Breastfeeding the First Week of Life

The number 1 concern I hear during the first week of life is, ” My baby always seems hungry.” 

This is an understandable concern and a concern that I had myself when I was a new mother many years ago.

Newborns have tiny stomachs about the size of a marble. Their stomachs hold about one teaspoon. Wow! Understandably, their stomach would empty quickly. Newborn BF every 2-3 hours from the start of their last feed. They should ideally BF at least 10 minutes or longer on the first side, then always offer the 2nd side. They may BF longer or not at all on the 2nd side. It’s totally up to them. They are the boss right now. After you offer the 2nd side, always hand-express 2 or more drops and drop them into the baby’s mouth as dessert. Who doesn’t like dessert, right?

Now, sometime after 24 hours, the baby will start to cluster feed. Cluster feeding kicks every 2-3 hours to the curb. The baby may start to feed every 30-60 minutes! Let your baby do this. Cluster feeding is needed to change your colostrum milk to mature milk. You can give your baby a snack when holding baby between feeds by hand expressing 2 or more drops in the baby’s mouth. This will also help your milk to progress from colostrum to mature milk.

The first week is a learning experience for sure as your baby learns to eat. Be patient, take quick naps, and have confidence in yourself.

Now call the baby’s doctor if:

 Baby is not having 1 pee diaper and 1 poo every day the baby is old up to day 4 for poo and 6 for pee. Example Day 1 -1 pee &1poo

Day 2- 2pee 2poo Day 3- 3 pee 3 poo After day 4 poo cap off while pee should continue to increase until Day 6.

Call your doctor if the baby is not waking up for feeding, the pee is dark and concentrated, or the poo continues to be black after day 3.

Between days 3-5, your mature milk should be in. If it is not, call your healthcare provider.

Wearing your baby during these early weeks helps milk production. Keeping your baby skin to skin with a hat and diaper on only. Lay the baby on your chest and stomach with a blanket covering the baby’s backside.  Do this whenever you are awake. Remember to give some express milk drops as snacks during these times. Now if you are feeling drowsy place your baby on their back in their bassinet, crib, or pack ’n’ play. Or allow Dad to do skin-to-skin while you sleep. From skin-to-skin, both parents will transfer immunities to the baby!

Below are some videos which can help you during this first week. If there are things you found helpful during the first week comment below to help others.

“As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.” Proverbs 27:17

Breastfeeding in the First Hours – Video – Global Health Media Project   

How to Express Breastmilk – Video – Global Health Media Project  

 Is Your Baby Getting Enough Milk – Video – Global Health Media Project                             

Attaching Your Baby at the Breast – Video – Global Health Media Project