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.
During the first few days of life, your baby may not wake up on his own to feed, so you may need to wake him up. You can express a little milk to entice the baby when bringing him to the breast and switch sides during the feed to encourage longer sucking.
However, after the initial period, you should practice responsive feeding. Babies do not need to be fed on a regular schedule.
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.
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.
- 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.