Preparing for Breastfeeding: A First-Time Parent’s Readiness Checklist

Breastfeeding is natural, but it is also learned. For many first-time parents, the first days can feel emotional, tiring and uncertain. Preparing before delivery can make those early feedings easier to manage.

You do not need every product on the shelf. But a few practical items can help with comfort, positioning, leaking, milk expression and cleanup. More important, it helps to know what is normal, what is not and when to ask for support.

A good breastfeeding setup includes:

• A comfortable place to feed
• Nursing pads for leaking
• Nipple care products, such as lanolin or another breastfeeding-safe nipple balm
• A nursing pillow or supportive pillows
• Burp cloths or washcloths
• A water bottle and easy snacks
• Breast pump parts and milk storage supplies, if you plan to pump
• Contact information for a lactation consultant or breastfeeding support service

The goal is not perfection. The goal is to help you and your baby learn together.

The first days after birth are busy. You may be recovering from labor or surgery, learning your baby’s cues and adjusting to little sleep. Having supplies ready can reduce stress and help you focus on feeding, recovery and bonding.

Preparation can also help you recognize common breastfeeding patterns. Newborns often feed frequently. They may cluster feed, fall asleep at the breast or need help latching. These experiences can be normal, but they can still feel overwhelming.

Learning the basics before delivery can help you know when to keep practicing and when to ask for help.

1. Nursing pads

Leaking is common, especially as milk supply adjusts. Nursing pads fit inside a bra and help absorb milk between feedings.

You may choose disposable or washable pads. Disposable pads are convenient in the early days. Washable pads may be softer and can be reused. Change pads when they become wet to help protect the skin.

Helpful for: Leaking, comfort, keeping clothing dry
Product note: Look for soft, breathable pads that do not irritate sensitive skin.

2. Nipple care products

Tender nipples can happen in the first days as you and your baby learn to breastfeed. Mild sensitivity may improve as latch and positioning improve. Cracked, bleeding or severe pain is not something to ignore.

A breastfeeding-safe nipple cream, balm or purified lanolin may help soothe dry or tender skin. Some parents also use hydrogel pads for short-term comfort. Follow product directions and ask a clinician or lactation consultant if you are unsure what is safe for your baby.

Helpful for: Dryness, tenderness, friction-related irritation
Product note: Choose products labeled safe for breastfeeding. Avoid heavily fragranced products on the nipple area.

5. Water bottle and one-handed snacks

Breastfeeding can make you thirsty. Keeping water nearby may help you stay comfortable. Easy snacks can be helpful during long or frequent feeding sessions, especially in the early weeks.

Helpful for: Parent comfort and hydration
Product note: Choose a water bottle that is easy to open with one hand.

6. Breast pump and pump accessories

Not every parent needs to pump right away. But if you expect to return to work, share feedings, build a small milk supply, manage engorgement or feed a baby who has trouble latching, a pump may be useful.

Pump accessories may include:

• Breast shields or flanges in the correct size
• Valves and membranes
• Milk collection bottles
• Milk storage bags or containers
• Cleaning basin or bottle brush
• Drying rack
• Cooler bag and ice packs
• Extra tubing, if recommended for your pump model

Pump fit matters. A flange that is too small or too large can cause pain and reduce milk removal. If pumping hurts or output is unexpectedly low, ask for help checking fit and technique.

Helpful for: Milk expression, shared feeding, return to work, some latch challenges
Product note: Follow the pump manufacturer’s cleaning instructions. Parts that touch breast milk need regular cleaning.

7. Bottles, if you plan to express milk or combination feed

Some families use bottles for expressed breast milk, formula or both. You do not need to buy many bottles before knowing your baby’s preferences. A small starter set is often enough.

Choose bottles that are easy to clean and compatible with your pump if you plan to pump directly into bottles.

Helpful for: Expressed milk, combination feeding, caregiver feeding
Product note: Inspect nipples and bottle parts often and replace damaged items.

8. Comfortable nursing bras or tanks

A comfortable, supportive bra or tank can make frequent feeding easier. Avoid bras that feel tight or compress the breast, especially while supply is changing.

Helpful for: Comfort, easy feeding access, holding nursing pads
Product note: Soft, stretchy materials may be more comfortable in the early postpartum weeks.

Colostrum comes first

At birth, your breasts make colostrum. Colostrum is thick and often yellowish. It comes in small amounts, but it is rich in nutrients and helps support your baby’s immune system.

Because the amount is small, some parents worry that the baby is not getting enough. In many cases, frequent feeding and monitoring diapers and weight are better guides than trying to measure milk in the first days.

Milk usually increases after a few days

As your baby continues to feed, your body receives signals to make more milk. Many parents notice fuller, warmer or heavier breasts a few days after birth. This is often called milk “coming in.”

Some fullness is expected. Severe pain, a baby who cannot latch or ongoing concerns about milk supply should prompt a call to a lactation consultant or health care professional.

Newborns feed often

Many newborns feed 8 to 12 times in 24 hours. Some feed even more often during cluster feeding periods. Feeding on cue means watching for early signs of hunger, such as bringing hands to the mouth, sucking motions, lip smacking or rooting.

Crying is a late hunger cue. Starting before a baby is very upset can make latching easier.

Diapers and weight matter

In the first days, your baby’s care team will track weight, wet diapers and stools. These are important signs that feeding is going well.

Ask your baby’s health care professional what to expect each day after birth and when to call.

Challenge: Engorgement

Engorgement can happen when breasts become overly full, firm and uncomfortable. It often occurs as milk supply increases.

