How to start breastfeeding

Hints to Help You Get Off to a Good Start

Breastfeeding has many benefits for your baby. Breast milk is rich in nutrients. It has antibodies, which help protect your baby against infections. It also can help prevent sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Babies who are breastfed are less likely to have allergies, asthma, and diabetes. They also are less likely to become overweight.

Breastfeeding has benefits for you as well. It’s cheaper than using formula. You don’t have to wash bottles or mix formula. It helps your uterus go back to normal size after stretching out during pregnancy. This can help you lose weight faster. It can delay the return of your periods. However, you shouldn’t count on it to prevent pregnancy. Breastfeeding helps make time for you to be close to your baby. Women who breastfeed have lower risks of type 2 diabetes, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, high blood pressure, and heart disease.

Path to improved health

Breastfeeding promotes wellbeing for you and your baby. Although it is a natural part of the birthing process, it’s not always easy. Many women need help learning how to breastfeed. The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) recommends that all doctors provide assistance to women during pregnancy and after birth to support breastfeeding. Your doctor may recommend breastfeeding for at least the first 6 months of your baby’s life.

Below are helpful tips to help you get off to a good start.

During pregnancy, the following things can prepare you for breastfeeding.

• Prenatal care. It’s important to take good care of yourself and your baby. Babies who are born early (premature) have a harder time breastfeeding.
• Talk to your doctor. Make sure your doctor knows your plan to breastfeed. They can give you some resources. Ask questions about what type of care the hospital provides after birth. Some offer lactation consultants, who are breastfeeding specialists.
• Breastfeeding class. Some women find that taking a class can help them practice for the real thing.
• Breastfeeding items. Plan ahead by purchasing the items you need. These can include a nursing pillow, nursing bra, and covers. Some hospitals and insurance plans provide free breast pumps.

Once your baby is born, your breasts will start to fill up. At first, your body will produce a “pre-milk,” called colostrum. This can be thin and watery or thick and more yellow-colored. The pre-milk has a slower flow to help your baby learn to nurse. A newborn’s stomach is only about the size of a large grape. After 3 to 4 days of nursing, your real breast milk will come in.

Most babies are ready to eat 1 to 2 hours after birth. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to breastfeed.

1. Wash your hands before each feeding.
2. Place your baby in one of the breastfeeding positions (outline below).
3. Put the thumb of your free hand on top of your breast and your other fingers below.
4. Touch your baby’s lips to your nipple until your baby opens their mouth wide.
5. Put your nipple all the way in your baby’s mouth and pull your baby close to you. This lets your baby’s jaw squeeze the milk ducts under your areola (nipple).

How do I know if my baby is latched on?

When your baby is “latched on” the right way, both lips should cover nearly all of your areola. Your baby’s jaw should begin to move back and forth. Your baby may make low-pitched swallowing noises instead of smacking noises. If you feel pain while your baby is nursing, they may not be latched on.

Your baby’s nose may touch your breast during nursing. Babies’ noses are designed to allow air to get in and out. If you’re concerned your baby can’t breathe easily, gently press down on your breast near your baby’s nose to give them more room to breathe. Your baby shouldn’t have to turn their head or strain their neck to nurse.

You can hold your baby in a number of ways. Some of the most common positions are:

• Put your baby’s head in the crook of your arm. Support your baby’s back and bottom with your forearm. Your baby should be lying facing you. Your breast should be right in front of your baby’s face.
• Side-lying. While lying down, place your baby alongside you. Your baby should be facing you. Pull your baby close to you so they can latch on. You can use a pillow to prop up, if needed. This position is helpful if you had a cesarean section (C-section). You don’t want to fall asleep while nursing in this (or any other) position. Co-sleeping can be dangerous for your baby. It increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
• Tuck your baby under your arm, along your side. Their head should be resting in your hand. Support your baby’s body with your forearm. Your baby should be facing you. This position is helpful if you had a C-section. It also can help if your breasts are large, your baby is small, or you have multiple babies.
• Cross-cradle. Hold your baby with the opposite arm of the breast you’re using. Support your baby’s head and bottom with the palm of your hand and forearm. Your baby should still be lying facing you. This position can help premature babies or babies who have a weak suck. It provides added head support.

