Breastfeeding Tip #2 – Getting Started
The first milk is called colostrum, a fluid rich in vitamins, protein and immune factors to protect your baby. A newborn’s stomach is very small and cannot hold a large amount of milk – that is why your early milk is very concentrated and why babies want to feed often in the beginning.
Feeding your baby often will also help increase your milk supply. The more your baby breastfeeds – the more milk you will produce – “Supply and Demand”.
Watch The Baby Not The Clock!
Instead of timing feeds by the clock, look for your baby’s early signs of wanting to feed, such as rooting, licking his lips or putting his hands to his mouth.
Babies need to eat often in the first weeks – 8 or more times in 24 hours. This establishes active milk production and ensures that your baby regains his birth weight by the second week of life. Night feeds are important to establish breastfeeding and to maintain milk production.
Mother’s milk is easily digested. When your baby is breastfeeding well and often, there is no need to supplement with food or other liquids, not even water.
The usual pattern is: feed your baby on one breast until he stops suckling, then a burp or diaper change, and then offer the other breast. The next time you breastfeed your baby, start with the breast on which he finished the last time.
Some babies prefer several “short courses”; others prefer one long feeding. Don’t rush your baby – take your time.
Signs Your Baby is Getting Enough Breast Milk:
Weight gain is a very good sign that your baby is breastfeeding well. By 2 weeks of age, your baby will most likely have regained his or her birth weight and will gain, on average, 5 or more ounces (141 grams) each week after that. Another positive sign to look for is 6 or more wet diapers a day, by day 6 and frequent bowel movements.
The first 4 to 6 weeks are a learning period while your body establishes your milk supply and you become more at ease with breastfeeding and understanding your baby’s cues. Time, patience, and humor can all help!
–excerpted from Public Health Agency