Breastfeeding Frequently Asked Questions
Preparing/First Few Days How Much/How Long to Feed? Bottles & Supplementing Special Problems Nursing in Public Weaning
Preparing and the First Few Days
Q: Is there anything I can do to prepare for breastfeeding while I'm pregnant?
A: There is lots you can do! You can make sure you have a good support system in place, such as family, friends, the LaLecheLeague, and especially other breastfeeding moms. This is so important, because breastfeeding is not easy for many women, and being surrounded by supportive friends can really make the breastfeeding experience easier. If your family does not support your decision to breastfeed, or you don't know of many moms who are breastfeeding, read lots of books, such as "The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding" and "Jack Newman's Guide to Breastfeeding". Join a parenting board online, and ask questions, try to meet people who can offer you support. Helpful websites are listed on the "links" page.
Q: What will our first few days be like?
A: It is important to learn about what to expect with your baby, your milk, your breasts, and your breastfeeding experience the first few days. In the last weeks of pregnancy, you might have been able to express a few drops of "colostrum" from your breasts. It may be orange or yellow in color, and very thick, not runny like milk at all. This is your body preparing your baby's first food. It is very high in fat and nutrition, and full of antibodies, and will be all your baby needs to eat for the first days after birth.
All babies are different. Some babies get the hang of breastfeeding right away. Other babies are sleepy from a long delivery, and may take several attempts. Take your time, your baby has lots of time to practice. Typically, a mother's milk does not come in for 2-5 days, sometimes less if you are already nursing an toddler sibling. So, until the milk comes in, the baby will drink colostrum from your breasts. If you are worried about the baby not having enough to eat, think of how tiny a newborn's tummy is...the size of a marble. The colostrum is the most perfect food for a newborn baby. You and your baby will be off to a good start together if you bring your baby to your breast to nurse whenever he wants, and for as long as he wants. Drink plenty of water and eat frequent, small meals and healthy snacks. Lay down in your bed or sofa whenever possible, and rest, and get to know your new baby. This is a good time to take friends and family up on their offers to help. Don't be afraid to accept help. If someone asks what they can do for you, suggest they bring you a ready-made meal, throw a load of laundry in the washing machine, or hold the baby while you play a board game with your 2-year old. If your hospital or birthing centre offers a post-natal care program, a health nurse may come to your home and help you with latching your baby on. BLISS also offers a "Breastfeeding Buddies" program, which you can read about HERE
When your milk does come in, you will notice an "engorged" feeling. Your breasts may become very swollen, hard, and tender. It may seem impossible for your baby to be able to latch on, but the engorgement will not last long. If you can, take a warm or hot shower, and massage your breasts to try and express some of the milk. Let the baby suckle at your breast to get the hang of latching on. As your baby takes milk from you, your breasts will adapt to the needs of your baby, and the engorgement will settle down. Your breastmilk is always changing to meet your baby's nutritional needs.