Prepare for breastfeeding baby after childbirth

Breastfeeding helps protect your child against a host of diseases in infancy, childhood, and even later on in life -- everything from ear infections, diarrhea, and respiratory illnesses, and possibly even diabetes, obesity, asthma, and leukemia. Plus, it also protects you: breastfeeding moms have a lower risk of breast and ovarian cancers.But breastfeeding doesn't always come easy for every woman.
 It's easy to get discouraged early on, especially if you expect your baby to just latch on and start suckling, only to find he has a "difficult latch" or you've developed mastitis (an infection in the breast). Here's where you need preparation before you start to breastfeed, and support while you're doing it. Some options:Call the National Women's Health Center's Breastfeeding Helpline at 1-800-994-9662.
 Staffed with trained La Leche League counselors, the helpline is open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Eastern Time, and can take questions in English and Spanish. Their counselors can answer common breastfeeding questions on issues ranging from nursing positions to pumping and storage, and provide you with support to make breastfeeding a success.Find a lactation consultant near you. International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (ILBCLCs) can provide you with everything from prenatal breastfeeding education to postnatal home and hospital visits, educational literature, and support groups.