Tips to Get You Through the First Week of Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding the First Week
Preparing to have a baby can be pretty overwhelming, but breastfeeding doesn't have to be. Here are some tips to get you through breastfeeding during the first week. Focus on some challenges and how to overcome them. Breastfeeding is a learning process for both mother and baby. The more you know what to expect, the better off you will be! The first week at home with your new baby can be stressful, and you may feel like you don't know what to do next. Here are some helpful tips to get you through!
The latch; how important is it?:
It's all about the latch! A good latch while breastfeeding the first week and beyond is very important. What is a good latch, you ask? A good latch isn't painful and doesn't leave your nipple looking like a tube of lipstick. Some discomfort is normal in the beginning but should subside once the baby starts actively getting milk. The baby's lips should be flanged out (kind of looks like a duck), their chin should be touching your breast, and the nose should be free, with more bottom breast in their mouth than top breast. If you cannot get the latch to feel good, or if you feel that the baby is not content after feedings, then seeking the help of an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) would be a great idea.
Symptoms of a poor latch; what to watch for:
painful nursing/difficulty latching baby and staying latched
having to wake baby for most feedings/baby falling asleep too much while feeding
baby not satisfied/content after most feedings
inadequate pee/poop diapers
has not regained birth weight by 2 weeks
How to handle engorgement when milk "comes in":
To prevent engorgement:
nurse often
keep baby actively nursing
latched well so they are efficiently transferring milk
do not skip feedings
apply heat for about 10 minutes before feeding to help let down milk
gentle breast massage in circular motions
hand expression to soften the areola and help allow baby to latch
apply cold after the session to reduce swelling and just because it feels good
How do I know the baby got enough?:
So the rule of thumb for the first 3 days is 1:1 pee/poop on day 1, 2:2 pee/poop on day 2, and, you guessed it, 3:3 pee/poop on day 3. After the first couple of days, you will want to keep track and should get about six pee diapers and about 3 poopy diapers. You should also be nursing a good 8-12 times in a 24-hour period. Here are some signs you can look for to help you know if the baby is getting enough:
hearing swallowing (after your milk has fully come in)
latching baby is easy
breasts are seemingly softer after your breastfeeding session
seeing milk in your baby's mouth
baby is satisfied/content in between feedings
the baby regains birth weight by 2 weeks/The baby should then be gaining upwards of 4-7oz a week during the first month
There will be growth spurts:
During a growth spurt, your baby will want to breastfeed more often (maybe every hour) and may not be as satisfied/content as before. A growth spurt can last anywhere from 2-3 days or up to a week. The best advice to handle a growth spurt is to grab some snacks, water, and your phone, get nice and comfy on the couch or bed, watch Netflix, and nurse, nurse, nurse. This, too, shall pass. These are the most common growth spurts for your breastfed baby:
at 7-10 days
around 3 weeks (this one is a doozy!)
around six weeks
3 months
6 months
9months
Congratulations on your new bundle of joy! I hope some of these tips were helpful and made your day a little easier. You are doing the best for your little one, and you should be proud of yourself and what you've accomplished so far. Breastfeeding the first week can be challenging but worth it!
Special thanks to Briana Violand, IBCLC, for her expertise!
Nurtured Foundation has a resource list that includes New Parent Groups where you can get free lactation support and a list of local lactation resources, which can be found here.
