My breastfeeding plan

Preparing for breastfeeding can start before your baby arrives. Taking a little time to think ahead can help you feel more confident and supported – whatever happens.

Many parents make a birth plan, but you might also like to think about your hopes and preferences for feeding your baby. This doesn’t need to be detailed or fixed. It’s simply a way to explore what matters to you and to start conversations with the people around you.

As you read through, you might like to jot down ideas or questions. You can return to them anytime.

Breastfeeding can be easier to establish when you have support and know what your options are.

Thinking ahead can help you:

• learn about breastfeeding before your baby arrives
• identify the support you may need
• consider what matters most to you
• start conversations with your partner and care team
• feel more prepared if things don't go as planned

You don't need to make decisions about everything now. The aim is simply to explore your options and think about what is important to you and your family.

Use the topics below as a guide while you prepare for your baby's arrival.

You might:

• make notes about questions you want answered
• discuss your ideas with your partner or support people
• talk with your midwife, doctor or other care providers
• use our downloadable breastfeeding plan to record any preferences you'd like others to know about

Your plans may change as you learn more or if circumstances change after the birth. That's okay. This page is a starting point for thinking ahead, not a checklist you need to complete.

Before your baby arrives

Learn about breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a learned skill for both you and your baby. Learning about breastfeeding during pregnancy can help you understand what to expect in the early days.

You may like to:

• attend an in-person Breastfeeding Education Class
• join an online Breastfeeding Preparation Session
• read reliable breastfeeding information

Build your support team
Think about the people who will support you after your baby is born.

Talk with your partner, family or friends about:

• your breastfeeding goals
• the kind of support you might find helpful
• practical ways they can help after the birth

Prepare for the early weeks
Many parents find it helpful to think ahead about:

• meals and household tasks
• where their baby will sleep
• who they can contact for breastfeeding support
• returning to work or study in the future

Known medical conditions or additional needs
If you or your baby have a known medical condition, it can be helpful to think about how this might affect breastfeeding.

Before birth, you could discuss with your care team:

• whether your condition or your baby's condition could affect breastfeeding or milk production 
• whether your baby may need extra monitoring, treatment or support after birth 
• how breastfeeding can be protected and supported if challenges arise 
• what breastfeeding support will be available after the birth
• whether antenatal expressing may be an option for you

Getting breastfeeding started

The hours after birth can be an important time for getting breastfeeding started. It can help to think about your preferences before labour begins and discuss them with your care team.

Spending time with your baby after birth
Many mums hope to:

• have their baby placed skin-to-skin on their chest after birth
• spend uninterrupted time getting to know their baby
• begin breastfeeding as soon as possible
• keep their baby with them at all times, if possible

You may like to discuss these wishes with your care team before the birth.

If you or your baby need extra medical care
Sometimes mums or babies need medical attention after birth. This can mean that feeding doesn't get started in the way you had expected.

Before birth, it can be helpful to think about:

• how breastfeeding could be supported if you and your baby are separated 
• expressing colostrum if feeding at the breast isn't possible straight away 
• whether your partner or support person could spend time skin-to-skin with your baby if you are unable to
• who could communicate your wishes and ask questions on your behalf

If extra feeds are recommended for my baby
Sometimes babies are offered formula or other extra feeds in the first days after birth. 

Some things you may wish  to discuss with your care team if extra feeds are suggested:

• how feeding decisions will be discussed with you
• what information you would like before agreeing to extra feeds
• how much time you have to consider your options and make a decision
• what it may mean for your baby if extra feeds are not given
• whether there are other feeding options you would like to discuss such as expressing your milk or giving donor milk
• how breastfeeding can be supported if there are health or other reasons why extra feeds are recommended.

Planning your support

Your partner or support person can play an important role in helping you establish breastfeeding.

Before birth, it can be helpful to talk about:

• how they can support you in the early days
• practical ways they can help while you recover
• how they can communicate your wishes if you are tired, unwell or focused on your baby
• questions they could ask on your behalf
• how they can help you access breastfeeding support if you need it

Thinking about visitors 

Family and friends are often excited to meet a new baby. At the same time, the early days are a time of recovery, learning to breastfeed and getting to know your baby.

It can help to think about:

• whether you would like visitors in hospital or prefer to wait until you’re home
• how much privacy you would like while learning to breastfeed and recovering after birth
• how you feel about visitors seeing your breasts or post-birth body while feeding your baby
• whether you would like your partner or support person to help manage visitors, including limiting the number, timing or length of visits
• how you would plan to respond to unwanted advice or comments
• how you can create space to rest, recover and focus on feeding your baby

Remember that your needs may change once your baby arrives. It's okay to change your mind about visitors at any time.

Preparing for breastfeeding isn't about having all the answers. It's about understanding your options, thinking about what matters to you and knowing where to find support if you need it.

Use our breastfeeding plan to record your thoughts, preferences and questions.

You may also like to explore ABA's breastfeeding education, support services and information resources as part of your preparations.

Download My Breastfeeding Plan – a document you can edit or print to suit your situation.