Will someone be at home to help you in the early weeks?
- Do you have any special medical problems that require treatment or medications?
- Have you ever had breast surgery? What was the reason?
- How long do you plan to breastfeed?
- Do you plan to return to work/school/study after your baby is born?
- If you have breastfed other children:
- How long did you breastfeed?
- Why did you stop?
- Did you have any problems?
In this guide:
- Breastfeeding 101
- In pregnancy – planning for breastfeeding
- Breastfeeding – the first few days
- Signs of hunger
- Breastfeeding – the early weeks
- Positioning and attachment
- Signs of an effective attachment
- Breastfeeding positions
- Common breastfeeding questions and concerns
- Common breastfeeding issues
- Breastfeeding in the first year
- Important points about breastfeeding