How to Prepare for Breastfeeding: Support Makes It Sustainable

By Viva La Vulva Expert - Renata Lardelli, Midwife, Mum & Founder of Lila Jasmine 

You can read the books, buy the pump, pack the nipple cream but nothing truly prepares you for breastfeeding like support does. Because here’s the thing: breastfeeding might be natural but that doesn’t make it easy. It’s learned. It’s layered. It’s a relationship between you and your baby, and like all relationships, it takes time, care, and a village. 

Whether you’re days away from birth or already feeding a hungry newborn, this guide is here to help you prepare for breastfeeding not just practically, but emotionally and physically too. Because support isn’t a “nice-to-have” in the postpartum season, it’s the key to making breastfeeding sustainable. 

1. Know What’s Normal and What’s Not 

Breastfeeding is often portrayed as this calm, blissed-out moment between mother and baby. And sometimes, it is. But in those early days it can be tender, messy, leaky, and a little overwhelming. 

Cluster feeds, fullness, letdown tingles, latch adjustments - they’re all part of the learning curve. The best thing you can do is get familiar with what’s expected, what’s common, and when to reach out. A few things to know: 

• It takes time, many mums don’t feel confident feeding until around 2–4 weeks. 
• It might feel sensitive at first, our nipples may feel tender and have some damage as they adjust to frequent feeding. 
• It can feel all-consuming, especially during growth spurts or evening cluster feeds. 

Your nipples may feel sensitive as they adjust to frequent feeding and fullness or engorgement can creep in quickly, especially when your milk first comes in. One simple comfort tip - use warm or cool compresses as needed Breasties Therapy Packs can be warmed to help with let-down or used cold to ease tenderness.

They fit around your breast and sit discreetly in your bra - think of them as a little hug when you need it most. 

One of the most helpful ways to prepare is to join a breastfeeding or postpartum workshop that goes beyond technique and dives into the emotional and practical realities of feeding. 

2. Create a Calm Corner and Keep Snacks Close 

You don’t need a fancy nursery or a special chair just a little corner of your home where you feel comfortable and supported. That could be the couch, your bed, a corner armchair - wherever you naturally settle in. 

A few things that help: 

• Soft lighting for night feeds a salt lamp or dim lamp works beautifully 
• A caddy or basket stocked with everything you need - burp cloths, breast pads, Boob Balm, nappies, wipes, spare muslins, a phone charger, and a snack or two 
• A water bottle within reach, breastfeeding is thirsty work 
• Comfortable cushions or pillows to help you settle in 

Having a go-to spot with your essentials nearby means less scrambling and more time to rest, breathe, and focus on your baby. 

And when it comes to snacks? Having something nourishing and ready-to-go during a feed can help keep your energy steady and support milk production. That’s why I created Lila Jasmine Lactation Bars, midwife-made, mum-loved, and easy to eat with one hand. 

3. Get Familiar With Feeding Support Options 

The sooner you know who to call when you need help, the more likely you are to keep going when things get hard. Here in Aotearoa, there are wonderful resources available but accessing them can feel like another full-time job when you’re bleeding, leaking, and barely sleeping. Before baby arrives, bookmark or screenshot the following: 

• Your local lactation consultant, many offer home visits or video consults
• La Leche League NZ offer free, mother to mother breastfeeding support
• Breastfeeding NZ Facebook groups can be helpful for troubleshooting 
• Your maternity care provider often has trusted local referrals 
• Download the BreastFedNZ App so you’ve got reliable, midwife-approved information at your fingertips anytime, day or night 

Even if it’s not your first baby every breastfeeding journey is different. If something feels off - your baby’s latch, your milk supply, or your mood it’s worth getting it checked. 

4. Plan for Support and Be Specific 

Support doesn’t always look like someone offering to hold the baby. Sometimes, it’s someone making you a sandwich with one hand while you’re pinned under a feeding newborn. One way to make support practical? Before birth, make a list of tasks that would be helpful and don’t be afraid to delegate. Ideas include: 

• Prepping meals or gifting freezer-friendly dinners 
• Taking older siblings for a walk 
• Folding laundry even if it just goes back in the basket 
• Topping up your water or snacks during a feed 

People want to help but they don’t always know how. Being clear about what you need can be a gift to both of you. 

5. Know That Feeding Is More Than Just Breast 

If you choose to exclusively breastfeed, amazing. If you express, mix-feed, or use formula, amazing too. What matters is that your baby is fed and you’re supported. 

If expressing is part of your plan, consider how to make it manageable. You’ll need: 

• A good-quality, hospital grade pump 
• Storage guidelines for expressed milk 
• Snacks and hydration to keep your supply up 
• A pumping schedule that works around your lifestyle 

6. Build Your Village Even If It’s Virtual

Maybe your family lives overseas. Maybe your partner’s gone back to work. Maybe your best friend’s kids are long past the newborn stage. Village-building takes intention but it’s worth it. Start now. Save numbers. Join groups. Follow accounts that leave you feeling seen, not judged. Have the conversations. Say yes when someone offers to drop off a meal or fold some washing. 

And if you’re not sure where to start, download Lila Jasmine’s free Postpartum Plan to help you think through who, what, and how you’ll be supported. 

Support Isn’t a Luxury. It’s a Lifeline. 

Breastfeeding is good for your baby, good for the environment, and good for your body but it’s only sustainable when you are supported. You don’t have to do it alone. You weren’t meant to. 

So as you prepare for your breastfeeding journey, stock the freezer, learn the basics, and book the workshops. Also ask for help, hold your boundaries, and give yourself grace. Because with the right support, breastfeeding can feel not just doable but empowering. 

About the Author & Viva La Vulva Expert 

Renata Lardelli is a New Zealand registered midwife and founder of Lila Jasmine, a brand dedicated to supporting and nourishing mothers through lactation bars and 4th trimester education. With nearly two decades of experience in maternity care, Renata is passionate about demystifying postpartum life and making sure mums never feel alone in the fourth trimester.