Ultimate Quick Guide to Breastfeeding Basics.
In the Initial Stage
During pregnancy, your body releases specific hormones to ready your breasts for breastfeeding. Following childbirth, your breasts start producing colostrum, your baby's initial milk. This yellowish-orange liquid is packed with essential vitamins and minerals. The antibodies and white blood cells in colostrum shield newborns from infections. Additionally, colostrum aids in cleansing any accumulated waste in the intestines during pregnancy.
Breastfeeding can be challenging at first. Some mothers and babies need extra time to get the hang of it. The best approach is to trust yourself and follow your instincts. If you have any concerns, be sure to contact a breastfeeding support group.
It’s important to take advantage of your newborn’s first period of alertness to kick off breastfeeding. This is usually within two hours of birth. When placed on their mothers skin-to-skin, many babies will latch on properly or touch or lick the breast, stimulating milk production.
After birth, some babies may be very sleepy and not immediately ready to feed. In such cases, maintain skin-to-skin contact and attempt breastfeeding a bit later. Close contact with the mother can stimulate specific reflexes in the baby, aiding them in latching onto the breast correctly. Colostrum production in the breasts is initially minimal.
This is because newborns have tiny stomachs and only ingest a few millilitres during their first few feedings. It is normal for your baby to suckle often while they are learning to breastfeed. These small, frequent feedings prompt your body to produce more milk.
Between the second and fifth day, colostrum transitions into a whiter, more translucent milk that remains rich and nutritious. Your milk supply will significantly increase during this phase, known as milk coming in, regardless of whether your baby is nursing. Following this, regular stimulation is necessary to sustain milk production. The principle of supply and demand applies: the more frequently the breasts are emptied, the more milk they will generate. Conversely, reduced stimulation leads to decreased milk production.
When milk production begins, the breasts may feel swollen and tight, which is a normal occurrence. This sensation indicates that milk production has commenced, with all the alveoli in the breasts becoming active at the same time. Typically, this discomfort lasts for 2 to 3 days.
To alleviate this, it is recommended to have frequent feedings throughout the day and night (more than 8 times in 24 hours) to expedite the process. Regular emptying of the breasts will prevent them from becoming overly engorged and ensure that your milk supply matches your baby's needs.
In the initial stages, it is strongly advised to nurse your baby as soon as they show signs of hunger. By feeding them before they get too hungry, you can fulfill your baby's energy requirements and provide them with the opportunity to learn how to latch effectively.