The let-down reflex means your milk is ready to flow. It makes breastfeeding easier for you and your baby. You may feel a tingle in your breast(s) as you start to breastfeed. Milk may drip from the breast not being used. These are signs that your milk has “let-down.” The let-down reflex also may occur if a feeding is overdue, if you hear a baby cry, or if you think about your baby.

The reflex can be forceful enough to cause your baby to cough. If this is a problem, try to discharge some of your milk by hand before a feeding.

Feed your baby as often as they want to be fed. Learn how to tell when your baby is hungry. Crying can be a sign of hunger, but it may be too late. Babies who are crying or are upset have a harder time latching on. Watch out for early signs of hunger. Your baby may:

• Make sucking motions
• Turn toward the breast if they are being held
• Put their hands in their mouth
• Become excited or alert

After birth, your baby may be hungry 8 to 12 times a day or more. This number may decrease over time or increase during a growth spurt. Growth spurts occur at about 2 weeks and 6 weeks of age and again at about 3 months and 6 months of age.

Let your baby eat until they are satisfied. This may be for about 15 to 20 minutes at each breast. Try to have your baby nurse from both breasts at each feeding. Make sure your baby finishes one breast before starting the other. Your baby should let go on their own once they are done.

Don’t limit the time you let your baby nurse. It may keep your milk ducts from completely emptying. This can decrease your milk flow and make it harder for your baby to latch it on. It also can cause swelling and pain. Applying a cold compress before nursing can ease discomfort.

Your baby is getting enough milk if they:

• Act satisfied after each feeding
• Gain weight consistently after the first 3 to 7 days after birth. (Your baby may lose a little weight during the first week after being born.)
• Have about 6 to 8 wet diapers a day
• Have about 2 to 5 or more stools a day at first. This number may decrease to about 2 stools or less a day

Sometimes babies fall asleep while nursing. You can squeeze your breast to make more milk flow. This may awaken your baby. If you are not sure they got enough milk, offer your other breast to see if your baby latches on again.

If you think your baby needs more milk, increase the number of feedings a day. It’s important for you to get plenty of rest and eat right. Give your body time to catch up to your baby’s demands.

Don’t replace breast milk with baby formula or cereal. This can make babies lose interest in breast milk. It also will decrease your milk supply. You shouldn’t give your baby solid foods until about 6 months of age.

There is no reason you have to stop breastfeeding when you return to work. Make a plan for pumping your breast milk at work. The federal Break Time for Nursing Mothers law requires your employer to provide basic accommodations for breastfeeding mothers at work, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). “These accommodations include time for women to express milk and a private space that is not a bathroom each time they need to pump,” reports the HHS.

Breastfeed your baby before you leave for work, and every 3-4 hours at work (or however often you would normally feed your baby). Keep the milk refrigerated and your baby can have it the next day while you are at work. It keeps for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. If you aren’t going to use the milk within 4 days, freeze it. Breastmilk will last up to 6-12 month in the freezer. After work, breastfeed your baby as you normally would.

Things to consider

The best diet is well balanced and has plenty of calcium. A balanced diet includes eating from all 5 food groups. You should get 5 servings of milk or dairy products each day. It is okay to eat foods that were restricted while you were pregnant. These will not make your baby sick.

If you don’t eat meat or dairy, you can get calcium from foods such as broccoli, sesame seeds, tofu, and kale. Talk to your doctor about taking a calcium supplement if you don’t get enough from your diet.

You should eat about 500 extra calories per day. Make sure you drink extra fluids as well. Continue to take a prenatal vitamin so your body gets enough nutrients.

Certain foods can bother your baby. They may make him or her fussy or gassy. Pay attention to what you eat and how your baby acts after feedings. Stop eating foods that affect them. These may include spicy foods, broccoli, or milk.

