Prenatal Feeding Support
Prepare for Feeding Before Baby Arrives
Prepare for Feeding Before Baby Arrives
Thoughtful prenatal feeding preparation designed to help families feel more informed, supported, and confident entering the early postpartum weeks.
North Fulton Lactation’s virtual Due Date Feeding Groups combine evidence-based education, continuity of support, and community for families preparing to welcome a new baby.
Led by Kara Pernice, RN, IBCLC, these small-group prenatal cohorts are designed to help families better understand feeding expectations before challenges arise — while creating ongoing support through the transition into postpartum life.
A Different Approach to Feeding Support
At North Fulton Lactation, we believe prenatal feeding preparation deserves the same thoughtful attention as birth preparation.
Many feeding challenges in the early postpartum weeks are not caused by a lack of effort or commitment from parents — they often stem from limited preparation, unrealistic expectations, delayed support, or difficulty identifying concerns early.
While not every feeding challenge can be prevented, early education and support often allow families to recognize concerns sooner, navigate common obstacles more confidently, and enter the postpartum period with a stronger foundation.
We believe every feeding journey is worthy of informed, compassionate support — whether breastfeeding, pumping, combination feeding, or formula feeding.
Due Date Feeding Groups
These small, IBCLC-led prenatal feeding groups are designed for families approximately 34–36 weeks pregnant and are organized into recurring virtual monthly cohorts.
Each cohort includes:
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Two live virtual prenatal education sessions
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Small-group discussion and individualized guidance
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Partner/support person participation welcome
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Optional group text communication for ongoing support
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Opportunities for postpartum meetups as schedules allow
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Early postpartum text support during the hospital transition period
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Priority scheduling for postpartum lactation follow-up visits when available
The goal of this program is not simply education before birth, but continuity of support through the critical transition into early postpartum feeding and recovery.
Session One:
Foundations + Early Postpartum
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What feeding typically looks like in the first days
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Milk production basics
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Newborn feeding behavior and expectations
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Early latch and positioning guidance
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Partner support and realistic preparation
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Recognizing when additional support may be needed
Session Two:
Protecting Milk Supply, Pumping, Bottles
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Pump selection and flange basics
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Bottle feeding guidance
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Protecting milk supply
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Sleep and feeding expectations
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Common early feeding challenges and troubleshooting
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Q and A
What We’ll Cover
Support Beyond the Sessions
Families participating in prenatal feeding groups will receive access to additional early postpartum support, including direct text communication during the hospital transition period and priority scheduling for lactation follow-up visits within the first 24–48 hours after returning home, when possible.
Postpartum follow-up visits also include ongoing infant feeding and growth assessment to help families better understand intake, feeding progress, and early weight patterns during the transition into newborn life. Many parents find reassurance in having close feeding support and objective growth monitoring during the early postpartum weeks.
Because feeding challenges often arise quickly in the first days postpartum, this continuity of support may help families feel more confident navigating questions, identifying concerns earlier, and knowing when additional assessment may be beneficial.
In-home follow-up availability may depend on location and scheduling. For families outside of North Fulton Lactation’s service area, trusted IBCLC referrals will be provided whenever possible.
You Don’t Have to Figure It Out Alone
Preparing to feed your baby can feel overwhelming, especially with the amount of conflicting information families often receive during pregnancy and postpartum.
North Fulton Lactation’s prenatal support programs are designed to provide thoughtful education, realistic expectations, early guidance, and ongoing support — helping families enter the postpartum period feeling more connected, informed, and prepared.
Groups are held virtually on Tuesday evenings from 7:00–8:15 PM EST.
Families are encouraged to participate around 34–36 weeks pregnant.
Cohorts are intentionally kept small to support discussion, individualized guidance, and meaningful connection between families entering the same season of parenthood.
Many insurance plans include coverage for prenatal and postpartum lactation support. After enrollment, North Fulton Lactation partners to assist with insurance verification and review available benefits prior to participation whenever possible.
For any questions please call or text 770-746-6740