Breastfeeding might be easy and straightforward or you could be feeling like it is a battle that you are losing – it can be emotional, frustrating and lonely. This module focuses on breastfeeding within the first 6 weeks.
The intensity and frequency of breastfeeds can come as a shock and it can make women question how much milk they are producing and how successful breastfeeding is.
Feeding frequently will boost your milk supply so expect to feed about 8-12 times a day, some days your baby may want to feed more often. Try to get to know your baby’s cues, so you are feeding before he is getting too upset.
Signs of hunger
It can be useful to respond to your baby’s cues rather than waiting for him to cry – it’s not always easy but you may be able to be guided by your baby.
Early indications of needing a feed
- sucking
- an open mouth, especially if he is also sticking his tongue out
- smacking or licking his lips
Ready for a feed
- fidgeting and squirming
- rooting
- trying to get into position for a feed
- becoming fussy
I really need a feed NOW:
- crying
- frantic head movements
Getting started
For many new families this can be tough, with the chaos a new baby can bring and trying to learn and understand the new world of breastfeeding. At its most basic – keep it simple and try not to over-think it, just feed and get support if it is painful.
Feed as often as possible – it could be about 12 times a day – this will help to boost your milk supply and it will help prevent engorgement as your milk comes in.
Skin-to-skin cuddles – have as many cuddles as possible. It can be helpful to wear as little as possible and allow your new baby to live on you in these early days. Let your baby have as much access to the breast as possible, rather than timing feeds.
Initial weight-loss – it is normal for breastfed babies to lose between 5-7% of their birth-weight, any more than that could be a sign that feeding needs to be looked at.
Babies are not hungry or thirsty at set times so feeding can be very varied – it can be a mixture of short feeds and then long feeds, of evening cluster feeds and growth spurts – these generally take place between 7- 10 days, between 2-3 weeks, between 4-6 weeks.
Signs that your baby is getting enough milk
Poo
By day 4, when your milk has probably come in, babies will have 3-4 poos a day, although some will poo with each feed. After day 4 poos should be mustard-yellow in colour, with no signs of meconium, which is black and tar like.
Breastfed babies can continue to poo 3-4 times a day until about 4-6 weeks when they may start to poo less often, even going a few days between poos.
Wee
Babies can have about 6 wet nappies a day
Gaining weight
The average is about 6oz a week but this can vary a lot from week to week for some babies. Try to remember that babies grow in spurts, not gradually so don’t weigh your baby too often. If you are concerned about your baby’s weight gain, talk it through with a breastfeeding specialist and your health visitor.
Feeding a sleepy baby
Some babies can be very sleepy as they recover from birth and any drugs that were involved. A baby needs to feed often so guidance states to wake babies every 2 hours during the day and about every 3-4 hours at night.
What’s going on with your boobs?
Your colostrum will change to milk on about days 3-5 – it can help to feed often to reduce engorgement, so let your baby have a good feed one breast at a time. If you are engorged it can be useful to express a little for comfort and to allow your baby to latch.
As your milk comes in, your boobs may feel heavy and full which may be sore – feeding as much as possible can relieve the pressure. You may also want to express to ease this pressure.
After a few days, your boobs may start to leak, especially when you are feeding – have plenty of muslins and breast-pads to hand and you can also use a silicon breast-pump to catch and save the milk.
Because of growth spurts and the varied nature of feeding, women often start to question if they are making enough milk for their baby. If your baby is showing that he is getting enough milk, then your supply is most probably fine but talk to a breastfeeding specialist for more support and to ease any worries.
Look out for signs that your baby is not latched on well
- feeding is painful for you
- your baby’s cheeks are drawn in
- your baby’s sucks can be short and they may make a slurping noise
- your baby can’t settle and keeps coming off the breast
Positioning Tips
- Babies need to feel comfortable to have a good feed, especially in those early days when you are both learning and trying to get feeding established. Your baby needs to have his tummy snuggled in to yours and babies also feel more secure if their feet are able to plant on a cushion rather than just dangling.
- You also need to be comfortable – because you could be sitting there for a while and because your discomfort could affect your milk flow.
- The cushion is king in the early days and weeks – behind your back and use a v-pillow on your lap for your baby to lie on – that way the cushion can support the weight of your baby and you can relax your shoulders and your arms. You may only need cushions in the early days and weeks, until feeding is established.
- Sitting upright can help a lot, rather than leaning too far forward or back. This can enable your baby to latch better.
- Before you settle down to feed your baby, go to the loo and gather everything you might need: pillows. water, snacks, phone & charger, TV remote..
La Leche League uses CHINS to help with comfortable feeding
C = Close: Have your baby as close to you as possible
H = Head: Baby’s head is supported but not held so it is free to move
I = In Line: Your baby’s body is in a line from head to shoulders and hips so the neck is not twisted
N= Nose to nipple: touch your baby’s nose to your nipple so your baby has to reach to attach themselves to your breast
S = Your position is Sustainable and you are comfortable
Seek help & support if…
- you are concerned about your baby’s weight-gain
- your baby isn’t having as many wet nappies as you would expect
- you are giving yourself a hard time and breastfeeding is harder than you expected
- your nipples are sore/ you are in pain
- you are not sure if you can/want to continue breastfeeding
Please remember…
- Breastfeeding can be really tough, a lot tougher that you ever imagined.
- No two days are the same and in the early weeks you may have to take it one feed at a time.
- Get support if feeding is painful, if your nipples are becoming damaged because this is not right – see a breastfeeding specialist for help with your baby’s latch and to see if there is a tongue-tie.
- It can sometimes take weeks for breastfeeding to click into place.
Sources of good support and information
The Breastfeeding Network & Helpline
YOU NEED TO KNOW…
Opinions, support and advice around breastfeeding can be very conflicting – if your baby has lost weight or you are very sore from feeding, you need to speak to a breastfeeding specialist for more support.
Breastfeeding often doesn’t come naturally, it is a skill to be learnt and it is ever changing so good support can be crucial. You are not doing anything wrong it it doesn’t feel natural and if it is harder than you ever imagined.
Welcome To Your Antenatal Course
1. Labour
2. Birth
3. Pain Management
4. Labour & Birth Challenges
5. Meeting Your Baby
6. Your New Baby
7. Relax & Breathe Resources
As you go through this module and the resources, you can make notes, jot down your questions and start to develop your action plan for labour, birth and life with your baby.
And please don’t hesitate to message me to arrange a conversation to talk through your questions.
antenatal & postnatal specialist 