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BREASTFEEDING BASICS
The first few weeks of breastfeeding can seem daunting. You
and your baby are just getting to know each other, and you have so many questions:
Is my baby getting enough breast milk? Am I doing it right? What should I expect?
Think of this time as a transitional learning period for both of you. It may take
some time to begin to work together as a team. Try to be patient, get lots of rest
and develop a schedule. And of course discuss any concerns with a lactation consultant
or your health care provider.
It’s a good idea to keep a record of feeding times and diapers used on a chart or
in a notebook for the first few weeks.
The first few days after your baby is born can be crucial to your future breastfeeding
success.
If your baby is full-term and healthy, chances are he will be ready to begin breastfeeding
within the first two hours after birth. After feeding, your baby may be sleepy or
drowsy for up to 24 hours and not want to nurse. But you should breastfeed your
baby several times on day one. During the first 24 hours, your baby will wet only
a few diapers and have one or two black, tarry stools. These stools are also known
as meconium.
By day two, your baby is beginning to get the hang of breastfeeding. While he will
probably still need your help with latching on and sucking, he will wake and be
interested in nursing every one-and-a-half to three hours, for 8 to 12 feedings
in 24 hours.
Frequent feedings during the first few days may seem like a burden, but they give
your baby colostrum (the first milk your breasts make), which is rich in infection-fighting
antibodies. They also signal your breasts to increase milk production.
Each feeding your baby will probably nurse for at least 10 minutes. It’s OK to let
him breastfeed for up to 30 minutes before gently removing your nipple from his
mouth. After he finishes with one breast, you might want to change his diaper and
burp him, then offer the other breast.
Your baby will continue to produce just a few wet and dirty diapers each day. You
may notice your baby has lost a little weight. This is normal, and when your milk
production increases, he will stop losing weight and begin to wet and dirty more
diapers. Baby’s stools will still be very dark – black to greenish-black to brown.
While you are feeding your baby, your uterus (womb) may contract or cramp. This
probably signals that your body is making one of the hormones that releases the
milk from your breasts – also known as the “let down” or “milk ejection” reflex.
Some women notice a tingling, hot or cool sensation on the breasts when the milk
ejection occurs. Some women notice nothing different when it happens.
During these early days, your nipples may become sore or tender, especially during
the first few minutes of a breastfeeding session. This will probably pass, but if
it does not go away by the end of the week or if it becomes painful, consult a lactation
consultant or other healthcare professional.
Around three to five days after birth, your milk will change from colostrum to breast
milk. This event is sometimes referred to as your milk “coming in.” The amount of
breast milk you produce will increase markedly, and within a day or so your baby
will be producing many more wet diapers. The stools become more frequent and become
softer and brown, then mustard-yellow, loose and seedy.
Soon after your milk comes in, your baby’s weight gain will probably increase, possibly
to as much as a half ounce each day.
During this time, your breasts may feel heavy or full. They may become
engorged because
of increased milk production and swelling of breast tissues.
Your baby will continue to breastfeed for 10 to 30 minutes 8 to 12 times each day.
View this chart to see if your baby
is getting enough milk.
Each day, you and your baby will get a little better and more comfortable at breastfeeding.
He will continue to nurse 8 to 12 times each 24-hour period, for about 10 to 30
minutes on the first breast. Babies usually breastfeed for shorter periods on the
second breast, and sometimes they refuse the second breast. If this happens, offer
that breast first at the next session.
During this period, each day your baby will probably:
Babies often have two- to four-day growth spurts around:
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Two to three weeks
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Four to six weeks
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Three months
During growth spurts, babies need extra nutrients and may
want to breastfeed more often. Allow the baby to set the pace for feeding and do
not try to withhold feedings if he is hungry. In a few days, your baby’s schedule
should regulate.
 
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