Making Plenty of Milk
Your breasts will easily make and supply milk directly in response to your baby's needs. The more often and effectively a baby breastfeeds, the more milk will be made. Babies are trying to double their weight in a few short months, and their tummies are small, so they need many feedings to grow and to be healthy.
- You can expect at least eight to 12 feedings in a 24-hour day.
- In the first few days after birth, your baby will likely want to breastfeed about every hour or two in the daytime, and a couple of times at night during which your baby can have one longer sleep stretch.
- Babies develop their own feeding schedules. Some babies feed every hour for 2-6 hours and then sleep for a longer period, and others will breastfeed every 2-3 hours day and night. Follow your baby's cues for when he or she is ready to eat.
What will happen with you, your baby, and your milk in the first few weeks:
| |
Milk |
The Baby |
Mom |
| 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 first 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. |
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.) |
| The first 4-6 weeks |
White breast milk. |
Your baby will likely be better at breastfeeding and have a larger stomach to hold more milk. Feedings may take less time and will be farther apart. |
Your body gets used to breastfeeding so your breasts will be softer and the leaking will slow down. |
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