Mary Kay Vogel, IBCLC
Lactation Consultant
Iowa State University Extension
Copyright/Access Information
During these early weeks, you and your baby are adjusting to many new things. You need to take good care of yourself so you can take good care of your baby.
Make a comfortable, quiet place to breastfeed and enjoy your
baby. Have plenty of pillows, a place to prop your feet, and something
to eat or drink. Put toys or books for older children nearby.
Breathe slowly and
deeply. You may want to take the phone off the hook or listen
to relaxing music.
Breast size does not affect your ability to make milk. As your
baby grows inside you, your body prepares to nourish your baby.
Your breasts get larger and begin to make colostrum, the first
milk. Colostrum helps protect your baby from illness. It comes
in small amounts so your baby can adjust to this new way of being
fed.
Three to four days after birth, your milk becomes more plentiful.
Your breasts become full. This fullness goes away during the second
week. You are not losing your milk. Your body is adjusting to
making milk.
Ensure a good milk supply by holding and latching your baby correctly
and breastfeeding 8 to 12 times in 24 hours.
After your baby breastfeeds a few minutes, your milk will "let down" (begin to flow). You can hear a soft "ka, ka" sound as your baby swallows. You may notice a tingly feeling in your breast, or milk may leak from your other breast. Breast pads can keep you dry and comfortable.
Some babies are fussy if their mothers eat too much of one
food. Eat a variety of foods, and drink a variety of liquids.
Mothers can continue breastfeeding during most illnesses. Even
when you are sick, your breast milk helps keep your baby healthy.
Breastfeeding mothers can take most medications, but always check
with your health care professional.
Your baby should
Until your baby is gaining well, keep a diary. During each 24 hours, check off the wet and dirty diapers your baby has, and write down when your baby breastfeeds.
Breastfeed whenever your baby seems hungry or fussy. Offering
formula or water in place of breast milk will decrease your milk
supply.
To make more breast milk
It takes some practice for breastfeeding to go smoothly. During these early weeks, avoid giving your baby bottles or pacifiers. A baby sucks differently on a bottle nipple and may become confused. Encourage your baby to breastfeed rather than use a pacifier so your milk supply will meet your baby's needs.
Sometimes babies can be fussy. Breastfeeding mothers may think
they do not have enough milk or something is wrong with their
milk. But babies cry for many reasons. First, try breastfeeding
your baby more often. The closeness and some breast milk may calm
your baby.
Your baby may be going through a " growth spurt," a
time when babies are growing quickly and need extra milk. Go along
with your baby's need to breastfeed more often. After a day or
two your supply will build up to meet your baby's needs. These
growth spurts usually happen around two weeks, six weeks, three
months, and six months.
If breastfeeding does not calm your baby, change your baby's diaper,
sing a song, walk outside, or carry your baby in a baby carrier.
These early weeks are a learning time for everyone. Babies learn
to trust that you will help them when they cry.
At first, you may feel more comfortable breastfeeding your
baby in a familiar place with just a friend or relative nearby.
As you become more experienced, you will feel confident breastfeeding
in a variety of
situations. It is easy to go places with a breastfed baby. All
you need is an extra diaper. Wear a loose, stretchy top that pulls
up easily. Breastfeed when your baby first seems hungry. A baby
blanket can cover your breast and baby.
These early weeks are full of new experiences for you and your
baby. New mothers need encouragement and someone to answer their
questions. Call a friend or a relative, lactation consultant,
health care provider, hospital nursery, WIC breastfeeding specialist,
or La Leche League (1-800-525-3243).