WHAT WILL HAPPEN WITH YOU, YOUR BABY & YOUR MILK IN THE FIRST SIX WEEKS

MILK Your breasts are stimulated to make colostrum in small amounts.

BABY Will probably be awake and alert in the first hour after birth. This is a good time for that first breastfeed.

MOM You’ll be emotional and exhilarated.

MILK Your baby will drink about one teaspoon of colostrum at each feeding – exactly what your baby needs in the right amounts.

BABY It is normal for baby to sleep deeply – labour and birth are hard work for him too. Some babies like to nuzzle and may be too sleepy to latch properly at first. Feedings may be short and disorganised. As your baby wakes up, most will have a strong instinct to suck and feed every one to two hours. Many babies like to suckle, lick, pause, savour, doze, then suckle again.

MOM You will be tired too, so get rest.

MILK Your mature milk will start to fill your breasts. It is normal for it to have a golden or yellow tint. Your breasts may become swollen and heavy – breastfeed frequently.

BABY Your baby will feed a lot, at least eight to 12 times or more in 24 hours. Very young breastfed babies don’t feed on a schedule and will feed often as breastmilk is easily digested and their tiny tummies empty out quickly. The baby’s suckling rhythm will be slow and long and you might hear gulping. It is fine if your baby feeds every two to three hours for several hours then sleeps for three to four. Follow your baby’s pattern as this helps your breasts to make plenty of milk.

MOM Your breasts may feel full and leak. Apply a warm cloth and massage gently before feeds for comfort.

MILK Your mature milk will become established.

BABY Your baby will get better at breastfeeding, as will you, and have a larger stomach to hold more milk. Feedings may take less time and will be further apart.

MOM Your body gets used to breastfeeding so your breasts will be softer and the leaking may slow down. Continue to massage breasts once a day in the shower.