How will I know if I produce any milk for my baby? What if I don’t make any milk? How do I prevent a low milk supply? These are the many questions I get from expecting moms who take my breastfeeding class. Good news. If you are expecting and your well into your second or third trimester you’ve already got milk! Colostrum is milk! The first few hours after delivery can be the building blocks of a good and long-term breastfeeding journey. Let’s help you create a great start in your milk supply
Skin to Skin
Did that surprise you? Doing skin-to-skin immediately after your baby’s born can help your milk let down. It increases the natural hormone oxytocin which helps release your milk. Skin-to-skin contact also triggers your baby’s natural feeding instincts. You should continue to do skin to skin even after leaving the hospital as it continues to be a fantastic way to bond with your baby and calm your baby. In fact, when working with new mothers the first thing I have mothers do is put their baby skin to skin. This brings me to the next tip.
Breastfeed or hand express within one hour of delivery
If possible try to breastfeed within two hours of giving birth and ideally within an hour. If for some reason you are unable to put baby to breast in the first two hours hand express your milk. Your lactation consultant can show you how or you can watch this video on how: The basics of hand expression. Breastfeeding in the first hour has been shown to improve the long-term breastfeeding rate.
Laidback breastfeeding
This position is the most ideal position to use in the early days of breastfeeding. It requires little thought on the mom’s part, it uses your baby’s instinctive feeding cues to nurse effectively. Its gravity supports the baby’s back and head. It’s best to use this with as few barriers as possible ( have baby naked with a blanket or a simple onesie and mom with only a bra or no bra at all). Yes, there are all kinds of different positions to try and use but this is the easiest for mom and baby to start in in the first couple of weeks.
See a lactation professional within 48 hours of giving birth
Getting early support in the first couple of days is crucial to catch breastfeeding problems early and adjust them as soon as they start. Find a lactation professional in your area to connect with during your pregnancy! That way you’ll have someone you are comfortable with to help you during your breastfeeding journey.
Feed often
You are going to hear that your baby needs to eat every 2 to 3 hours. This is based on the normal feeding standards of a formula-fed baby. Breastfed babies’ feedings vary from anywhere to every 45mins to every 4 hours. This is all normal for a breastfeeding newborn. How often a baby nurse, and how long they eat is completely dependent on your newborn. Take a breastfeeding class to understand the normal feeding cues of a breastfed baby. Ultimately when in doubt boob it out. You know if your baby is eating well if they poop often and are gaining weight. You’ve got this momma! Feeding often in the early stages helps you build a larger supply later on. Feeding less can cause a smaller milk supply.
Supplements can help but...
I know you want to make sure your baby is well-fed and happy and having a solid milk supply is key. You may also wonder if using herbs, drinks, and shakes will help your supply. The thing is those supplements, shakes, and herbs only work if you're already doing the above. That being said here are some of my favorite breastmilk supplements:
I help these tips help you have a great milk supply from the start and will prevent a breastfeeding crisis. What other questions do you have about your milk supply? Leave a comment down below