Birth |
Your body makes colostrum, a rich, thick, yellowish milk and in small amounts. It gives your baby a healthy dose of early protection against diseases. |
Will probably be awake in the 1st hour after birth and this is a good time to breastfeed your baby. |
You will be tired and excited. This is a good time to feed the baby. |
First 12-24 hours |
Your baby will drink about 1 teaspoon of colostrum at each feeding. You may not see the colostrum, but it has what the baby needs and in the right amount.
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It is normal for the baby to sleep heavily. Labor and delivery are hard work for the baby. Some babies like to nuzzle and may be too sleepy to latch well at first. Feedings may be short and disorganized. As your baby wakes up, take advantage of your baby's strong instinct to suck and feed every 1-2 hours. Many babies like to eat or lick, pause, savor, doze, then eat again. Ask the nurse not to give your baby any formula or water unless you are informed first or for some reason your doctor has said the baby needs it. |
You will be tired too. Rest. |
Next 3-5 days |
Your white milk comes in. It is normal for it to be yellow or golden at first. |
Your baby will feed a lot (this helps your breasts make plenty of milk), at least 8-12 times or more in 24 hours. Very young breastfed babies don’t eat on a schedule. Since breast milk is more easily digested than formula, breastfed babies eat more often than formula-fed babies. It is okay if your baby eats every 2-3 hours for several hours, then sleeps for 3-4 hours. Expect feedings to take about 15-20 minutes on each side. The baby’s sucking rhythm will be slow and long. You might hear gulping. |
Your breasts will feel full and leak. (You can use disposable or cloth pads in your bra to help with leaking.) |
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