Some babies react to cow’s milk in your diet. Symptoms can include gas, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, or colic. Your baby also can have an allergic reaction to something you eat. Common foods are eggs and peanuts. They may get a rash or have trouble breathing. Contact your doctor right away if your baby has any of these signs.

Limit your intake of caffeine and alcohol. These can get into your milk. Don’t have more than a couple cups of coffee, tea, soda, or other caffeine each day. Don’t have more than one alcoholic drink each day. Avoid drinking caffeine and alcohol less than 2 hours before a feeding.

Some medicines can get into your milk. This includes over-the-counter drugs and prescriptions, such as antidepressants and birth control medicines. Don’t take anything without talking to your doctor first. Smoking also is bad for breastfeeding. The chemicals and smoke can get in your milk. Smoking can cause you to make less milk. If you smoke, try to quit.

If possible, avoid using bottles or pacifiers after birth. This can confuse your baby and make breastfeeding harder.

It’s easier to prevent sore nipples than it is to treat them. The main cause of sore nipples is when your baby doesn’t latch on the right way. You need to start over to correct this. To take your baby off your breast, release the suction by putting your finger in the corner of your baby’s mouth between the gums. Switch breasts and try to breastfeed again.

Other ways to prevent and heal sore nipples are:

• Make sure your baby is sucking the right way. If the sucking hurts, your baby’s mouth may not be in the right position.
• Offer your baby the less sore of your two nipples first. Your baby’s sucking may be less forceful after the first few minutes.
• If possible, position cracked or tender parts of your breast at the corner of your baby’s mouth. This way the spots get less pressure during feeding.
• Change positions.
• Let your nipples air dry between feedings. Let the milk dry on your nipples instead of wiping it off.
• Wash your nipples daily with warm water. Don’t use soap or lotion that may contain alcohol. This can dry out your skin.
• Rub lanolin on your nipples to help soothe them.
• Avoid bra pads lined with plastic. Change bra pads between feedings to keep your nipples dry.
• Discharge milk with your hand until the let-down reflex occurs. This can help make your milk flow easier so your baby sucks less hard.

When to see your doctor

Call your doctor if you have:

• A red, sore, or painful spot on your breast
• Painful engorgement (overfull breasts)
• A fever or if you feel achy (these may be signs of an infection)

You also should call your doctor if your baby is losing weight for no apparent reason.

Questions to ask your doctor

• Where can I take a breastfeeding class?
• What type of breastfeeding care and information will the hospital provide after birth?
• What should I do if my baby won’t latch on?
• What can I do if my body is not producing enough milk?
• Is it okay to give my baby bottles or pacifiers?

Resources

National Institutes of Health, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development: Breastfeeding and Breast Milk

National Institutes of Health, MedlinePlus: Breastfeeding

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office on Women’s Health: Learning to Breastfeed

How to Start, Benefits & Common Concerns

What is breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding is a natural way to feed your baby. In this method of feeding your baby, they latch on or attach their mouth onto your breast and, through a sucking motion, drink milk made by your body. Your baby will likely start breastfeeding not long after they're born, often within the first few hours. At first, your milk supply will be made up of something called colostrum. This is a protein-rich, often thick liquid that helps your baby stay hydrated. It’s full of antibodies that also help guard your newborn against infections. Your colostrum will change into mature milk after the first few days (usually three to five days) of breastfeeding. During this time your baby will lose a bit of weight. This is normal. They will regain it once your milk “comes in”.

What are the benefits of breastfeeding?

There are many natural benefits of breastfeeding that both you and your baby can enjoy. Your breast milk is not only a nutritious choice for your baby, it also can help protect them from certain illnesses. When you’re sick, your body creates antibodies. These antibodies are passed from you to your baby through your breast milk. This helps protect your baby. Breastfed babies have a lower risk for developing certain medical conditions, including:

• Diabetes.
• Obesity.
• Asthma.
• Ear infections.

