This is called responsive feeding. In other words, responding to your baby's needs. It's also known as on-demand or baby-led feeding. In the beginning, it can feel like you're doing nothing but feeding. But gradually you and your baby will get into a pattern and the amount of milk you produce will settle down.
It's important to breastfeed at night because this is when you produce more hormones prolactin to build up your milk supply. In the early weeks, before you and your baby have become comfortable with breastfeeding, "topping up" with formula milk or giving your baby a dummy can lower your milk supply. Speak to a midwife or health visitor if you are worried about breastfeeding or you think your baby is not getting enough milk. Find out more about how to tell if your baby is getting enough milk and tips for building up your milk supply.
Wearing breast pads will stop your clothes becoming wet with breast milk. Remember to change them frequently to prevent an infection. Expressing some milk may also help. Only express enough to feel comfortable as you do not want to overstimulate your supply. If your baby has not fed recently, you could offer them a feed as breastfeeding is also about you being comfortable. Sign up for Start4Life's weekly emails for expert advice, videos and tips on pregnancy, birth and beyond.
Page last reviewed: 4 November Next review due: 4 November Breastfeeding: the first few days. Preparing to breastfeed before the birth It's good to find out as much as you can about breastfeeding before you have your baby. Skin-to-skin contact Having skin-to-skin contact with your baby straight after giving birth will help to keep them warm and calm and steady their breathing. Skin-to-skin after a caesarean If your baby is delivered by caesarean, you should still be able to have skin-to-skin contact with your baby straight after delivery.
Colostrum: your first milk The fluid your breasts produce in the first few days after birth is called colostrum. Your let-down reflex Your baby's sucking causes muscles in your breasts to squeeze milk towards your nipples.
Some women get a tingling feeling, which can be quite strong. Others feel nothing at all. How often should I feed my baby? It's not possible to overfeed a breastfed baby. When your baby is hungry they may: get restless suck their fist or fingers make murmuring sounds turn their head and open their mouth rooting It's best to try and feed your baby during these early feeding cues as a crying baby is difficult to feed.
Building up your milk supply Around 2 to 4 days after birth you may notice that your breasts become fuller. They might suggest giving your baby some expressed breast milk along with breastfeeding. Dealing with leaking breasts Sometimes, breast milk may leak unexpectedly from your nipples.
Help and support for breastfeeding Find out more about positioning and attachment , including how to get comfortable and make sure your baby is properly attached. When placed on your chest, your baby will naturally "root" squirm toward the breast, turn the head toward it, and make sucking motions with the mouth. To breastfeed, babies latch onto the breast by forming a tight seal with the mouth around the nipple and areola the dark part of skin around the nipple.
Even if your baby doesn't latch on now and just "practices," it's still good for your baby and you! In the first few days of life, your baby will want to feed on demand , usually about every 1—3 hours, day and night. As babies grow and their bellies can hold more milk, they may go longer between feedings.
On-demand feeding means breastfeeding whenever your baby seems hungry. How can you tell? Hungry babies:. Crying is a late sign of hunger. So try to nurse before your baby gets upset and harder to calm down. To calm a crying or fussy baby before a feeding, try soothing "skin-to-skin" time.
Dress your baby in only a diaper and place your little one onto your bare chest. When your baby is properly latched on, you may have a few moments of discomfort in the beginning. After that, it should feel like a tug when your baby is sucking. To make sure you're doing it right, it's best to be observed by a lactation consultant, or someone else who knows about breastfeeding. Your baby's diapers can help you tell if your little one is eating enough.
The more your baby nurses, the more dirty diapers you'll see. Because colostrum is concentrated, your baby may have only one or two wet diapers in the first 24 hours. After 3—4 days, look for:.
A newborn's poop is thick and tarry at first, then more greenish-yellow as mom's milk comes in. Nursing takes time and practice. In fact, it can be one of the most challenging — and rewarding — things you do as a new mom. While you're in the hospital, ask for help from a lactation consultant, the nursing staff, your baby's pediatrician, or your OB-GYN.
When you get home, see if there's a lactation consultant in your area. You can search online at:. You might also like You might also like. How much milk does my baby need in the first few days? Will breastfeeding change how my breasts look? How your hormones help you to be the best parent. How often should I breastfeed my baby? Is it true that stress can cause breastmilk to dry up?
Nursing bra: six signs of a good fit photos. Breastfeeding for beginners. Seven reasons babies cry and how to soothe them. How big is your baby's stomach: photos. Get the BabyCentre app. Brazil Canada Germany India. Connect with us. This Internet site provides information of a general nature and is designed for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your own health or the health of your child, you should always consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.
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