What may help:

• Feeding often
• Gentle hand expression or pumping just enough to soften the breast
• A supportive but not tight bra
• Cold packs between feedings, if recommended
• Help with latch if the baby cannot attach well

When to ask for help: If the baby cannot latch, pain is severe, symptoms are not improving or you develop fever or flu-like symptoms.

Challenge: Leaking

Leaking is common while milk supply adjusts. It often improves over time.

What may help:

• Nursing pads
• Changing damp pads regularly
• Keeping extra pads in a diaper bag or bedside basket

When to ask for help: If leaking is accompanied by pain, redness, fever or signs of infection.

Challenge: Low milk supply concerns

Many first-time parents worry about supply. Frequent feeding, diaper output and weight gain are more useful than breast fullness alone. Breasts may feel softer as supply regulates, and that does not always mean supply is low.

What may help:

• Feeding often
• Checking latch and milk transfer
• Avoiding long stretches without feeding or pumping in the early weeks, unless advised
• Meeting with a lactation consultant
• Using a pump when recommended to support milk removal

When to ask for help: If your baby has fewer wet diapers than expected, is very sleepy, has poor weight gain, shows signs of dehydration or your care team is concerned.

Challenge: Pumping discomfort

Pumping should not be sharply painful. Discomfort may be related to suction level, flange size, pump settings or nipple trauma.

What may help:

• Checking flange size
• Starting with lower suction
• Replacing worn valves or membranes
• Following the pump’s instructions
• Asking a lactation consultant to observe a pumping session

When to ask for help: If pumping causes pain, bleeding, blisters or persistent nipple swelling.

Breastfeeding products can improve comfort and make feeding easier. They cannot guarantee milk supply, prevent every challenge or replace skilled support.

Products that may help

Nursing pads: Help manage leaking.
Nipple cream or lanolin: May soothe dry or tender skin.
Nursing pillow: Supports positioning and parent comfort.
Pump accessories: Help with expression and milk storage when pumping is part of the plan.
Bottles and storage bags: Useful for expressed milk or combination feeding.
Burp cloths: Help with cleanup.
Personal care items: Support comfort during postpartum recovery.

Some items can wait until you know your needs. These may include a large bottle collection, multiple pump part sizes, specialized feeding tools or advanced storage systems.

A simple setup is often best at first. Add products as your feeding routine becomes clearer.

A lactation consultant can help before and after birth. You do not need to wait until things feel unmanageable.

Consider reaching out during pregnancy if:

• You have had breast surgery or chest surgery.
• You have flat or inverted nipples and are concerned about latch.
• You are expecting multiples.
• You have a medical condition that may affect milk production.
• You plan to exclusively pump.
• You want help making a return-to-work pumping plan.

After birth, ask for help if:

• Latching is difficult.
• Every feeding is painful.
• Your nipples are cracked, bleeding or damaged.
• Your baby is not gaining weight as expected.
• Your baby has fewer wet or dirty diapers than expected.
• Your baby seems too sleepy to feed.
• You have signs of mastitis, such as fever, chills, breast redness or flu-like symptoms.
• You are worried about milk supply.
• Pumping is painful or confusing.
• You feel overwhelmed and need a feeding plan.

Early support can prevent small problems from becoming bigger ones.

Choose one or two feeding areas. Keep supplies within reach.

A bedside or chair-side basket may include:

• Nursing pads
• Nipple cream
• Burp cloths
• Water bottle
• Snack
• Phone charger
• Small notebook or feeding tracker
• Extra baby blanket
• Clean pump parts, if pumping
• Milk storage bags, if needed

Keep the setup simple, washable and easy to restock.

Do I need a nursing pillow?

You do not need one, but many parents find it helpful. A nursing pillow or supportive regular pillows can reduce strain and help bring the baby closer to the breast.

Should I buy a breast pump before delivery?

It depends on your feeding goals, insurance coverage, return-to-work plans and medical needs. Some parents need a pump early, while others do not. If you plan to pump, learn how to assemble, clean and use the pump before the baby arrives.

Is nipple pain normal?

Mild tenderness can happen early. Ongoing pain, cracked nipples, bleeding or pain through the entire feeding is a sign to ask for help. Latch, positioning, infection, pump fit or other causes may need attention.

How many nursing pads do I need?

Start with a small supply. Some parents leak often, and others leak very little. If using washable pads, have enough to rotate through laundry.

What should I do if breastfeeding is not going as planned?

Ask for help early. A lactation consultant, your baby’s health care professional or your obstetric care team can help assess latch, milk transfer, weight, diaper output and parent comfort. Feeding plans can be adjusted. The priority is a fed baby and a supported parent.

Preparing for breastfeeding can reduce stress, but it does not mean you need every product available. Start with a few practical supplies: nursing pads, nipple care, supportive pillows, burp cloths and pump accessories if pumping is part of your plan.

Expect a learning curve. The first days often include frequent feedings, tender nipples, leaking and questions about supply. Many challenges improve with time, practice and support.

If breastfeeding is painful, your baby is not gaining weight or you are worried about supply, ask for help. A lactation consultant can help you build a plan that fits your body, your baby and your family.

*This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be substituted for medical advice. For medical questions and advice, it is always best to consult with your trained physician.

Sources: 

Breastfeeding challenges. ACOG. (n.d.). https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2021/02/breastfeeding-challenges 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.-a). How to clean and sanitize breast pumps. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/hygiene/about/about-breast-pump-hygiene.html 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). What to expect while breastfeeding. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/infant-toddler-nutrition/breastfeeding/what-to-expect-while-breastfeeding.html 

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (n.d.-b). Feeding your newborn: Tips for new parents. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/in-depth/healthy-baby/art-20047741 

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (n.d.-a). Feeding your newborn: Tips for new parents. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/in-depth/healthy-baby/art-20047741