Prenatal Feeding Checklist: Simple Steps to Feel More Prepared Before Baby Arrives

Build Your Support Team

☐ Identify an IBCLC you can contact if feeding challenges arise

☐ Save their contact information in your phone

☐ Verify your lactation insurance benefits

☐ Choose a pediatrician who supports your feeding goals

When challenges arise, having support already in place makes it much easier to get help quickly.

Learn What Normal Newborn Feeding Looks Like

☐ Early hunger cues

☐ Normal newborn feeding frequency (8–12+ times in 24 hours)

☐ What cluster feeding is

☐ How to tell if your baby is getting enough milk

☐ Signs that feeding may need additional support

☐ Consider booking a prenatal lactation consult with your IBCLC - you will learn all this and more to help you feel prepared!

Many parents worry something is wrong when their baby is actually behaving normally.

Prepare Your Breast Pump

☐ Order your insurance-covered breast pump

☐ Unbox and assemble it

☐ Learn how to use the settings

☐ Wash and organize the parts

☐ Save customer support information for the manufacturer

Trying to learn your pump for the first time while caring for a newborn can feel overwhelming.

Prepare Your Home Environment

☐ Create a comfortable feeding station

☐ Stock easy snacks and drinks

☐ Keep a phone charger nearby

☐ Gather burp cloths and feeding essentials

☐ Set realistic expectations for rest and recovery

Feeding a newborn takes time, patience and practice especially during the first few weeks.

Have a Conversation With Your Partner

☐ Your feeding goals

☐ How your partner can support feeding

☐ Household responsibilities during recovery

☐ Who will help with meals, laundry, and errands

☐ What to do if feeding doesn't go exactly as planned

Feeding a baby is a team effort and can go so much smoother when you have systems in place so you can focus on learning to breastfeed.

Want More Personalized Support?

A prenatal lactation consultation can help answer your specific questions and create a feeding plan tailored to your goals. Learn more about prenatal consultations with R&R Motherhood here.

Wishing you a smooth delivery and a supported feeding journey,

Aarani Montanari, IBCLC
R&R Motherhood