Breastfeeding
Embracing the beautiful journey of motherhood brings with it a myriad of choices, and one empowering and natural decision many mothers make is breastfeeding.
Breast Milk
Learn more about breastfeeding techniques, where to find support, and other breast milk expression options.
Breastmilk is a fundamental source of nourishment, and breastfeeding helps create a powerful bond between mother and child. Breastmilk contains antibodies, enzymes, and essential nutrients, and supports a baby’s physical development. Breastmilk also fortifies a baby’s immune system and offers protection against infections and diseases.
Breastfeeding in the first hour or two after birth is good for both you and your baby. Early breastfeeding helps your baby have his or her first bowel movement faster which decreases the chance of the baby becoming jaundiced (yellowed). Though your breasts won’t feel full yet, they provide just the right amount of early milk (colostrum) for your baby after birth.
Starting to breastfeed right away helps increase your “mothering hormones,” called oxytocin and prolactin. Oxytocin levels are important for milk production and foster bonding with your baby. Prolactin can increase your body’s dopamine and oxytocin levels, which can also cause you to feel more relaxed and tired.
The First Few Days
Usually two to four days after birth your milk supply will greatly increase. Your breasts will feel heavier and fuller, and may swell. This swelling goes away around seven to 10 days postpartum and does not mean you’re losing your milk supply. Mature breast milk looks thin and blue in color, but has everything your baby needs to be healthy.
New mothers need to be with their babies to learn how to breastfeed. It may take at least a month to establish a good milk supply and for a mother to feel that she has the hang of it. With patience and practice, breastfeeding gets easier.
How Often and How Long to Breastfeed
Try your best to breastfeed your baby at least 10 to 12 times a day during the first month. Newborns need to breastfeed very often. Their tummies are very tiny and they digest breastmilk very quickly. You will have enough milk to feed your baby even if you cannot see it or feel it. At the five week mark, feedings will become more spread out and regular. Follow your baby’s signals, not the clock.
Breastfeed your baby at the first signs of hunger. Your baby’s signs of hunger might be starting to stretch, making little noises or grunts, sucking on his or her lips or tongue, turning his or her head toward you, or putting his or her hand up to its mouth. Crying is typically a late sign of hunger.
Your milk supply is affected by how often milk is removed from the breast either by breastfeeding your baby or by expressing your milk. The more you breastfeed or express milk, the more milk you will make. The size of your breast has nothing to do with the amount of milk you can make.
Don’t Feel Discouraged
You may feel frustrated while you learn to breastfeed. This is normal. It can take many mothers four to six weeks to get used to it. The investment of time and energy you make in the early weeks is worth it. You are investing in your health and your baby’s health. Studies have shown that breastfeeding reduces the risk of certain illnesses for both mom and baby, contributes to optimal postpartum recovery, and promotes a healthy weight for the mother. In addition, you are building a bond that will last a lifetime.
Contact your child’s health care provider if you are concerned that your baby may not be breastfeeding well. There are resources available that can provide guidance from professional lactation consultants and group meetings for support from other mothers.
