There are just way too many things to be prepared before having a baby — not just materially, but emotionally too. At times they can be overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time.

I kinda think that we’re luckier now that the internet is just one click away. Whenever you have a question in mind, you could just google it. Of course, sometimes you end up feeling more confused after reading pages of complicated terms over and over again.

In times like these relatives and friends would be more useful. Just do some cross check for any doubts that you may have. Your mom may be experienced, but don’t forget that some things have changed since she gave birth to you.

Today my pregnancy is exactly 28 weeks. This is the right time to prepare for breastfeeding.

I’ve heard stories from my friends and relatives that breastfeeding is not easy. Not only it requires persistence and strength of mind, it can also be painful — or VERY painful.

This is why, I think, less than one per cent of Singapore mothers exclusively breastfeed their babies.

As for myself, unless I’m advised by the doctor not to nurse my baby, I’d certainly do it. Here I have compiled some useful info from Google:

1. According to WHO, exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months is the optimal way of feeding infants. That being said, don’t give any additional food or drink to your baby during that duration — not even water. It reduces mortality due to common childhood illnesses such as diarrhoea or pneumonia, and helps for a quicker recovery during illness.
2. It also decreases future risk of obesity, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, childhood leukemia and other forms of cancer.
3. Infants who are strictly breast fed are more resistant to tooth decay.
4. For the mommies, it reduces the risk of breast cancer and arthritis, and it can help losing weight.

In short, it’s good! What’s not so good is perhaps the pain. In fact, many first-time mommies experience it. Here are some tips for successful breastfeeding:

1. Preparing for breastfeeding before the baby arrives
2. Breastfeeding problems mothers have after the delivery of their baby
3. More breastfeeding tips

Basically though, I’m not attending any classes for this. There is already too much info online than I can handle anyway. But I guess I can only update you with my own experience after three months. So I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed until then.