Make It Yours!

Breastfeeding is healthy for you and your baby. With a bit of planning, you can set yourself up for success.

​Breastfeeding/chestfeeding is natural, and it’s healthy for you and your baby. Breastfeeding/chestfeeding is not always easy, but It’s Worth It!  With a little planning and support you can do it. 
“It's the best form of nutrition for my babies, and I want it to provide them with a good start from the beginning.”

Your Breastfeeding Plan

​Plan for your breastfeeding/chestfeeding success and set your goals for breastfeeding/chestfeeding your baby with the following Make It Yours! Checklist. This checklist helps you keep track of the people and resources who will support you. Share it with your team so that everyone knows how to help you best:

​Ready, Set, Baby!

Ready, Set, Baby! is a breastfeeding website to help you get ready for baby. You can learn about breastfeeding, what to expect and how to plan for your success. It's easy to find answers to your questions, and you can share it with other family and support people. 

Preparing for My Baby’s Birth

  • Talk with my partner, family, friends, and healthcare provider about my plan to breastfeed/chestfeed, and for how long.
  • Attend a prenatal breast/chestfeeding class.
  • Have my baby skin-to-skin right after birth.
  • Feed my baby within the first hour after birth.
  • Room-in with baby in the hospital.
  • Speak with a nurse or lactation consultant at the hospital.
  • Ask about hospital and community-based breast/chestfeeding groups available to me before leaving the hospital.
  • Identify two people to call on for advice and support.
  • Identify specific family or friends who can help with laundry, housecleaning, groceries, errands, care of any older children, and meal preparation.
  • Sleep or rest when the baby sleeps.