Preparing to breastfeed

It is an exciting time, preparing for baby’s arrival!  We notice that you plan to breastfeed your baby, so we wanted to provide you with some short “snapshots” of information to help you prepare. It is good to learn as much as possible about how to breastfeed before baby arrives to help you feel more confident. You will be very busy when baby gets here!

Latching baby comfortably at the breast

This 15-minute Breastfeeding Basics video from the Australian Breastfeeding Association is a great introduction to breastfeeding. It includes information on getting started with breastfeeding, how to latch the baby at your breast and how to know baby is getting enough milk.

Here are some links to other videos with tips on how to latch baby at the breast:

Baby-led latch from https://raisingchildren.net.au/newborns

Getting a good attachment from https://raisingchildren.net.au/newborns

It is a great idea to watch these videos a few times to learn some of the skills to latch baby. After viewing them you may want to discuss any questions with your midwife/nurse.

The Raising Children Network has more breastfeeding videos you might like to view (Search for “breastfeeding videos” to see the full gallery).

How do I know the best time to feed baby?

It is best to offer a feed when baby is calm and alert, so look out for baby’s early feeding cues. Don’t wait for baby to be crying! Here is a poster to help you figure out what the early feeding cues are.

How will I know if feeding is going well?

Babies usually breastfeed 8 or more times in a day, including through the night.

There are signs you can look for to know if breastfeeding is going well.  Have a look at this poster and watch the “How do I know if baby is getting enough?” section in the Australian Breastfeeding Association’s “Breastfeeding Basics” video again.”

Don’t forget GLOW!

Your GLOW antenatal education has a breastfeeding information section. Have a look and talk with your midwife about any questions you may have at your next visit.

For More Information

Queensland Health Breastfeeding website

Australian Breastfeeding Association website and 24-hour Helpline: 1800 mum 2 mum 1800 686 268. The Australian Breastfeeding Association also offers Breastfeeding Education Classes, face-to-face and online.

Queensland Health booklet “Child Health Information Your guide to the first 12 months” (The Red Book)