Top 10 Questions to Ask Before Baby Arrives

Preparing for a new baby can feel exciting, overwhelming, and everything in between. Asking the right questions before your baby arrives can help you feel more confident, supported, and ready for those early days. Whether this is your first baby or your fifth, these questions can help you build a plan that supports your family’s needs, values, and feeding goals.

Below are the top 10 questions we encourage expectant parents to ask before baby arrives.

1. Who will be part of my postpartum support team?

Many families carefully choose their prenatal providers but don’t think as much about postpartum support until challenges arise. Consider who you will reach out to for feeding support, emotional support, and practical help. This may include a lactation consultant (IBCLC), pediatrician, postpartum doula, mental health provider, family members, or friends.

Having names and contact information ready ahead of time can reduce stress if you need support quickly.

2. What are my infant feeding goals—and what support do I need to reach them?

Feeding goals can look different for every family. Whether you plan to breastfeed, pump, combo feed, formula feed, or remain flexible, it’s important to think about what support looks like for you.

Questions to consider:

• Do I want prenatal breastfeeding education?

• Who can help if feeding feels painful or confusing?

• What are my options if my original plan changes?

  
  

Prenatal lactation visits are a great time to talk through expectations, concerns, and realistic feeding plans.

3. What should I expect in the first 24–72 hours after birth?

The early days can feel intense, especially if you don’t know what’s normal. Learning about newborn feeding patterns, sleep behavior, diaper output, and physical recovery ahead of time can help reduce anxiety.

Understanding what is typical—like frequent feeding or cluster feeding—can make a big difference in how confident you feel when baby arrives.

4. How will I know if feeding is going well?

Many parents worry about whether their baby is getting enough. Before birth, ask about:

• Hunger and fullness cues

• Diaper expectations by day of life

• Signs of effective milk transfer

• When and how weight is monitored

  
  

Knowing what to watch for can help you trust your instincts and know when to ask for help.

5. What challenges are common, and when should I ask for help?

Feeding challenges are common—and support can make a huge difference. Talk with your care team about issues like nipple pain, engorgement, latch difficulties, pumping questions, or milk supply concerns.

Knowing that challenges are common (and solvable) can help you feel less alone and more empowered to reach out early.

6. What supplies do I actually need at home?

There is no shortage of baby products marketed to new parents. Before baby arrives, ask which items are truly helpful and which ones can wait.

For feeding, this may include:

• Pump options and flange sizing

• Bottles and nipples

• Milk storage supplies

• Breastfeeding pillows

• Nipple cream

• Comfort items for feeding parents

  
  

Having the basics ready can make the transition home smoother.

7. How does insurance coverage work for lactation support and supplies?

Insurance benefits for lactation support and breast pumps can vary widely. Asking about coverage during pregnancy allows you to:

• Verify lactation visit coverage

• Understand pump benefits

• Avoid unexpected bills

  
  

Knowing your benefits ahead of time can remove financial stress during the postpartum period.

8. How can I protect my mental health postpartum?

Postpartum mental health matters. Before baby arrives, ask about:

• Signs of postpartum mood and anxiety disorders

• How sleep, feeding, and support impact mental health

• Who to contact if you’re struggling

  
  

Building a plan for emotional support is just as important as planning for physical recovery.

9. How can my partner or support person be involved?

Feeding and newborn care are team efforts. Talk ahead of time about how partners or support people can help with:

• Feeding support

• Diapering and soothing

• Household tasks

• Advocating for your needs

  
  

Clear expectations can strengthen teamwork and reduce stress.

10. Who can I contact if I need help after we’re home?

Once you’re home with your baby, questions often come up quickly. Before birth, make sure you know:

• How to reach your pediatrician

• How to schedule lactation support

• Where to turn for urgent concerns versus non-urgent questions

  
  

Having a clear plan can help you feel supported and confident as you adjust to life with your new baby.

Final Thoughts

Preparing for a new baby doesn’t mean having everything perfectly planned—it means knowing where to turn for trusted, evidence-based support when questions come up. At Wisco Lactation, we believe prenatal education is one of the most powerful tools you can give yourself as a new parent.

Our team of IBCLCs and advanced-practice providers supports families across Milwaukee, Madison, Kenosha, Southern Wisconsin, and Lake County, Illinois. We offer 1:1 prenatal lactation visits to help you:

• Clarify your infant feeding goals

• Understand what’s normal in the early days

• Prepare for common challenges before they arise

• Feel confident advocating for yourself and your baby

  
  

Many insurance plans cover prenatal lactation visits, and our team is happy to help you check your benefits ahead of time.

If you’re expecting and want personalized guidance before your baby arrives, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Check insurance coverage and book your prenatal lactation visit online! We offer home & office visits in Southern Wisconsin and NE Illinois. Including Milwaukee, Madison, Kenosha and the surrounding areas. Virtual visits offered worldwide!

Book Now!