Prepare for Breastfeeding During Pregnancy: Do These 5 Things

As you gear up for your baby’s arrival, you might be wondering: "How can I prepare for breastfeeding during pregnancy?" Or maybe you are wondering, "Will I be able to make enough milk for my baby?" The good news? There are plenty of ways to support your body and set yourself up for breastfeeding success before your little one even arrives.

From nutrition and breast care to key products and mindset shifts, this guide will help you confidently step into your breastfeeding journey. Let’s dive in!

1. Nourish Your Body for Breastfeeding Success

Think of your pregnant body as the foundation for your milk supply. Eating nutrient-dense foods during pregnancy helps build healthy breast tissue and ensures you have the energy you’ll need postpartum.

healthy foods to maintain milk supply and overall health

Key Nutrients For Pregnancy:

Protein: Supports breast tissue development (think eggs, beans, nuts, and lean meats).
Healthy Fats: Avocados, flaxseeds, and nuts help regulate hormones for milk production.
Leafy Greens & Whole Grains: Provide essential minerals like iron and calcium.

Need milk for after your baby is born? Indulge in eating lots of oats which has been shown to increase milk supply. Like Pumpkin Spiced Recipes?

Check out our Top 8 Pumpkin Spice Recipes That Increase Milk Supply!

2. Daily Breast Massage... Your Partner Can Help ;)

Woman gently performing a breast massage to enhance milk flow and breastfeeding comfort

In pregnancy, your breasts are preparing for milk production. But one thing that can be done in pregnancy to help increase breastfeeding success is BREAST MASSAGE! Simply put, when breast tissue is stimulated it creates more galactagogues, which is the breast milk powerhouse.

The more galactagogues... the more milk produced! One simple way to encourage healthy lactation is through gentle breast massage using a nourishing, breast spray. And don't worry, this doesn't start milk flow. Breast massage is just waking up the breast tissue in charge of milk production for when baby is born!

Have you ever seen a kitten paw on her mother's belly and nipples? This is nature's way of doing a breast massage. It helps to stimulate milk production in mammals which is so powerful! So get to massaging your breasts. And yes, partners and husbands are often are quite helpful with this daily self-care ritual...wink wink!

Any massage lotion will work, you can also use coconut oil or a body oil. But to make your breast massage even more powerful and beneficial, use this specially formulated Breast Massage Spray. Created specially for breast tissue and breast health, to stimulate blood flow to your milk production glands.

Natural breast spray to relieve engorgement and help reduce mastitis breast infections and unclog plugged milk ducts when breastfeeding

🌿 Our Must-Have: Breast Health Massage Spray

This herbal-infused spray helps:

Stimulate blood flow to the mammary glands
Support the body's natural milk-making process
This herbal blend promotes relaxation, which aids in oxytocin release (your milk-producing hormone!)

How to Do Breast Massage in Pregnancy:

✔️ Starting in the third trimester do a daily breast massage ✔️ Spritz oil all over the breast, side boob and around the back (this blend smells amazing!)
✔️ Massage in circular motions, moving from the outer breast toward the nipple.
✔️ Relax and let the nourishing oils soak in and do their work!

3. Start a Lactation Tincture at 37 Weeks

herbal remedy to increase milk supply, breastfeeding remedy

Want to support milk supply before birth? A gentle, pregnancy-safe lactation tincture can help your body ease into milk production.

🌿 Enter: Let It Flow Lactation Tincture

This tincture is designed to be taken at 37 weeks to prepare your body for breastfeeding.

Why You’ll Love It:

✔️ Contains galactagogue herbs that support early milk flow
✔️ Helps balance postpartum hormones
✔️ Encourages a smooth transition into breastfeeding

How to Use It:

✔️ Start at 37 weeks (check with your provider first!)
✔️ Take the recommended dosage daily
✔️ Continue postpartum to support lactation

4. Learn the Basics of Breastfeeding Before Birth

Breastfeeding is natural, but it’s also a learned skill. The more you know now, the easier your experience will be!

guide showing various breastfeeding positions for comfort and successful latch.

Ways to Prepare:

👶 Take a breastfeeding class to learn about latching, positioning, and common challenges.
👩‍⚕️ Meet with a lactation consultant to create a personalized plan.
🍼 Join a breastfeeding support group—it’s a game-changer to have other moms to lean on!

Did you know? The first hour after birth (The Golden Hour) is crucial for breastfeeding success. Immediate skin-to-skin contact helps trigger milk production and strengthens bonding.

5. Balance Hormones for a Healthy Milk Supply

Woman practicing self-care to balance hormones, supporting optimal breastfeeding supply and overall health.

Your milk production is influenced by hormones like oxytocin and prolactin. If you have conditions like PCOS, thyroid imbalances, or diabetes, they can impact lactation. But don’t worry—there are steps you can take to support hormonal balance!

Simple Ways to Support Breastfeeding Hormones:

🌿 Eat whole, nutrient-rich foods.
💤 Prioritize rest (yes, naps count!).
🎭 Practice relaxation techniques like meditation or prenatal yoga.

6. Safe Herbs to Support Breastfeeding in Pregnancy

pregnant mom drinking red raspberry leaf tea to help breastfeeding

While some milk-boosting herbs should be avoided until after birth, there are a few that can be safely used during pregnancy.

Pregnancy-Safe Herbs for Breastfeeding Prep:

🍀 Alfalfa – Supports milk supply and nutrient absorption.
🍃 Nettle Leaf – Provides essential minerals for lactation.
☕ Red Raspberry Leaf – Helps with uterine health and mild lactation support.

Herbs to Avoid in Pregnancy: Fenugreek, Goat’s Rue, and Blessed Thistle, as they may cause uterine contractions. Always consult your provider before using herbal supplements.

7. Set Up a Breastfeeding-Friendly Home

Create a cozy, stress-free breastfeeding space before your baby arrives! Here’s what you’ll need:

🪬 Breast Health Massage Spray – Supports breast tissue and milk flow.
🌿 Let It Flow Lactation Tincture – Helps establish a healthy supply.
🛏 A comfy nursing pillow – Saves your back and arms!
🪜 Nursing-friendly bras & tops – Make breastfeeding easier.
💧 Hydration station – Water, coconut water, and snacks for those late-night feedings.

a cup of tea to stay hydrated and relaxed

8. Trust Your Body, Mama!

Your body knows what to do—sometimes it just needs a little extra support! By nourishing yourself, massaging your breasts, taking a lactation tincture, staying informed, and prepping ahead of time, you’re setting yourself up for a successful breastfeeding journey.

And remember—you’re not alone! If you need extra support, check out our breastfeeding essentials at Baby Nest Birth Boutique. We’re here to help you every step of the way!

You got this, mama! 💖

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sherilee Peters, owner and creator of Baby Nest Birth Boutique. For over 18 years she has been passionate about bringing comfort and healing to moms with natural remedies (a wanna be witch doctor). She is a mother of two, creator of Birth Dates (a self-paced birth class for couples) Birth & Postpartum Doula, educator and certified placenta specialist in the Vancouver, WA and Portland, OR areas.