Galen Broido

In the months and weeks leading up to the birth of your baby you’ll have a lot on your mind. It can feel like a very exciting and also very stressful time trying to get everything ready and tie up loose ends before your baby arrives. The important thing to remember is that our bodies are meant to make milk, and even though every mother and baby have different experiences, breastfeeding is a completely normal process.

The first week of breastfeeding contains many of the biggest pitfalls for moms, but if you approach it confidently and with supportive helpers, you can make great strides toward breastfeeding success.

During the “4th trimester” or postpartum period, moms are just beginning to get a handle on life with their new baby. The most important thing is that you and baby and resting, well-fed, and spending lots of time cuddling.

Whether you are co-sleeping or putting your baby in a crib at night, you’re probably waking up frequently to breastfeed. During the first month, babies will have varying feeding habits.