The First Week

The First Week Breastfeeding Tips:

Nurse early and often; 10-12 times in 24 hours
Usual duration of feeding is between 20-45 minutes
Give both breasts at each feeding
If you experience nipple pain when feeding, ask for help right away
It takes 3-5 days for mature milk to ‘come in’ to your breasts
Breasts will become noticeably larger and fill with milk over 1-2 days
After Day 5, baby should have 6-8 wet diapers and 3-4 large yellow, seedy, loose stools (with a few extra streaks) daily
To prevent severe engorgement, nurse frequently.
If baby is not able to nurse, hand express or pump your breasts 10-12 times daily
Engorgement usually lasts for about 2 weeks
Limit visitors, both in hospital and at home, while you bond with your new baby
If you plan to sleep with your baby, make your room safe for bed-sharing
Attend a La Leche League Meeting https://www.lllct.org/ or https://lllny.org/
Recommended reading: “The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding” by La Leche League International
If baby is not nursing, stooling or gaining weight well after your milk comes in, call right away