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The first week of breastfeeding your newborn is so important. Not only does your baby need the nourishment in the first few days in the real world, but he also needs to get used to the proper way of breastfeeding. The first week is often the hardest with breast milk supplies not always being readily available.
Doula Emily Elliot advises new moms to go easy on themselves. “During the first week of breastfeeding, new moms should expect that it won’t go perfectly,” she told Mom.com. “Sure, there are some babies that will latch and latch perfectly — but think about it, this is something that is new to both you and your baby. It does take some practice.”
Maryland mom Regina Balin Claudy couldn’t agree more. “My daughter wasn’t cooperative with me. But the minute her dad picked her up with his naked chest, she tried to latch on to him,” Balin told Mom.com. Who says breastfeeding for a newborn is all instinctual?
If you’re working on breastfeeding your newborn, here are some tips to get it done properly and keep your baby healthy.
One of the most common problems: Latching on
As Elliot said, this is all new to both you and your newborn. It isn’t uncommon for there to be problems in the first week with latching on. While my son wasn’t born with teeth, he somehow managed to gnaw away at my nipple in his failed attempts to latch on that left me bleeding from breastfeeding a newborn. The good news is these are often easily fixed with practice or the help of a good lactation nurse.
One of the most common problems with latching on properly is an inverted or flat nipple. Use a nipple former or milk pump to help draw out your nipples to make it easier to latch on to. Make small adjustments during feeding to help your baby find the best position with her head resting on your arm so she has the space to breathe while feeding.
What is a newborn breastfeeding schedule?
The first week of breastfeeding means you’re dealing with a hungry, hungry little. While your milk won’t really come in for a couple of days, expect to be feeding every couple of hours. Breastmilk is easily digested so babies will get hungry faster as the milk is absorbed into their body. Expect to breastfeed somewhere between eight to 12 times per day. That’s right, you will be feeling as if every hour is devoted to nothing but feeding. This is partially true and partially why you’ll be up at all hours of the night as well.
Keep in mind that the frequent feeding is good for your milk production. As you breastfeed more, your body is stimulated to produce more breastmilk. This is important as your baby grows and feedings become longer though less frequent. When your baby is approximately a month old, feedings go down to seven to nine times a day.
Once your baby is finished feeding, make sure you know the proper technique for gently and safely burping your newborn.
How healthy is breast milk? Here are the nutritional facts
Many moms are concerned about milk production, or lack thereof. Remember that in the first couple of days, you probably won’t be producing a lot of milk. You will be producing colostrum, which is highly concentrated in proteins and nutrients. One of the most critical factors of getting colostrum into your baby’s belly is to help build her immune system. This is thought to be a foundation for long-term health.
When you start to produce milk, the color will go from a yellow to an opaque whitish-yellow. Your breastmilk contains the right balanced diet for your baby, which is why doctors recommend it for at least six months. Aside from the colostrum, breast milk also contains antibodies to help keep your baby healthy.
Breastmilk is thought to reduce the risk of:
- Ear infections
- Respiratory tract infections
- Colds
- Gut infections
- Allergies and asthma
- Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
- Diabetes
- Childhood leukemia
There is no doubt that breastfeeding your newborn gives them an edge in being a healthy child. Don’t get frustrated by the problems. Practice and get the help of a lactation consultant if you need to. You’ll be glad that you did.
