Isn't breastfeeding incredible? Our bodies make all of the nutrients and antibodies that our babies need to live!! Breastfeeding is such an incredible way to bond and care for your baby. There is a wide range of benefits ranging from incredible quality time with your baby, to healthier weight gain for your little one, to better long term outcomes for your baby. It also has many benefits for mom, such as reduces uterine bleeding, burns calories, and reduces risks of many cancers and diseases you may get later in life. Here we will get information and ideas to kick off your start to breastfeeding strong.
“Breastfeeding is a mother’s gift to herself, her baby, and the earth.” — Pamela K. Wiggins
The First Hour
Starting breastfeeding within the first hour after birth, what we like to call the golden hour, can encourage a strong start to breastfeeding! Start with skin to skin contact and keep the baby close to you after they are born. Go topless. Make sure there is nothing between you and baby, except maybe a diaper. Make sure their chest is to your chest, or tummy to tummy. And watch and listen. See if you pick up on any cues that your baby is ready to eat. Your sweet little baby may start the "breast crawl", making their way naturally to your breast. They may bob their head and try and get close to you and they may even latch without your help! If not, that is okay and they just may need a little encouraging. If you experience a cesarean birth, you still may be able to have this golden hour and even try to breastfeed in the OR! Check with your care provider for your options!
The Latch
Your babies latch may be one of the most important things to when breastfeeding. A bad latch will cause your baby to not be able to extract your milk effectively, or causes you discomfort or even pain past the first few sucks. If your baby has a shallow latch, where your baby is just taking in tour nipple and not all or most of your areola, they will not be able effectively empty your breasts and can cause pain. A good, deep latch, with their lips flanged out is what you want to see. Your babies chin should be against your breast with their nostrils free, To achieve this it may be helpful to bring your nipple near your babies chin pointed up toward their nose and letting them latch to your breast that way. A lactation consultant will be able to help correct your latch if you are unable to achieve it on your own. If you are experiencing nipple pain, clicking when your baby sucks, baby is not swallowing, or if your baby is not having wet diapers, it may be best to get a second opinion from a lactation consultant.
The First 2 Weeks
Within the first few days after birth, your milk will change from the early Colostrum to your Breastmilk. Colostrum is your babies first food, they only need a few drops each feed to fill their bellies and give them what they need. After a few days your milk will come in. It will typically change from a goldish color, to more white color. Your breasts may feel full and hard to the touch. As your baby feeds, they will become softer and less full. You will usually feed about 8-12 times a day. It takes about 2 weeks for you and your baby to get used to breastfeeding, and your milk should regulate around 4 weeks of breastfeeding.
2 weeks beyond
Breastfeeding is not easy at the start but soon it will be the easier option. If you exclusively breastfeed, around the 4-6 week mark, as you and your baby have gotten used to breastfeeding it will become easier. As your baby has learned what to do, and you have learned what to do, it become something that feels natural and something that you will not have to constantly think about. Around the 4-6 week mark your milk will regulate and you will typically feel less engorgement, and more comfort surrounding feeding your baby. You may continue to breastfeed for as long as it suits your family.
We hold space for moms who cannot breastfeed, or choose not to do so.
If you are struggling or need help breastfeeding, please reach out to a Lactation Counselor or Consultant. (CLC or IBCLC)
Blessed Birth Doulas supports women in the greater Grand Rapids area (MI) area through pregnancy, birth, and immediate postpartum.
Please Note: All situations are different, and this information should never be used as medical advice. Talk to your care provider to figure out what is best for your body, baby, and birth!
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