Newborn cuddles and breastfeeding bliss – that’s the dream, right? The breastfeeding first week sets the stage for your journey, and it can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry, mama, we’ve got your back! This guide will break down each day, offering tips and tricks for those precious early feedings.
Day 1 & 2: Colostrum Power!
Capture the Golden Hour: Your baby is going to be ready to eat upon arrival so take advantage! That first hour outside the womb is the perfect time to let baby’s natural instincts take over and find a perfect latch. Can’t take advantage of the “golden hour”? No worries. Just try to feed your baby as soon as possible.
Focus on Colostrum: In the first few days after birth, your body produces colostrum, a thick, yellowish liquid often called “liquid gold.” It may seem like a small amount, but it’s packed with antibodies to jumpstart your baby’s immune system. This “first milk” is perfectly designed for your newborn’s tiny tummy, promoting healthy gut development and even acting as a natural laxative. Learn more about colostrum in this post.
Frequent Skin-to-Skin Contact: Focus on skin-to-skin contact during these early feedings. This closeness not only helps regulate your baby’s temperature but also strengthens the emotional bond between you and your little one.
Feeding Cues: Your newborn’s feeding cues can be subtle at first, but look for signs like rooting, sucking motions, or fussiness. Aim for frequent, on-demand feedings, allowing your baby to determine how much milk they need. This frequent suckling stimulates your body to produce more milk, a process known as supply and demand.
Day 3 & 4: Latching Like a Pro
Mastering the Latch: Your nurses or the hospital Lactation Consultant may have helped you with latching initially, but you’ll want to focus on properly latching yourself. Your baby’s mouth should be wide open, with their chin and lower lip flanged out. Their tongue should be positioned over a large portion of your nipple and most of the areola.
Transitioning to milk: You will soon notice your milk begin to “come in,” which can feel full or tingly in your breasts. This is a good sign! Your body will produce a lot more milk than it did colostrum, so don’t be surprised. If you experience any pain or discomfort during feeding, don’t hesitate to seek help from a lactation consultant (IBCLC).
First outpatient appointment: You will likely have your first outpatient appointment scheduled before you even leave the hospital. Your doctor will check in on things like feedings and diaper changes, as well as baby’s measurements. This is the perfect time to address your questions and concerns.
Day 5 & 6: Finding Your Rhythm:
Feeding Routine: You’ve likely developed some type of feeding routine, but keep in mind that newborns still have small stomachs and need to eat frequently. Be prepared for 8-12 feedings or more in a 24-hour period.
Finding a Rhythm: Your feeding routine may be demanding but your body will be adjusting to its feeding duties. Your nipples should feel some relief from any initial tenderness and you should also be gaining confidence in latching. This should give you the opportunity to experiment with new feeding positions.
Hello Hormones: It’s quite possible that you’ll feel everything from sadness and overwhelm to joy in a matter of moments. It’s normal, thanks to hormones; however, postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety are also a common concern. Familiarize yourself with the signs of both and don’t be scared or ashamed to take it to your OB, MD or Lactation Consultant for the support you need.
Day 7: 1 Week!
Celebrate Your Success: You’ve conquered the first week of breastfeeding! Hopefully you’ve learned your baby’s feeding cues, mastered the latch, and established a breastfeeding routine, but if not don’t be discouraged. It’ll come soon.
Supportive Network: Having a strong support system can make all the difference. Consider connecting with a lactation consultant (IBCLC) or joining a breastfeeding support group. These professionals can offer valuable guidance on troubleshooting any challenges you may face.
Additional Support: Hygeia is also here for you! We offer a hospital-grade strength breast pump designed to mimic a baby’s natural suckling pattern for efficient milk expression.
Remember, mama, you are doing an amazing job! Breastfeeding is a beautiful and rewarding experience. By following these tips, seeking support when needed, and utilizing the right tools, you’ll be well on your way to a successful breastfeeding journey.
BREASTFEEDING
7 Raw Breastfeeding Photos Uncover A Rarely-Talked About Side
As a breast pump company, obviously breastfeeding and pumping go hand-in-hand in our thought-process. The same cannot be said for much of the population. People thinking “nursing mother” and they think special tucked away moments between mother and child in a cozy chair, rocking baby. It is likely they never think of a mom hidden in a corner hooked up to a machine while in work attire and expressing milk just so she can bag it up and get back to her job.
Photographer Leah DeVun has a wonderfully moving photo project she titled In The Age Of Mechanical Reproduciton that features images of women using breast pumps. [See more here.]
Images: Leah DeVun
PREGNANCY
What Makes Pregnancy Labor Progress?
