Your breasts usually change during pregnancy as your body gets ready to make milk.
This is a good time to learn more about breastfeeding. Being prepared can help you and your baby get breastfeeding off to a good start.
Breastfeeding is a skill that you and your baby develop over the first days and weeks after birth.
During pregnancy and after the birth of your baby, it is important to continue to check your breasts for any unusual changes.
Learning about breastfeeding
Getting information during your pregnancy about breastfeeding will help you prepare. You're more likely to have a positive feeding experience if you prepare in advance.
It is important to get reliable information from trustworthy sources.
Ask your midwife, obstetrician, public health nurse (PHN) or GP about breastfeeding.
They can refer you to a lactation nurse or midwife, especially if you have any breast or health concerns.
You can also learn about breastfeeding:
- at your antenatal classes - many have breastfeeding classes
- through a breastfeeding preparation class at your hospital
- at a local breastfeeding support group
- by talking to a lactation nurse or midwife or through our free online service ask our breastfeeding expert
Involve your partner, support person or other family members. You can learn about breastfeeding together.
Helpful things to know in advance
It is important to know how you and your partner can do safe skin-to-skin contact.
It’s good to know about positioning and attachment (latching). These are the terms used to describe how you hold your baby at your breast so they can feed.
Correct positioning and attachment is the most important thing for successful breastfeeding. It can help to look at pictures and videos for positioning and attachment.
Learn about hand expressing. This skill can give you confidence and help you and your baby to breastfeed.
How to hand express your breast milk (video)
You may be able to collect and store your first breast milk (colostrum) before your baby is born. This is called colostrum harvesting.
Talk to your midwife to see if this is suitable for you.
Books and other resources
We have books that you can download. These are available in different languages. Find books on pregnancy, birth and early childhood.
Breastfeeding: A good start in life (PDF, 2.71 MB, 40 pages)
Learn more about:
- the benefits of breastfeeding
- feeding your baby - the first few days
- breastfeeding for Traveller mothers
Breastfeeding support groups
You may find it helpful to join a breastfeeding support group during pregnancy.
These groups are run by public health nurses, lactation nurses or midwives, or voluntary organisations such as La Leche League and Cuidiú. Friends of Breastfeeding runs social support groups for breastfeeding mothers.
You are welcome to attend these groups during pregnancy and after birth. You will meet other new mothers and learn from their experiences.
Joining a group before you have your baby can make it easier to get support after your baby is born.
Ask about breast and health concerns
Some women have concerns that they will not be able to breastfeed due to a physical issue or health problem.
Ask your obstetrician, midwife, PHN or GP to refer you to a lactation nurse or midwife if you:
- are worried about the shape or size of your nipples or breasts
- are age 35 or older and having your first baby
- used fertility treatment to get pregnant
- are taking any medicines
- are likely to have an induced labour
- are likely to have a caesarean section
Talk to your midwife, obstetrician or lactation nurse if you:
- had breastfeeding difficulties in the past
- had surgery for breast cysts, fibrosis or abscesses
- have gestational diabetes or type 1 diabetes
- did not have breast changes during pregnancy
- have high blood pressure during pregnancy
- have been told there's a problem with your baby's growth and development
- have a multiple pregnancy (twins, triplets or more)
- have a disability
- or your baby have health conditions
- have a family history of classical galactosaemia
What to get before the birth
It can be helpful to have:
- front-opening loose shirts and blouses for easy safe skin-to-skin contact, for both parents
- loose-fitting, patterned tops (to hide breast milk leaks) - you can get tops with slits for easy breastfeeding when out and about
- a comfortable, non-padded, non-wired, cotton-rich bra that gives good support - breastfeeding bras may be an advantage but not a must
- breathable breast pads (non-plastic) - you can also get reusable breast pads you can wash
Talk to your public health nurse, midwife or lactation nurse or midwife if you are thinking of getting a breast pump. They can help you decide.
If you intend to express using a pump, it can be helpful to know the types of breast pumps available.
There are different types of breastfeeding products on the market. You do not need to buy these. Your midwife, PHN will tell you if you need any of them.
What to bring to the hospital
Have your bag packed in advance, making sure you have:
- loose clothing that make it easy to have skin-to-skin contact and breastfeed
- a water bottle so you can drink during feeding
- healthy snacks
- breastfeeding or nursing bras
- thin cotton breast pads
You do not need to bring any breastfeeding equipment with you to the hospital.
If you were collecting colostrum before birth, staff will give you information on how to collect, store and bring it to the hospital.
What else to pack in your hospital bag
Help you will get in hospital
Breastfeeding is a skill that you and your baby develop over the first days and weeks. Your midwife and other hospital staff will support you to breastfeed after your baby is born, and while you are in hospital.
They will also tell you about breastfeeding support you can get when you go home.
Support in hospital and after you go home
What to expect after the birth
The first days of feeding can be tiring as you and your baby learn something new, while recovering from birth.
Get as much rest as you can. Drink water when thirsty and eat healthily. This will help your body recover while making lots of milk for your baby.
