Breastfeeding with Confidence: Getting Ready Prenatally

Welcome to your first step toward a stress-free breastfeeding journey. In this opening module, Sonya Boersma (RN, MScN, IBCLC) strips away the myths and sets the stage for your success. We don’t just discuss "why" breastfeeding matters; we reveal why prenatal preparation is the secret weapon of confident mothers. You will learn how to shift your mindset from "hoping it works" to "knowing how it works." This is where your journey from overwhelmed to empowered begins.

Breastfeeding is more than a meal; it’s a live, biological intervention. Discover how your body custom-codes your baby’s immune system, brain development, and long-term health through the power of "Liquid Gold."

Discover how breastfeeding serves as your body’s natural "reset button," accelerating your physical healing after birth and providing a lifetime of disease protection for YOU.

Your choice to breastfeed is the ultimate act of sustainability. Beyond the health benefits, nursing eliminates waste, reduces your carbon footprint, and ensures your baby grows up in a cleaner, safer world.

Is breastfeeding easy or hard? The answer is: It’s a skill. In this module, we debunk the "natural" myth and set realistic expectations for your journey, ensuring you don't get discouraged when things don't feel "automatic."

Master the "Deep Latch"—the single most critical skill for a painless breastfeeding journey. Learn the clinical mechanics to ensure your baby gets maximum milk with minimum effort and zero trauma to your body.

There is no "one size fits all" in breastfeeding. Explore the four primary positions that protect your back, support your baby, and make long feedings feel like a rest rather than a chore.

Master the clinical "rescue" techniques every nursing mother needs. Learn how to resolve engorgement, stimulate milk production manually, and use biological contact to regulate your baby’s transition.

Know exactly what "normal" looks like in the critical first days. From colostrum production to the moment your milk "comes in," we remove the guesswork so you can stay calm and focused in the hospital.

Your breastfeeding success begins in the delivery room. Learn how to craft a birth plan that protects the "Sacred Hour," prioritizes skin-to-skin contact, and ensures your clinical goals are respected by your medical team.

Demystify the biology of lactation. Learn how your body transitions from colostrum to mature milk, why frequent "removal" is the key to abundance, and how to avoid the common pitfalls that lead to a perceived low supply.

Explore the nuances of how your baby receives milk. Whether you are nursing directly or providing expressed breast milk, discover the pros, cons, and clinical considerations for both methods to ensure your baby is thriving.

Discover the "Baby-Friendly Initiative" (BFI) and what it means for your hospital experience. Learn the 10 steps to successful breastfeeding that certified hospitals must follow to provide you with the highest standard of care.

Breastfeeding isn't always a straight line. Learn how to identify early warning signs of trouble—from excessive weight loss to persistent pain—and master the "Bridge Plan" to keep your baby fed while you resolve challenges.

You weren't meant to do this alone. Learn how to navigate the landscape of lactation support—from IBCLCs and RNs to peer groups—and discover how to access professional help exactly when you need it.

You have moved from uncertainty to empowerment. In this final module, we review your core skills, solidify your confidence, and send you into your birth experience with the clinical authority of a prepared parent.

Breastfeeding is a team sport. Learn how partners can provide physical, emotional, and logistical support that protects the nursing relationship and strengthens the family bond.

Discover why "kangaroo care" is a clinical necessity that regulates your baby’s temperature, heart rate, and nursing instincts.

Learn the link between physical development and breastfeeding. Discover how tummy time builds the neck and jaw strength your baby needs for a successful latch.

Master your breast pump. Learn how to choose the right flange size and optimize your settings for maximum comfort.

Ensure bottle feeding doesn't disrupt your breastfeeding journey. Learn "Paced Bottle Feeding" to mimic the natural rhythm of breastfeeding.

Navigate the world of infant formula with clinical confidence. Learn how to choose the right product for your baby’s needs and understand the vital safety standards for water sources and sterilized supplies.

Learn the "Gold Standard" for preparing infant formula. From sterilization techniques to temperature control, discover the step-by-step process that ensures every bottle is safe, sterile, and nutritionally sound.

Move from theory to practice with our curated library of clinical handouts. From feeding logs and diaper counters to latch checklists, these resources are designed to be your physical "expert-in-the-pocket" for those early days at home.