Chapter 3. Breastfeeding Newborns
When you feel your breasts are engorged, it means your milk is starting to come in. The timing of milk coming in varies from person to person, so there is no need to worry. If milk does not come in on the 4th day after delivery, seek advice from healthcare professionals as soon as possible.
It is generally recommended to feed newborns 8-12 times per day, including at least once during the night. Generally, direct breastfeeding is recommended before milk supply stabilizes (around 3 months postpartum). Otherwise, milk supply could decrease, even with pumping.
There is no need to stick to a regular schedule or fixed amounts. Babies will adjust according to their own growth cycles, which is quite amazing. You can breastfeed based on your baby's hunger cues. Mothers can also breastfeed whenever they feel the need, as breastfeeding is a process of mutual adjustment between baby and mother; either one can initiate feeding when needed.
There is no need to stick to a regular schedule or fixed amounts. Mothers can breastfeed whenever they feel the need, as breastfeeding is a process of mutual adjustment between baby and mother; either one can initiate feeding when needed.
- The weight of your breasts feels different after feeding
- Your baby appears contented after feeding
- Your baby’s urine output is normal
- Your baby’s weight gain is normal
Believe in yourself. Breastfeed your baby with confidence.
Generally speaking, mothers do not need to wake their babies to feed. This is because babies do not typically eat on a fixed schedule or in fixed amounts; he will adjust according to his own growth cycle, which is quite amazing. However, if your baby is only a week old and you are concerned about issues such as jaundice, being underweight, or prematurity, you can occasionally wake him up for an extra feeding.
- Babies like closing their eyes while suckling. You do not need to worry if the breastfeeding position is correct and effective.
- If your baby is not suckling, you may
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- gently tap his lower jaw to remind him to suckle, or
- gently massage your breast and create milk flow into your baby’s mouth. This will stimulate suction.
If this does not work, you may first distance him from your breast and try to wake him up through burping or changing diapers. Resume breastfeeding when there are signs that your baby is hungry.
- Have more skin-to-skin contact with your baby. Breastfeed according to his needs.
- Milk-producing hormones peak in the early morning hours, so they need more frequent nighttime feeds. Breastfeeding in the middle of the night during the first week postpartum significantly helps establish a strong milk supply. Supplementing with formula at night can likely reduce your milk supply. Therefore, prioritize rest during the day when you have support from other people.
- Often, when babies sleep and then fuss for milk at night, it is due to intestinal movement causing stomachaches and discomfort during growth spurts. Breastfeeding is very helpful as it comforts them by releasing cholecystokinin (CCK). If possible, delegate tasks to others and focus on frequent breastfeeding.
- When your baby is around 2 months old, your milk supply usually stabilizes, and he will start sleeping for longer stretches at night. At that point, you will also be able to get more sleep, so hang in there!
- Additionally, you may change the diaper before feeding, and burping is not always necessary. This will allow the baby to sleep longer at night.
Generally speaking, babies only start to develop a day-night rhythm around two months old.
In the first two months after birth, if you have help at night so you can sleep, aim to feed at least once during the night to help stabilize your milk supply.
Your breasts do not completely empty because the body continuously produces milk. A few drops of breast milk at the end of hand expression are normal; you can stop expressing then.
We understand that mothers are tired and want to sleep through the night. However, it is important to feed at least once during the night, as prolactin tend to peak in the middle of the night. Since prolactin is produced during the night, you are recommended to continue pumping at least once in the early morning until your milk supply stabilizes. Since your milk supply might be less than what your baby needs, frequent feeding is key to increasing it. Therefore, in the first 4-6 weeks, feeding at least once every three hours can help boost milk production.
You only need to feed at night before your milk stabilizes. Around 2-3 months postpartum, some mothers can wean night-time feedings.
It is common for babies around this age to sleep longer at night as they grow and your milk supply starts to regulate.
Whether nighttime breastfeeding or pumping is necessary depends on your milk supply. Mothers with a larger supply might experience engorgement or blocked ducts if they do not express milk during the night. However, others can sleep through the night without affecting their milk supply the next day. Try following your baby's biological schedule for one night. If your breasts do not become engorged and your supply does not decrease the next day, you can continue following your baby’s biological schedule. However, if your breasts do get engorged if you do not breastfeed at night, pump a small amount until your breasts feel comfortable. Avoid emptying your breasts to prevent overstimulation and excessive milk production. Applying a cold compress can also help reduce engorgement. Your supply will gradually adjust to your baby's needs without engorgement, which is quite amazing - no engorgement but milk is readily available.
Of course, when your baby enters a growth spurt, he may need to be fed more frequently, including at night. You can adjust accordingly at that time.
- You can start by buying one or two bottles from different brands and observe which one is more suitable for your baby. Remember that breastfed babies need wide-neck bottles and teats with the slowest flow. There is no need to change to fast flow teats as they get older.
- Direct breastfeeding is highly encouraged during the first few months to prevent nipple confusion.
- Wearing underwire bras during pregnancy will not affect breast milk production.
- However, breastfeeding mothers are generally recommended to wear supportive, wire-free bras. This helps prevent the underwire from shifting and pressing on milk ducts, which can cause blocked ducts.