HealthPartners - Taking care of you and your newborn

MAKING MILK Milk production is regulated by supply and demand. This means the more milk your baby takes from you, the more you’ll make. To get a good start, feed as soon as possible after birth and then frequently in the first 24 hours—including at night. Colostrum is the first milk you’ll make. Although it’s only produced for a short time, colostrum is easy to digest and very good for your baby’s health. The more colostrum your baby gets, the more stool you’ll see in their diaper, which is a good thing. You’ll start making more mature milk in about 1 to 3 days. Keep feeding your baby frequently and you’ll keep making the amount of mature milk they need.

SCAN + PLAY

Is my baby ready to feed? Your baby will show you signs (“feeding cues”) when they’re ready to feed. Rooming-in and holding them skin-to-skin helps you learn their cues and respond quickly. Crying or fussing are late feeding cues. Soothe your baby before feeding by gently rocking or holding them skin-to-skin.

SCAN + PLAY

FEEDING CUES

lip smacking and tongue sucking

head turning to look for the breast

opening and closing mouth

hands and fists moving to mouth

becoming more alert and active

IF YOU FEEL SLEEPY Your body naturally releases the feel-good hormone oxytocin during feeding, causing you to feel very relaxed or even sleepy. Feeling tired or taking certain medications can make you feel even less alert. Because falling asleep could cause the baby to slip from your arms, it’s important to think about how tired you are before starting a feeding session. If there’s any chance you might fall asleep while holding your baby, here are some ways to lower the risk: • Avoid feeding on a couch or armchair where the baby could become trapped and unable to breathe. • Ask someone to stay close to help you stay awake or to pick up and relocate the baby if you do fall asleep. • If you don’t have someone to help you stay awake, set a timer to go off every few minutes so you stay alert.

GETTING READY TO BREASTFEED – THE 3 Cs

Calm – Holding your baby skin-to-skin calms both of you and keeps your baby warm and interested in feeding.

Close – Instead of leaning over, bring your baby up to the level of your breast, using pillows for extra support.

Comfortable – Sit in a comfortable chair with your legs elevated on a stool to relieve pressure on your bottom.

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Your Guide to Postpartum and Newborn Care