Breast milk is the ideal food for infant feeding. It is uniquely designed to meet your baby's needs, providing the right balance of fat, protein, carbs, vitamins, and minerals, plus antibodies that help protect against illness. Health experts, including the World Health Organization and American Academy of Pediatrics, recommend exclusive breastfeeding for about the first six months, followed by continued breastfeeding alongside solid foods for up to two years of age or beyond—as long as both you and your baby wish.

As you prepare for your baby’s birth, taking time to think through your feeding goals and preferences can help you feel more confident and supported during your hospital stay. A breastfeeding plan is a simple way to share those wishes with your care team and set the stage for a strong start.

How to Get Started? 

Take a Breastfeeding Class 

Many pregnant women and their partners spend a lot of time learning about pregnancy and birth, but preparing for breastfeeding is just as important. Taking a class before your baby arrives can help you feel more confident and ready. You’ll learn practical skills for getting started, how to recognize and avoid common challenges, and where to turn for help if you need it.

A class is also a great way to connect with your local breastfeeding community and build relationships with lactation professionals who can support mothers after birth. Education and support are powerful tools that can make a real difference in your experience.

Prenatal Lactation Consultation

Consider scheduling a prenatal visit with an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). During this consultation, you’ll have the opportunity to talk through your feeding goals, learn the basics, and ask any questions that come up. Your lactation consultant can also help you plan for specific situations—such as how certain health conditions, medications, or past experiences might affect successful breastfeeding. Together, you can create a personalized feeding plan for the hospital, the early days at home, and even your return to work.

What to Include in Your Breastfeeding Plan for the Hospital

Feeding Method

Let your care team know how you plan to feed your baby—whether you’d like to exclusively breastfeed, pump and bottle-feed, or use a combination of both. Sharing this early helps everyone follow best hospital practices and support your feeding goals from the start.

Immediately After Delivery

Tell your doctor and hospital staff that you’d like to hold your newborn skin-to-skin right after birth. This special time, often called the “Golden Hour,” promotes early initiation of breastfeeding, keeps your baby warm, and helps regulate their breathing and blood sugar.

Rooming in with Your Baby

Keeping your baby in your room instead of the nursery helps you bond and recognize early feeding cues. It also builds your confidence in caring for your newborn and feeding on demand once you’re home.

Lactation Support

Ask to see a lactation consultant soon after delivery—ideally within the first few hours. Their guidance can make a big difference in helping you get a comfortable latch, address any early challenges, and ensure your baby is feeding well. Timely access to support can help you overcome common difficulties, ensuring your little one gets the infant nutrition they need.

Artificial Nipples and Bottles

If your goal is to exclusively breastfeed, let staff know you’d like to avoid pacifiers or bottles until breastfeeding is well established—usually after about 3–4 weeks. This helps your baby learn to breastfeed effectively before introducing other feeding methods.

Breast Pumps

If your baby is unable to breastfeed for any reason or if you’re separated (for example, if they need care in the NICU), ask for a hospital-grade breast pump. If you already know your newborn will spend time in the NICU, talk with your provider ahead of time about pump availability or bring your own. Begin pumping within 6 hours after birth and continue every 3 hours until they are breastfeeding well.

Ongoing Breastfeeding Support

Before discharge, ask your hospital team about local breastfeeding resources. Many hospitals offer in-person or virtual support groups, and can connect you with ongoing support and community events. Talking with other breastfeeding mothers can provide encouragement, practical tips, and reassurance during the early weeks at home.

Breastfeeding at the Hospital FAQ 

It’s normal to have questions about feeding in the first days after birth. This FAQ provides guidance to help you feel confident and supported as you and your baby get off to a strong start.

Q: When should I begin breastfeeding? 

A: It is best to start breastfeeding within the first hour of birth, or as soon as you and your baby are able. Early breastfeeding is a gentle transition from womb to world and offers powerful benefits for both of you. Colostrum—sometimes called liquid gold—is rich in nutrients and antibodies and will be your newborn’s first food. Spending as much time as possible in skin-to-skin contact during the early weeks helps stimulate the natural hormone release that supports breastfeeding and bonding.

Q: How can I tell when my baby is ready to feed?

A: Babies often give subtle cues that they’re starting to get hungry. Keeping your baby close and offering them frequent access to the breast encourages more feeding attempts, strengthens bonding, and stimulates milk production.

Examples of Early Hunger Cues:

  • Waking up or stirring

  • Moving head from side to side

  • Opening and closing their mouth

  • Sticking out tongue

  • Sucking or licking their hands and fists

  • Puckering lips as if to suck

  • Nuzzling against your breasts

  • Rooting reflex: turning their mouth toward anything stroking or touching their cheek.

  • Rapid eye movement (REM) during sleep 

Q: How do I know if my baby is getting enough milk?

A: At the time of your baby's birth your body is already producing colostrum, which provides everything your baby needs in the early days. As your milk supply increases each day, signs that your baby is getting enough include:

  • Frequent feeding: At least 8–12 times in 24 hours

  • Normal weight loss: About 7% of birth weight; should not exceed 10%

  • Noticeable breast changes: Breasts may feel fuller, heavier, or slightly tender by days 3–4, indicating increasing milk volume

  • Adequate diaper output: Wet diapers and stools should increase each day with yellow, seedy stools by day 4–5

Watching for these signs, along with keeping your baby close and feeding on demand, can help ensure your baby is getting the nutrition they need and that your milk supply is establishing well.

Q: What if my baby can't latch onto my breast?

A: If your newborn struggles to latch, try hand-expressing milk and feeding it with a spoon or syringe. Avoid using bottles or pacifiers until breastfeeding is well established. A hospital-grade breast pump can help maintain your milk supply while you work with a lactation consultant.

Q: Will there be someone to help me breastfeed in the hospital?

A: Many hospitals and birth centers in the United States—especially those with “Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative” designation—have staff trained in breastfeeding support. Ask if your labor, delivery, and postpartum team includes breastfeeding-trained nurses and whether an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) will be available. Lactation consultants can also provide ongoing support after discharge to help you continue breastfeeding successfully.

Creating a breastfeeding plan for the hospital helps you clearly communicate your goals, feel confident in your decisions, and ensure your care team understands your preferences. Every parent and baby’s journey is unique, but thoughtful planning can lay the foundation for a strong start and a positive breastfeeding experience. Remember, support is always available—from lactation consultants and nurses to the broader breastfeeding community—so you’re never alone on this journey.

Disclaimer: Our classes and accompanying materials are intended for general education purposes and should not replace medical advice. For personalized recommendations, please consult your healthcare provider and/or lactation consultant.