Bringing your baby home is an exciting time, but it can also be filled with anxieties, especially when it comes to breastfeeding. You might be wondering, ‘When will my milk come in?’ and feeling anxious if it doesn’t seem to be flowing immediately. Rest assured, your body is working hard behind the scenes!
This blog post will explain what’s happening in those crucial early days, why your milk supply may not be abundant right away, and what your baby actually needs in the first few days after birth.
Understanding Colostrum
The first thing to put your mind at ease it to understand that milk is not the first thing your baby needs to consume after birth. In their initial days, your breasts produce colostrum, a thick, yellowish fluid packed with nutrients and antibodies. Think of it as liquid gold for your baby! This precious first milk is all your newborn needs in those early days.
With that, it’s important to not fret over the small amount of colostrum your body is producing. Colostrum is incredibly concentrated and your baby’s tiny stomach doesn’t need much. It’s completely normal to produce only small amounts of colostrum in the first few days. Focus on frequent feedings and observe your baby’s cues.
Maximizing Skin-to-Skin Contact
Skin-to-skin contact is crucial during the first days of your baby’s life. Holding your baby against your bare chest helps regulate their temperature, promotes bonding, and encourages frequent breastfeeding, which can also trigger milk production.
Skin-to-skin contact stimulates the release of oxytocin, a hormone crucial for both milk production and bonding. Oxytocin helps contract the muscles around the milk-producing glands, facilitating milk ejection, also known as let-down. It also stimulates the release of prolactin, another important hormone for milk production.
Additionally, implementing skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth can encourage early latching. With skin-to-skin time, your baby is more likely to instinctively crawl towards the breast and latch naturally. This experience also helps the baby learn to recognize and respond to hunger cues, leading to more effective feeding.
Waiting on Milk to Come In with Rest and Recovery
It can take 3-5 days for your milk to come in after you’ve given birth. During this time, it’s crucial to avoid stressing about your milk supply and instead rely on the colostrum while you rest. Rest is essential for both you and your baby. Allow yourself time to recover from childbirth and focus on bonding.
The onset of milk production is often indicated by changes in your breast temperature, milk leakage, and breast fullness or engorgement. The experience varies among mothers, with some experiencing a gradual increase in milk production, while others may experience a more sudden “let-down.” This timeframe is a general guideline, based on the experiences of many mothers. If you have any concerns once you’re home, it’s important to consult with your doctor or a lactation consultant.
Maintaining Hydration and Nutrition
In addition to rest, hydrating and nourishing your body is crucial for milk production.
Hydration: Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Keep a water bottle handy at your bedside, especially in the hospital.
Healthy Diet: Focus on a balanced diet that includes:
Fruits and vegetables: Load up on colorful produce to provide essential vitamins and minerals.
Protein: Include lean protein sources like chicken, fish, beans, and lentils.
Whole grains: Choose whole-grain options like brown rice, quinoa, and whole-wheat bread for sustained energy.
Remember that your appetite may fluctuate in the early days. Listen to your body’s cues, but make an effort to eat nutritious foods to support your milk supply.”
Supporting Your Breastfeeding Journey
Milk supply can be a concern for many new mothers. At Hygeia Health, we understand that breast pumping can effectively stimulate milk production. Frequent pumping sessions, ideally every 2-3 hours, mimic a newborn’s feeding pattern and signal your body to increase milk production. This consistent stimulation helps to establish and maintain a good milk supply.
While pumping can be a valuable tool, direct breastfeeding remains the most natural and efficient way to stimulate milk production and build a strong bond with your baby.
Our high-quality breast pumps are designed to make pumping easier and more efficient so that, in the end, you have a way to get your one-of-a-kind milk to your baby. To apply for a 100%-insurance-covered breast pump, simply visit our website and fill out the application form. We’ll review your application and contact you with the next steps.
These early days are a precious time for you. Focus on bonding with your baby, and trust your body to do what it was made to do.
Nearly every part of parenthood has its ups and downs and breastfeeding is no exception. While it can be beautiful and rewarding, it is suddenly tough when your baby refuses the breast. It can be frustrating and disheartening. Just remember, you are not alone and there are strategies for overcoming the challenge of breast refusal.
This blog post will dive into the solutions to help you overcome this hurdle and get your breastfeeding journey back on track.
Understanding the Reasons for Breast Refusal
First, there are several reasons why a baby might refuse the breast, and it is important to understand where baby may be coming from in his or her refusal.
Painful latch: If your baby is experiencing pain while latching, they may refuse to breastfeed.
Tongue-tie or lip-tie: These conditions can make it difficult for your baby to latch properly and you may need to pursue treatment.
Illness: Do you lose your appetite when sick? Baby is no different. If your he or she is sick, they may be less interested in breastfeeding.