Breastfed infants also have a lower risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). New moms can benefit from breastfeeding too. Many mothers say that breastfeeding helped them get back to their pre-pregnancy weight faster. It can also help you with blood pressure issues, reduce your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, and even reduce your risk of breast and ovarian cancer.

How do I start breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding can actually start in the hours right after your baby is born. After your baby is born, you might be encouraged to hold your baby against your skin – called skin-to-skin contact. This close contact encourages your baby to bond and breastfeed. Once you’re ready, place your baby to your breast in a position that’s comfortable for both of you. Guide your baby’s mouth to your nipple. When your baby is properly latched on your breast, their mouth should cover most of your areola (the darker area that encircles your nipple). Typically, you’ll feel your baby pull on your nipple as they feed. You might hear small noises as your baby eats. Breastfeeding shouldn’t be painful. If it is, your baby might not be latched on to your breast correctly.

What should I expect when I start breastfeeding?

There is a learning curve to breastfeeding. You will need to try different holds with your baby and learn what works best for both of you. You’ll also need to learn your baby’s schedule. This can vary depending on each child. It’s important to not be too attached to a schedule — your baby will make their own schedule and you will adapt to it over time. There’s no set amount of times your baby will eat each day. Feed your baby when they are hungry. For many babies, this is every two to three hours. A part of early breastfeeding also involves learning your baby’s cues. Your baby will do certain things when he or she is hungry. Cues of hunger can include:

• Sucking on their hands.
• Acting alert.
• Moving towards your breast.

Once a baby starts crying, it might be a late stage of hunger. Try to feed your baby before they start to cry. Once your baby starts crying, it might be harder to get them to feed properly.

How long should I breastfeed my baby?

How long you breastfeed your baby is up to you, but healthcare providers recommend using breast milk for the first six months of your child’s life, either by breastfeeding or pumping your milk and using a bottle. If you can, you should continue to use breast milk throughout your baby’s first year, even as you add new foods to their diet. After that, the benefits are less significant for your baby and they will be transitioning to a solid food diet. Always remember that you need to do what works best for you. Some moms really enjoy breastfeeding and feel comfortable continuing past their baby’s first birthday, and some moms have a great deal of difficulty breastfeeding. Other new mothers might be ready to stop after a shorter period. Remember that the first six months are the most important and talk to your healthcare team about the pros and cons of your breastfeeding timeline.

Can I use birth control while I’m breastfeeding?

If you’re breastfeeding, you might not get your period for a while after your baby is born. This typically isn’t something to worry about. Talk to your healthcare provider about when your period should return and when to let them know if it’s a concern. However, just because you aren’t having a monthly period doesn’t mean you can’t get pregnant. You can get pregnant while breastfeeding. There are many different types of birth control you can use during this time to prevent pregnancy. These options include:

• Condoms.
• Diaphragms.
• Intrauterine devices (these can even be implanted right after you deliver your baby).
• Birth control pills (your provider might prescribe you a progestin-only pill called the “mini-pill”).

What are some common concerns about breastfeeding?

For many women, there are concerns and worries about specific aspects of breastfeeding. It’s important to remember that there are no stupid questions when it comes to caring for your child. Don’t be afraid to ask your healthcare provider all of your questions. It’s best that you get the correct information before you make important decisions about breastfeeding.Some common questions and answers include:

Are my breasts too small to breastfeed?

• Breast size doesn’t affect your ability to breastfeed. The amount of milk your breasts make will depend on your overall health and how much your baby eats, not how big your breasts are.

Will breastfeeding hurt?

• Breastfeeding should not hurt if your baby is latched onto your breast well.
• Your healthcare provider or lactation consultant can help you learn how to hold your baby when you breastfeed for the first time. Your breasts might be tender the first few days, but this soreness should go away as you continue to breastfeed.

Is breastfeeding hard to do?

• Breastfeeding is a learned skill and takes practice, but the health benefits you gain for you and your baby are worth it. Help with breastfeeding is available. There are many ways for you to learn about breastfeeding. Many hospitals offer breastfeeding classes that you can attend during pregnancy. In most cases, nurses and lactation consultants are also available to give you information and support. Talking to other breastfeeding moms might be helpful and make you feel more comfortable.

