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