The First Few Weeks Of Breastfeeding

You will experience several things in the first few weeks of breastfeeding that knowing about what will happen a head of time will help to make these first few weeks go smoother. These changes have...

You will experience several things in the first few weeks of breastfeeding that knowing about what will happen a head of time will help to make these first few weeks go smoother. These changes have to do with your baby, the appearance and amount of your breast milk, and what is happening with you, the mom.

Your baby and your milk:

At the time of birth your milk (colostrum) will look yellow in color, be of a small amount, and be thicker in consistency than what you may expect “milk” to be. This “first milk” is what will protect your baby against diseases. This “first milk” for the first 12 to 24 hours after birth will be in a smaller quantity than you may imagine, in fact, the baby will be getting approximately 1 teaspoon of this “first milk” at each feeding during those first 12 to 24 hours after birth.

Then, sometime in the 2nd to 5th day after birth your “mature milk” will start to flow. This milk will be bluish-white in color with some moms experiencing a little yellowish tinge to the milk through the initial first two weeks from birth.

The first 4 to 6 weeks of life your baby will be getting milk that may start out looking bluish-white at the begging of the nursing session and by the end of it, may look creamy white. The color of your milk may vary from day to day so don’t be alarmed by this changing of color. Certain foods that you consume can influence the color of your breast milk. The color of the milk cannot harm the baby in any way.

You and your breastfeeding:

The day your baby is born, you will be very excited to meet your little one and also very tired after labor and delivery especially if it was necessary to have a cesarean birth. Your baby will be able to suck well right after birth so if at all medically possible ask to breastfeed as soon as possible after the birth.

During the first 12 to 24 hours you will need to rest to regain your energy and strength. This is an excellent time to relax, kickback and enjoy getting to know your little one. Nursing frequently is a good way to foster this new bonding between you and your baby. Ask for breastfeeding support if you are having difficulty getting your little one to latch-on properly or if you are having difficulty negotiating proper positioning of the baby, especially if you have had a cesarean birth or you are nursing multiples. Breastfeeding should not hurt, especially if you have prepared your breasts for this during your pregnancy.

During days 2 through 5 from birth your breasts may feel full or may leak, this is normal. Ask for disposable nursing pads to place in your nursing bra to absorb any leakage. If you experience breast engorgement, express a little bit of milk before offering your breast to your baby. If your breasts are hard and sore, use ice packs on them to reduce the swelling (engorgement) breastfeeding frequently also helps to reduce the swelling.

As your body becomes used to the routine of breastfeeding your breasts will become softer and you will notice less leakage. Some moms worry that when their breasts due not seem as full that they somehow have less milk for their baby. This is not true; the milk is still there. Your nursing baby will demand as much milk as he/she needs by the frequency and duration of each nursing session and your milk production will be according to your baby’s needs.

The first few weeks of breastfeeding are a very special time of bonding and getting to know each other for baby and mom. There are many changes going on in both the mom’s body and the baby’s as both of you are adjusting to life after pregnancy. Breastfeeding should bring about a sense of relaxation and peace. You should be content as you watch your baby suckle at your breast. If breastfeeding is uncomfortable in any way do not hesitate to seek help from lactation consultants, other breastfeeding moms, or your doctor.

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