Creating a Breastfeeding Plan to Prevent Low Milk Supply & Painful Latching
- jaimiezaki
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
In this episode of the Breastfeeding with Confidence podcast, I’m Jaimie Zaki, IBCLC, and Mama of Five. Today, we're diving into the number one breastfeeding mistake that many new moms make—how they prepare for breastfeeding. This mistake starts before the baby even arrives. Let’s explore how you can create a breastfeeding plan that sets you up for success.
The Number One Mistake New Moms Make in Breastfeeding Preparation
A common issue I see is expecting mothers who pour their energy into their birth plan and then add breastfeeding at the last minute, treating it like a box to check off. Breastfeeding is much more than a simple task to accomplish. You could be breastfeeding your baby for a significant time, far longer than your pregnancy. So, it’s important not to neglect this part of your plan.
The Confident Mama Bear Framework for your Breastfeeding Plan
I’m going to walk you through my Confident Mama Bear framework, which will help you create your breastfeeding plan. This plan will help you feel confident, prepared, and able to make empowered breastfeeding decisions.
You can grab a downloadable copy of this framework inside my free Secrets to a First Latch Without Pain course, which is linked in the show notes and on my website. But for now, let's walk through the framework together.
C: Clarify Your Goals
What are your breastfeeding goals? Why is breastfeeding important to you?
Do you want to exclusively breastfeed, or are you considering a combo feeding plan?
Did you have a difficult breastfeeding experience with a previous child and want this experience to be different?
Know your goals to create a realistic plan to achieve them.
O: Organize Your Support System
Who will support you emotionally, physically, and logistically?
Do you have an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) on your team?
Do your family and friends have positive breastfeeding experiences to share?
Are there people who had hard experiences but still overcame challenges? These are the people you want to lean on.
Consider the role of your work, your back-to-work plan, and the logistics of pumping.
Having a solid support system is critical for success, so be sure to get it organized before baby arrives.
N: Navigate the Hospital Experience
Even if you're planning a home birth, many moms still give birth in the hospital, so you must know how to navigate the hospital environment. Here's why:
The hospital environment is unique for breastfeeding. You will need to advocate for your breastfeeding goals.
Nurses may not always have the time or training to support you in breastfeeding. Don’t assume they will automatically help you, and be prepared for the possibility of needing to advocate for your needs.
Have a plan for situations like low blood sugar, baby not latching, or being pressured to use formula.
You can learn how to navigate the hospital with confidence in my Avoiding Formula in the Hospital workshop, available inside of Latching With Confidence.
F: First Latch
The first latch is essential to your breastfeeding journey. Here's how to prepare for it:
What’s your plan for ensuring a good first latch?
If the first latch is uncomfortable or painful, what will you do?
Knowing positioning, techniques, and how to work with your baby to achieve that first successful latch is key.
A good first latch is empowering and sets a positive foundation for the rest of your breastfeeding experience.
I: Identify Challenges Ahead of Time
Understanding common breastfeeding challenges will help you feel more confident in managing them:
Common issues like soreness, engorgement, or leaking milk are part of the learning curve.
If you have a medical history such as breast surgery, thyroid conditions, or PCOS, these could impact breastfeeding.
Identifying these challenges ahead of time and creating a plan will help you feel more prepared.
D: Develop a Feeding Routine (Not Schedule)
A feeding routine, not a strict schedule, is key for newborns:
Newborns don’t follow rigid schedules, and feeding should be responsive to their cues.
Know the basics: How often to feed, how to monitor milk intake, and what to expect from your baby's feeding habits.
Understanding what’s normal will help reduce anxiety around breastfeeding.
E: Equip Yourself with the Right Tools
In addition to knowledge, having the right tools is essential:
Do you need a nursing pillow, a pump, or specific bottles?
Should you be using a pacifier?
Educate yourself on the options and tools that align with your breastfeeding goals.
N: Nourish Your Body and Soul
Postpartum recovery requires you to nourish both your body and your soul:
Prioritize rest and nutrition.
Consider preparing nutritious freezer meals ahead of time, focusing on well-rounded meals like egg casseroles, smoothies, and soups.
Don’t forget breakfast! Nutritious breakfast options will set you up for a great day.
Nourishing your body and soul is critical to maintaining a healthy milk supply and healing postpartum.
By following the Confident Mama Bear framework, you’ll be setting yourself up for breastfeeding success. Don’t leave breastfeeding to chance—create a plan that aligns with your goals, support, and needs.
If you're looking for more in-depth guidance, be sure to grab the downloadable version of this framework in my free course and join the Confident Mama Bear Society for ongoing support and workshops.
Let’s get confident, mama! You’ve got this.
About Jaimie Zaki, IBCLC
Jaimie Zaki is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and mom of 5! Jaimie has volunteered as a La Leche League Leader, worked as a nurse, doula, and birth photographer, and is the host of the Breastfeeding With Confidence Podcast and founder of the Confident MamaBear Society. Jaimie provides holistic breastfeeding advice for pregnant & new moms, helping them overcome unexpected latching trouble and milk supply issues. She empowers mothers to make informed decisions from a place of confidence and intuition.
Breastfeeding Resources Available:
1:1 Breastfeeding Support (Virtual)
Breastfeeding With Confidence Podcast