How do I breastfeed if I’m shy and worry that it will be embarrassing?

• If you’re shy, there are several ways you can still breastfeed and feel comfortable. You can choose to feed your baby in private. Or, you can breastfeed in front of others without them seeing anything. You can wear shirts that pull up from the bottom, just enough for your baby to reach your breast. You can put a blanket over your shoulder or around your baby so no one can see your breast.

Do I have to drink milk if I choose to breastfeed?

• No, you don't have to drink milk to make breast milk. Other sources of calcium-rich foods include yogurt, cheese, tofu, salmon, almonds, calcium-enriched fruit juice, leafy green vegetables, broccoli, and dried beans and peas. Eat four servings of calcium-rich foods every day to provide proper nutrition for you and your baby. You can also ask your provider about calcium and vitamin D supplements.

What if I need to go out?

• If you can take your baby with you, your baby can eat when they are hungry. If you need to be away from your baby, you can pump or "express" your milk and refrigerate it so that someone else can feed your baby from a bottle.

How can I breastfeed when I go back to work?

• When you return to work, you can learn to pump or "express" your milk and refrigerate or freeze it so that someone else can feed your milk to your baby while you're at work. Often, your place of work will have a private space set aside for you to pump.

Will breastfeeding take too much time?

• Feeding your baby takes time, no matter which method you choose. If breastfeeding takes a very long time for you it may be helpful to pump your milk and bottle feed it to your baby. You should talk to your provider or lactation consultant if this is a concern.

Are there any foods or drinks that I should avoid while breastfeeding?

Similarly to when you were pregnant, you should pay attention to what you eat and drink when you’re breastfeeding. There aren’t as many restrictions when you’re breastfeeding as there are when you are pregnant, but a few things to keep in mind include:

• Cutting back on your caffeine. You can drink caffeine when you’re breastfeeding, but try to limit it to about 200 milligrams each day. You might also want to time your cup of coffee so that you’re not drinking caffeine before your child’s nap or bedtime feeding. The caffeine could pass through your milk and to your baby.
• Limiting your alcohol intake. You can also drink a limited amount of alcohol when you’re breastfeeding. However, you should wait a few hours (at least two) after a drink before you feed your baby. Over time, the alcohol will leave your system. It’s safest for your baby if you wait after drinking to breastfeed because it can pass through your milk and could possibly cause harm.

It’s also good to quit smoking if you haven’t already. Secondhand smoke is dangerous to children. Smoking is not only harmful to your children and your own health, but it can also decrease your milk supply. You shouldn’t smoke — or use any other type of drug — around your baby.

Can I still breastfeed if my baby won’t latch on my breast?

Yes. If your baby won’t latch on your breast, you can still give your baby breast milk. Pumping, or expressing, your milk with a breast pump machine allows you to feed your baby your own breast milk without your baby being attached to your breast. When you pump milk, the machine creates suction – which pulls the milk from your breast and into bottles or bags. You can then store the milk in your fridge, freezer or give it directly to your baby in a bottle. There are many different types of pumps available on the market. You can get pumps that are electric, battery-operated or even hand-operated. There are also newer models that are cordless and fit inside your bra, allowing you to move around freely while you pump. Research and read about the different types of pumps to decide what works best for you.

Who do I call if I have trouble breastfeeding?

If you’re having trouble breastfeeding, remember that there are resources available to help you. You can bring up any concerns about breastfeeding to your healthcare provider or your child’s pediatrician. They might direct you to a lactation consultant. A lactation consultant is specially trained to help you achieve your goals with breastfeeding and can help you learn new techniques and tricks for breastfeeding. What is breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding is a natural way to feed your baby. In this method of feeding your baby, they latch on or attach their mouth onto your breast and, through a sucking motion, drink milk made by your body.