Distractions: Noise, light, or other distractions can interfere with breastfeeding. If you are trying to nurse with a cover, this can sometimes be problematic for baby’s attention also.
Stress or Overwhelm: Both you and your baby can experience stress, which can impact breastfeeding. It can impact baby’s ability to latch and your milk production.
Tips for Overcoming Breast Refusal
Identifying the possible cause of the issue can set you on track for which solution will help you overcome the obstacle.
Consult a Lactation Consultant: A lactation consultant can assess your baby’s latch and offer personalized advice.
Skin-to-Skin Contact: Spend quality time skin-to-skin with your baby. The direct physical contact can help calm them and encourage them to latch.
Try Different Positions: Experiment with different breastfeeding positions to find what works best for you and your baby.
Express Milk: If your baby is refusing the breast, you can express milk and feed it to them with a bottle or syringe or small spoon. With clean hands, you can even try using your pinky finger dipped in milk to feed baby.
Avoid Pacifiers: Using a pacifier can interfere with breastfeeding if your baby is already struggling with nursing.
Be Patient: Be patient and persistent. It may take time for your baby to adjust.
Tips for Returning To Breast after Bottle
Choose the Right Time: Try to breastfeed your baby when he or she is calm and relaxed, such as before a nap or bedtime.
Start Slowly: Begin by offering the breast for short periods, gradually increasing the duration as your baby gets used to it.
Express Milk and Offer It: Expressing some milk and offering it to your baby using a syringe, a spoon, or your finger as you hold them skin to skin can help them associate the taste of breast milk with your breast.
Be Patient: It may take several attempts for your baby to adjust to breastfeeding once he or she has taken to feeding from a bottle. Don’t get discouraged.
Hygeia Health: Supporting Your Breastfeeding Journey
At Hygeia Health, we know challenges like breast refusal are real for both first-time and seasoned mothers. Our high-quality breast pumps are designed to make pumping easier and more efficient so that, in the end, you have a way to get your one-of-a-kind milk to your baby.
To apply for a free breast pump, simply visit our website and fill out the application form. We’ll review your application and contact you with the next steps.
Remember, you’re not alone. With patience, persistence, and the right support, you can overcome breast refusal and enjoy the benefits of breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding: It’s like a superpower for moms. But sometimes, even superheroes need a boost. Some moms face the challenge of low milk supply, which may feel like losing one of your most important motherhood superpowers.
Don’t worry, it’s not just you! Many moms have been there, and there are ways to boost your milk production. Here are some tips to help you increase your breast milk production.
Your body needs encouragement
Feed Frequently: You may be exhausted and it’s not what you want to hear, but frequent feedings may be the solution. The more often you feed your baby, the more milk your body will produce. Try to feed on demand, whenever baby shows signs of hunger.
Skin-to-Skin Contact: Keep baby close! Skin-to-skin contact can help stimulate your milk production and promote bonding with your baby.
Pumping: If you’re pumping, make sure you’re using a good-quality pump and pumping frequently. You may also want to try pumping on both sides at the same time. This can be especially helpful if you are working or have to be away from baby for long periods of time. Check out the Hygeia Express breast pump.
Self-Care: Take care of yourself
Relax and Reduce Stress: What new mom isn’t stressed? And unfortunately that stress can impact your milk supply. Ask your support system to help you find ways to relax. Many people can manage stress through techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga.
Get Enough Rest: While frequent feedings and pumping may make this a hard one, solid rest and sleep will help your body with milk production. Be assured that the messes, dirty dishes, and laundry can wait and give yourself permission to sleep when the baby sleeps.
Eat a Healthy Diet: Your milk is directly impacted by the foods you consume and how much water you are drinking. Eating a healthy, balanced diet can help support your milk production, so don’t rely on processed, low calorie foods. Make sure you’re getting enough calories, fluids, and nutrients.
Avoid Alcohol and Caffeine: Fluids matter but which fluids matter too, as the wrong ones will definitely create a lack of milk supply. Excessive alcohol and caffeine consumption can reduce your milk production, so reduce or avoid them completely.
Outside Help
Seek Support: If you’re struggling to increase your milk supply, don’t hesitate to seek support from a lactation consultant or breastfeeding support group.
Get a Free Breast Pump: We believe that every mother should have access to the tools and support they need to breastfeed their baby. That’s why we offer an insurance-covered breast pump to mothers qualify. To apply, simply fill out the application form. We’ll review your application and contact you with the next steps.
Hygeia Health Can Help: At Hygeia Health, we understand the importance of breastfeeding and the challenges that mothers may face. In addition to our high-quality breast pumps, we also offer resources and support to help mothers on their breastfeeding journey. Take advantage of our website and our customer service team.
You Can Do It
Increasing your milk supply takes time and patience. But with the right support and strategies, you can achieve your breastfeeding goals.
