Sometimes, especially after a physiological birth, breastfeeding can come naturally with just a few minor adjustments. However, more often than not, there is a lot to learn, and the first two weeks can be somewhat challenging, depending on various factors and conditions.
During my doula support sessions during pregnancy, I offer recommendations and discuss the physiology of breastfeeding from both the mother’s and baby’s perspectives.
For instance, a good latch is the base for a happy and satisfied baby (at least for a few hours).
In the first day or 2 after birth, your breasts produce a substance known as colostrum ( a thick yellowish liquid that is perfect for your baby for so many reasons :
- It is highly nutritious and it contains valuable antibodies that fortify your baby’s immune system for the future, while protecting your baby from bacteria in the environment
- It has a laxative quality ( it helps to clear the meconium from your baby’s bowel), clearing your baby’s digestive tract.
It’s crucial not to limit your baby’s sucking time.
- The baby’s sucking stimulates colostrum production, so keeping your baby close in the first few days encourages them to feed as often as they need.
- Remember, you and your baby form a dyad— meaning you are a perfect team when connected.
- Effective colostrum feeding also stimulates the release of your first milk.
This “first milk” typically arrives 2-4 days after birth- a transition that can be challenging, as your breasts might become swollen (a condition called engorgement). This can be uncomfortable and coincide with hormonal changes that make you feel emotional or weepy.
Having a strong support network during this time can make a world of difference in how both mother and baby adapt to this new phase.
Here are some helpful tips for your baby to latch on to the breast during engorgement:
- Stand under a warm shower with the water coming down into your breasts and massage your breasts gently towards the nipple to express a little milk
- Use warm compresses of face cloth rinsed in hot water
- If engorgement is bad you can take a homeopathic remedy ( belladonna) 6Xs every 30 min. until the symptoms ease (in Janet´s Balaskas book “Active birth”)
- Make sure your baby is latching properly and not just sucking the nipple ( more info ahead)
- Don´t hesitate to contact a lactation consultant to help you if this takes more than 24 hours
Breast Care Tips for new mums for pregnancy and postpartum:
- In late pregnancy massage your breasts and nipples with almond oil after bathing
- Never use soap on your breasts between feeds. Milk contains natural antiseptics and one bath a day is sufficient to ensure cleanliness.
- After a feed allow your breast to dry naturally and then massage a little pure almond oil into the nipples or lanolin
- Expose to open air for a while before putting on a cotton feeding bra – choose one that opens in front and make sure it is well-fitted
- Use washable or disposable breast pads that do not have a plastic backing and change frequently
- If soreness occurs use homeopathic calendula cream after feeds. This will not harm your baby
- Expose your breasts to fresh air as much as possible. Mild sunshine for a short period will help
- If you remove your baby from the breast, take care to break the suction first by inserting your little finger into the corner of your baby’s mouth
After a week or two breastfeeding will start to become a pleasure for both of you and your baby, as it nourishes both of your heart and soul.
If the circumstances allow, it is better to:
- Feed your baby according to your baby’s demand. There’s no possibility of overfeed a breastfed baby
- Let your baby lead the feeding. Feeding patterns vary. Your baby may be fed almost continuously in the late afternoon and less in the mornings, or the other way around
- There are no rules, but breastfeeding your baby for the first 6 months is more important. If you can continue for a year, or longer, your baby will only benefit, but it will be necessary to introduce solid food around 5- 6 months.
Staying positive and build a good support network with the help of your doula while pregnant is a big advantage for your postpartum period.
In my birth preparation sessions during pregnancy, we not only address postpartum recovery but also work together to build a postpartum plan that suits your unique needs. Together we can practice how to attach and position yourself and your baby for breastfeeding.
If this resonates with you, I invite you to explore my doula support sessions and join me in creating a nurturing foundation for your journey into motherhood and still collect beautiful photos of your pregnancy, birth, and first days with your newborn baby, with me.
#All photos in this article were taken by me and are shared with the kind permission of the parents. Please respect my work by not using them without consent.