Your baby will likely start breastfeeding not long after they're born, often within the first few hours. At first, your milk supply will be made up of something called colostrum. This is a protein-rich, often thick liquid that helps your baby stay hydrated. It’s full of antibodies that also help guard your newborn against infections. Your colostrum will change into mature milk after the first few days (usually three to five days) of breastfeeding. During this time your baby will lose a bit of weight. This is normal. They will regain it once your milk “comes in”.

Breastfeeding a newborn | What to Expect in the First Week

The first week of a baby's life is a wonderful but hectic time, especially if you haven't breastfed before. Our breastfeeding tips will help you settle in as quickly as possible

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The first time after childbirth, mothers are often confused. The body is still recovering, and you are already starting to get to know your newborn baby. The emotional state during this period can be unstable, especially between the second and fifth day, when many women have milk ¹ and at the same time postpartum depression begins ² . In addition, people around often expect (and demand) that a woman come to her senses as soon as possible and become a “super mom”. But the best thing to do this first week is just to be with your baby and get breastfeeding going.

When should I start breastfeeding my newborn?

Try to breastfeed your baby within the first hour after birth. When the baby latch onto the breast and begins sucking rhythmically, it stimulates the mammary gland cells and starts milk production. nine0009 1 It is not for nothing that this time is called the “magic hour”!

“Ideally, the baby should be placed on the mother's stomach immediately after birth so that it can immediately attach to the breast. He won't necessarily eat, but he should be able to,” explains Cathy Garbin, an internationally recognized expert on breastfeeding.

“Hold your baby and let him find the breast on his own and put the nipple in his mouth. This is called the breast-seeking reflex. On the Internet you can watch videos that show what this process looks like. If the baby does not latch onto the nipple on its own, the midwife will help to properly attach it to the breast. But for starters, it’s good to give the baby the opportunity to do it on their own. In this case, the optimal position for the mother is reclining. ” nine0003

Don't spend that special first hour of your baby's life weighing and swaddling—or at least wait until he's suckling for the first time. Enjoy hugs and close skin-to-skin contact. This promotes the production of oxytocin, the hormone of love, in you and your baby, and oxytocin plays a key role in the supply of the first breast milk - colostrum. ³

“As soon as the obstetricians were convinced that our son was healthy, the three of us — me, my husband and our baby — were left to give us the opportunity to get to know each other. It was a very special hour - an hour of awkwardness, turbulent emotions and bliss. During this time, I breastfed my son twice, ”recalls Ellie, a mother of two from the UK. nine0003

Did you know that breastfeeding helps to recover after childbirth? This is because oxytocin stimulates uterine contractions. In the first hours after childbirth, this contributes to the natural release of the placenta and reduces blood loss. ⁴

What if the birth did not go according to plan?

If you had a cesarean section or other complications during childbirth,
You can still make skin-to-skin contact with your baby and breastfeed him in the first hours after birth. nine0003

“If you can't hold your baby, have your partner do it for you and make skin-to-skin contact with the baby. This will give the baby a sense of security, care and warmth so that he can hold on until you recover, ”Katie advises.

If the baby is unable to breastfeed, it is advisable to start expressing milk as early as possible and do so as often as possible until the baby is able to feed on its own. “While breastfeeding in the first hours after birth lays an excellent foundation for the future, it is not so important,” Cathy reassures. “It is much more important to start lactation so that in the future, if necessary, you can start breastfeeding.” nine0003

To start milk production, you can express milk manually or use a breast pump that can be given to you at the hospital. ⁵ And with expressed precious colostrum, it will be possible to feed the child. This is especially important if the baby was born premature or weak, since breast milk is extremely healthy.

If a baby was born prematurely or has a medical condition and cannot be breastfed immediately, this is no reason not to continue breastfeeding. “I have worked with many new mothers who were unable to breastfeed their baby for the first six weeks due to preterm labor or other reasons. Nevertheless, all of them later successfully switched to breastfeeding,” says Kathy. nine0003

Does the baby latch on correctly?

