Breastfeeding Before Birth & Prenatal Power: What I Wish I Knew
When I was pregnant, the idea of “preparing to breastfeed” felt almost laughable. I had already registered for a pump, planned to “see how it goes,” and assumed instinct would carry me through. Spoiler alert: instinct is real—but information, support, and skills are game changers.
Yesterday, I had the privilege of attending “Making a Difference: Breastfeeding Best Practice Updates” with the incredible Kathy O’Grady, RN IBCLC. Her knowledge is vast, practical, and deeply rooted in the science of how our bodies are designed to feed our babies. I could have listened to her speak all day.
As someone who personally struggled with breastfeeding, I walked away with one loud and clear message: I wish I had this information before I gave birth. Not to pressure myself into a specific outcome—but to feel empowered, supported, and better prepared to navigate one of the most intimate, biological, and emotional parts of early parenting.
Why It Matters
Kathy shared that Prenatal Power comes from three key elements:
Knowledge
Attitude
Skills
Whether you plan to breastfeed, chestfeed, combo-feed, bottle-feed with breastmilk, or use formula, these foundational elements help you make informed decisions that work for you. Because feeding a baby is not just about the nutrients—it’s about connection, confidence, and consent.
What I Wish More Parents Knew:
The first food in baby’s stomach matters. When possible, breastmilk—even in small amounts—offers lifelong immune benefits. If you’re unable to feed directly, consider donated milk over formula as a first line of support. If you have diabetes as a mother, having breastmilk (even if its not yours) can shift the gene expression for your baby - mind blown!
Include feeding preferences in your birth plan. Ask your medical team to consult with you before offering anything to your baby—you deserve to be included in that decision.
Hand expression well before labour can help prepare your body for breastfeeding in a very significant way (and possibly collect colostrum—your baby’s first "liquid gold."). Gently massage your breasts similar to how you wash your body in the shower, stimulate the nerves to start milk production.
Critical beginnings matter. Bonding and attachment, responding to infant cues, and establishing feeding patterns within the first 2–6 weeks have a lasting impact.
If not feeding on the breast, feed at the breast. Skin-to-skin time and nurturing contact during feeds still support that biological connection—even when using bottles or other feeding tools.
You Deserve Informed Choice
There’s no single “right way” to feed your baby—but access to information is your parenting right. As a perinatal therapist, I feel more prepared than ever to support clients through the emotional and physical realities of feeding. Whether it’s grief over breastfeeding struggles or navigating NICU feeding protocols, we hold space for it all.
Because at the end of the day, feeling supported and empowered matters just as much as what’s in the bottle.
Want more support from skilled lactation consultants and nurses? Contact your local Public Health Unit Healthy Babies Healthy Children program or book with one of our therapists to support you in advocating for your feeding needs.
