Breastfeeding Prep: Easing the Worry Before Baby Arrives

We spend a lot of time planning for our baby's arrival, but often overlook getting ready for breastfeeding. This important stage in your newborn’s life can be challenging, so it helps to prepare *before* your baby is born. In this episode of *Momcozy Village: Together We Grow*, Natalie Gouché chats with Dr. Doreen Brass. Doreen, also known as The Mama Coach, is a lactation consultant who helps moms learn about breastfeeding and much more. Doreen often hears moms compare how much milk they pump and expel to what influencers show online. She says it’s like seeing someone’s mansion when you live in a regular house. What you see online is often an idealized version of a tough journey that has ups and downs. Doreen recommends seeking real professional advice early and not basing your expectations on what you see on social media. Breastfeeding is natural, but that doesn’t mean it’s always easy. Your baby is learning along with you. If you have more than one child, each baby can be different and bring new challenges, as Doreen points out. Doreen encourages moms to be proud of themselves, no matter how much milk they produce or pump. She believes it’s important to set realistic goals that fit each mom’s unique situation. **Episode Highlights** **01:06** – When should moms start thinking about when preparing for breastfeeding? **03:32** – What are ‘realistic’ breastfeeding expectations? **06:25** – Breastfeeding myths that aren’t true. **10:11** – Mom should given themselves grace. **11:16** – How partners can help with breastfeeding. **12:35** – Nutrition and breastfeeding. **16:53** – Doreen’s final thoughts. **About the Guest: Dr. Doreen Brass** Doreen is a Registered Nurse, Board-Certified Lactation Consultant, and a mom of two. Throughout her 20+ year career, she has worked in L&D, High Risk Obstetrics, Mom/Baby, GYN, Nursery, and NICU. Her passion is helping guide new families into their most challenging and rewarding role, starting from the womb. She has supported and advocated for informed consent, physiological birth, and shared decision-making.  Through her work as a nurse and her own experience as a mother, she has learned that bombarding new families with education during their short hospital stay is not the most effective teaching method. This realization is what led her to start her mama coach journey.  Her own motherhood journey included two high-risk pregnancies and several breastfeeding challenges. She would love to take the time to get to know you and the challenges you face, so she can tailor her support to your needs in a judgment-free zone. **Connect With Us** **Momcozy** Website | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram **Dr. Doreen Brass** Website **About the Podcast: *Momcozy Village – Together We Grow*** **Momcozy Village: Together We Grow** is a podcast where moms gather to learn, share, and support each other. Hosted by Natalie Gouché, each episode features inspiring conversations on motherhood: from career transitions to mental health and beyond. Backed by Momcozy, makers of innovative wearable breast pumps and cozy nursing bras, the podcast is part of a movement to empower moms through every phase of early motherhood. **Enjoying the Show?**  Subscribe so you never miss an episode. If you’re enjoying the conversations, consider leaving us a 5-star review—it helps us grow the village and support more moms. Follow Koala Tots for more calming bedtime stories, or listen ad-free with bonus sleepy compilations on Koala Tots Plus  https://koalatots.supercast.com   Narrated by Abbe Opher Music by Sokratis Seirlis Instagram: @koalakids.fm