Correct breastfeeding is essential for successful breastfeeding ⁶ , as it determines how effectively the baby will suckle milk and hence grow and develop. Latching on the breast incorrectly can cause sore or damaged nipples, so don't hesitate to ask your doctor to check that your baby is properly attached to the breast, even if you are told that everything is fine and you do not see obvious problems - especially while you are in the hospital. nine0003

“While I was in the hospital, I called the doctor at every feed and asked me to check if I was breastfeeding correctly,” says Emma, ​​mother of two from Australia. - There were several cases when it seemed to me that everything seemed to be right, but it was painful to feed, and the doctor helped me take the baby off the breast and attach it correctly. By the time I was discharged, I had already learned to do it confidently.”

When applying to the breast, point the nipple towards the palate. This will allow the baby to take the nipple and part of the areola under it into their mouth. It will be easier for him to suck if he has both the nipple and part of the areola around in his mouth. nine0009 6

“When a baby latch on properly, it doesn't cause discomfort and it causes a pulling sensation, not pain,” Cathy explains. - The baby's mouth is wide open, the lower lip may be slightly turned outward, and the upper one lies comfortably on the chest. The body language of the child indicates that he is comfortable. There isn't much milk at this early stage, so you probably won't notice your baby swallowing, but he will suckle a lot and nurse frequently."

How often should a newborn be fed? nine0015

The frequency and duration of breastfeeding in the first week can vary greatly. “The first 24 hours of life are completely different for different children. Someone sleeps a lot (after all, childbirth is tiring!), And someone often eats, says Katie. - Such a variety greatly confuses young mothers. Everyone gives different advice, so it's important to remember that every mother and child is different."

“Colostrum is thicker than mature breast milk and is produced in smaller quantities, but it provides many benefits. When the baby eats colostrum, he learns to suck, swallow and breathe until milk begins to flow in more volume, ”explains Cathy. nine0003

Milk usually arrives on the second or fourth day after delivery. Until this time, the baby is applied to the breast 8-12 times a day (and sometimes more often!), including at night. ⁷ Feeding may last 10-15 minutes at this stage, or 45 minutes or even an hour, as the baby is just beginning to develop the muscles and coordination needed to suckle effectively.

“At first, the intensity of feeding is very high, often higher than many people realize, and this is shocking to most new mothers,” says Cathy. - Sometimes mom has no time to go to the toilet, take a shower and have a snack. It usually comes as a surprise." nine0003

Camille, a mother from Australia, experienced this. “The first week, Frankie ate every two hours, day and night, and each time it took half an hour to an hour to feed,” she recalls. “My husband and I were completely exhausted!”

Do I need to feed my newborn on a schedule?

The good news is that frequent feeding promotes lactation and stimulates milk production. ⁷ The more your baby eats, the more milk you will have. Therefore, forget about feeding your newborn on a schedule - this way he will have less chance of feeding. Try to feed your baby when he signals that he is hungry ⁸ :

• tossing and turning in her sleep;
• opens eyes;
• turns his head if he feels a touch on his cheek;
• sticks out tongue;
• groans;
• licks lips;
• sucks fingers;
• is naughty;
• whimpers;
• is crying.

Crying is the last sign of hunger, so when in doubt, just offer your baby the breast. If he bursts into tears, it will be more difficult to feed him, especially at first, when both of you are just learning how to do it. As your baby grows, he will likely eat less frequently and take less time to feed, so breastfeeding will seem more predictable. nine0003

Does breastfeeding hurt?

You may have heard that breastfeeding is not painful at all, but in fact, in the first days, many new mothers experience discomfort. And this is not at all surprising, given that the nipples are not used to such frequent and strong sucking.

“Breastfeeding can be uncomfortable for the first couple of days – your body and your baby are just getting used to it. If a baby eats for too long and does not latch well, the sensations are almost the same as from unworn new shoes, Cathy compares. Just as tight shoes can rub your feet, improper suckling can damage your nipples. Prevention is always better than cure, so if the pain persists after a few days of feeding, contact a lactation consultant or healthcare professional.” nine0003

Maria, a mother from Canada, agrees: “Although my son seemed to latch onto the breast well, he damaged his nipples while feeding, and I was in pain. As it turned out, the reason was a shortened frenulum of the tongue. The breastfeeding specialists at our city clinic have been of great help in diagnosis and treatment.”

