MemorialCare - Your Guide to Postpartum and Newborn Care

Making Milk

MAKING MILK Milk production is regulated by supply and demand. This means the more milk your baby takes from your breast, the more you’ll make. Start things off right by breastfeeding your baby as soon as possible after birth and then frequently in the first 24 hours—including at night.

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Cradle

Cross-Cradle

Colostrum is the first milk you’ll make while you’re pregnant. Though you make it for only a short time, colostrum plays an important role in your baby’s health. It’s easy to digest and produced in just the right amount for your baby’s small stomach. The more colostrum your baby gets, the more stool you’ll see in the baby’s diaper. And, yes, that’s a good thing. In about 1 to 3 days, your milk will change and increase in amount. This is when you start making mature milk. Feeding your baby often in these early days will help you make the amount of mature milk your baby needs.

Side-Lying

Clutch or Football Hold

GETTING READY TO BREASTFEED Begin each feeding with the 3 Cs:

Calm – Hold your baby skin to-skin to make sure you’re both calm. Skin-to-skin also helps your baby stay warm and interested in breastfeeding.

Close – Hold and position your baby close. Instead of leaning over, bring the baby up to the level of your breast and have enough pillows for extra support.

Comfortable – Sit in a comfortable chair with pillows for support and elevate your legs with a stool. This will take pressure off your bottom and help you feel more comfortable.

How do I know if my baby is ready to breastfeed? When your baby’s ready to breastfeed, they’ll show feeding cues—signs they’re ready to feed. Rooming in and placing your baby skin-to-skin can help you learn their cues. Plus, you’ll be right there where you can respond to them quickly. If your baby’s crying, they may be too upset to breastfeed. When this happens, calm your baby first by gently rocking them side to side or through skin-to-skin.

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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Questions about Covid-19 and Breastfeeding?

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Your Guide to Postpartum and Newborn Care