They say every month has about 30 days, except the final month of pregnancy which has 3,053 days! Once you hit the point of full term, most moms are totally ready for labor to start and have their water break on the kitchen floor. (Spoiler: most moms do not experience a Hollywood style water break and instead the doctor breaks it for them while in the hospital!) If you are ready to get the show on the road, there are no natural guarantees, but some of these recommendations have helped others. [Read more here.]
Test Your Baby Name
Having trouble deciding on your baby name? Or maybe you have one, but you are still hesitant to commit? We understand. In some ways it feels like you are defining your child’s future. (Even though that is ridiculous!) But there are things to consider. This list has a lot of the top questions to ask yourself about a name before committing. Saying the name out loud for hypothetical situations is beneficials as well. (How will it sound being shouted in your ‘you are in big trouble’ voice?) [Read more here.]
MOTHERHOOD
A Book’s Content Matters More To Kids’ Learning Than Whether It’s Digital Or Print, Study Finds
Read. To. Your. Kids. I am sure you have been told that it is kind of important. It definitely is; so much so, that new studies are saying how the kids consume reading is not as important as the reading itself. Parents who give their children tablets or phones are sometimes scolded or looked down on because of “too much screen time,” but maybe the child is still benefitting.
“While many studies over the years have vacillated on whether digital books are good for youngsters (or any reader, really) a recent study found that when it comes to reading comprehension, the format might not be the most important thing. A book’s content matters more to kids’ learning than whether it’s digital or print — at least for preschoolers.” [Read more here.]
6 Common Parenting Habits That Are Hurting Your Health
As a parent, it is easy to be so focused on taking care of the kids that you forget to also take care of yourself. But keep in mind, you cannot take care of your kids if you get sick!
“[U]nlike biting your nails or chewing with your mouth open, there are actually quite a few common parenting habits you don’t realize are killing you. I’m not talking about turning into a meth manufacturer to save your family from debt, a la Walter White. I’m talking about everyday habits that are harmful mentally and physically.”
Take a read and see which of these habits are a part of your daily routine and figure out how you can remedy them sooner rather than later. Your kids need you healthy, mama! [Read more here.]
INFANTS
17 Questions You’ll Ask Yourself the First Time Your Baby Sleeps Through the Night
What’s that noise? Wait, nothing? Not your baby? The first night your baby sleeps through the night, in theory, is a dream come true. What more could you want after nights of up and down, intermittent sleep? More than likely, though, you won’t sleep through the night despite how at peace your babe may be. You will wonder and worry. We are doing our best to help you in advance. Read through these questions and know, every parent runs through question after question on the first occasion of baby’s sweet slumber-filled night. [Read more here.]
New moms: which stroller is right for you and your baby?
As a new mom, figuring out what baby products to list on your registry can be really overwhelming. It is especially hard to decide on some of the more costly products. Which pacifiers to buy? Who knows… Buy several kinds to see what works. The same cannot be said for a stroller. (Unless maybe you are a Kardashian and can afford one in every brand and color.) For the rest of us, we need some guidance for the one perfect fit. (Or at least best fit.) Use this post to learn more about these five strollers that were used by a mom like you. [See stroller reviews here.]
TODDLERS
6 Ways to Encourage Toddlers to Actually Sit Still and Eat Already
How do you find the balance of not having half-filled plates of food sitting out from meal to meal, but not being cruel and snatching away your kid’s food before they’ve eating a sufficient amount? Toddlers are the worst at not simply sitting and completing a meal. Even when they like the food you put in front of them, they easily become distracted and can have trouble sitting still and focusing on finishing their plate.
“Toddlers are busy little people,” says Natalia Stasenko MS, RD, CDN, of Tribeca Nutrition. “Plus, their growth slows after 12 months, so they do not need as many calories. So sitting down for meals is not their priority.”
The good news is, there are ways to reign in your child’s all-over-the-place eating habits and this article includes advice from professionals. [Read more here.]
Pics That Will Make You Feel Better About Your Current Situation
There is a season of life all parents endure through it’s ups and downs: toddlerhood. While dealing with meltdowns, weirdness at home can drive you close to the edge, you can always change up the vibe and escape the house. Experiencing the extreme situations of being the parent of a toddler in public is another story. You feel all of the heads turning and watching. You even feel the ones actively making a point not to stare. But the Instagram account Kids Are The Worst does a great job of bringing parents together in their moments of “glory” (or lack thereof). Misery loves company, right? Check out a compilation of classic moments shared from this Instagram account here.
IMAGE VIA INSTAGRAM/ KIDS ARE THE WORST