In addition, you may experience period cramps during the first few days after breastfeeding, especially if this is not your first baby. This is the so-called postpartum pain. The fact is that oxytocin, which is released during breastfeeding, contributes to further contraction of the uterus to restore its normal size. nine0009 4

When milk arrives, the breasts usually become fuller, firmer and larger than before delivery. In some women, the breasts swell, harden and become very sensitive - swelling of the mammary glands occurs. ¹⁰ Frequent breastfeeding relieves these symptoms. For more breast care tips, read our article What is Breast Swelling?

How often does the newborn urinate and defecate?

What goes into the body must go back out. Colostrum
has a laxative effect, helping to eliminate meconium - the original feces. It looks a little scary - black and sticky, like tar. ¹¹ But don't worry, it won't always be like this. Breastfed babies usually have a slightly sweet smell of stool.

How many times a day you will need to change diapers and how the contents should look like, see below.

Day one

• Frequency: once or more.
• Colour: greenish black. nine0087
• Texture: sticky like tar.

Day two

• Frequency: twice or more.
• Colour: dark greenish brown.
• Texture: less sticky.

Day three

• Frequency: twice or more.
• Colour: greenish brown to brownish yellow.
• Texture: non-sticky.

Fourth day and then the entire first month

• Frequency: twice or more.
• Color: yellow (feces should turn yellow no later than by the end of the fourth day).
• Texture: grainy (like mustard with grains interspersed). Leaky and watery.

The baby's urine should be light yellow. On average, babies urinate once a day for the first two days. Starting around the third day, the number of wet diapers increases to three, and from the fifth day onwards, diapers have to be changed five times a day or more often. In addition, during the first few days, the weight of wet diapers increases. nine0009 11

Is the baby getting enough breast milk?

Since very little milk is produced at first,
You may feel that this is not enough for your baby. But if you feed your baby on demand, you will produce exactly as much milk as he needs. If you want to keep the process under control, be guided by the frequency of diaper changes above. If your baby soils less diapers, check with your doctor.

“For the first three or four weeks, most babies just eat and sleep. If the child is worried and constantly asks for a breast, you should consult with your doctor, ”Katie recommends. nine0003

Sometimes the baby may vomit after feeding. If the vomit is the color of milk, this is not a cause for concern. But if there are orange, red, green, brown or black blotches in it, or the child vomits with a "fountain", consult a doctor. You should also consult a doctor if the baby has a high temperature, the fontanel (soft spot on the head) has sunk, blood is found in the stool, and also if the weight recorded at birth has not recovered within two weeks. ¹¹

But if there are no frightening symptoms and the baby is growing at a normal pace, it means that he has enough milk. Soon you will both get used to breastfeeding and establish a more stable routine.

For the next step in breastfeeding, see Breastfeeding in the First Month: What to Expect.

Literature

1 Pang WW, Hartmann PE. Initiation of human lactation: secretory differentiation and secretory activation. J Mammary Gland Biol Neoplasia 2007;12(4):211-221. - Pang, W.W., Hartmann, P.I., "Lactation initiation in the lactating mother: secretory differentiation and secretory activation." G Mammary Gland Biol Neoplasia. 2007;12(4):211-221.

2 Shashi R et al. Postpartum psychiatric disorders: Early diagnosis and management. Indian J Psychiatry . 2015; 57( Suppl 2): S 216– S 221. - Shashi R. et al., Postnatal mental disorders: early diagnosis and treatment. Indian J Saikiatri. 2015; 57(App 2):S216-S221.

3 Moberg KU, Prime DK. Oxytocin effects in mothers and infants during breastfeeding. Infant . 2013;9(6):201-206. - Moberg K, Prime DK, "The effects of oxytocin on mother and child during breastfeeding." nine0201 Infant. 2013;9(6):201-206.