Newborn Feeding

For the first few days after delivery, the first type of milk you will make is called colostrum. It may take three or more days to make more mature breast milk. You’ll know your mature milk is coming in when your breasts feel fuller and heavier. You should breastfeed your newborn at least eight to 12 times in 24 hours. Your baby shouldn’t go more than three hours without feeding for at least the first two weeks of their life.

Infants who are breastfed have reduced risks of:

• Respiratory infections, ear infections, and gastrointestinal infections (diarrhea/vomiting)
• Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
• Obesity
• Type 1 diabetes
• Asthma and allergies
• Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in preterm babies

Mothers who breastfeed have reduced risks of:

• High blood pressure
• Type 2 diabetes
• Ovarian cancer
• Breast cancer
• Breastfeeding also aids in weight loss and helps the uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size

Your breasts may feel engorged — heavy and swollen — three to five days after delivery. Continue to feed frequently and apply cold packs for comfort if needed after feeding or pumping. If your baby cannot latch on because of swelling, gently express some milk to make the area around your nipples softer before attempting to latch.

How to know your newborn is getting enough breast milk

• Adequate pee and poop: one pee on day one, increasing by one for each day of life to six or more by day six. One stool on day one, increasing to three or more stools by days three to five. Stools should change color and no longer be black by days three to four, and should be the size of a quarter coin or larger.
• Your baby seems content after feeding
• They are active and alert with a strong cry when awake
• They feed at least 8 to 12 times per 24 hours
• Your breasts may feel softer after latching your baby

It’s important to track your baby’s feedings and wet and dirty diapers to ensure they are eating enough. Sleepy babies should be woken up to eat.

Pumping

Removing milk from your breasts frequently is important for milk production. With a deep and effective latch, your baby will do this every time they feed. However, you may consider using an electric breast pump if you have difficulty latching. Reach out to your healthcare team for lactation assistance as soon as you can if you’re having difficulty latching.

Breast milk storage

Collect and store milk from each pumping session in separate containers or bags. Newly pumped milk can remain safely at room temperature for four hours after pumping. Milk can be refrigerated for up to four days. Frozen breast milk is good for six to twelve months. Never microwave breast milk. If it is thawed, do not refreeze it. Thawed breastmilk must be stored in the refrigerator and used within 24 hours. Do not allow milk to thaw at room temperature or to thaw partially. Breast milk needs to be completely thawed and gently swirled before use. Your baby should finish the bottle within two hours, and whatever milk is left after that time should be thrown away.

Cluster feeding

Cluster feeding is a normal behavior for your newborn and often happens in the early days of breastfeeding. Your baby will feed more frequently over a few hours and may appear fussy. It is more common in the late afternoon/early evening and overnight, but it can happen at any time of day. Frequent latching with cluster feeds signals your body to boost up your milk production so that it can meet the increasing demand of your growing baby.