The start of breastfeeding

Just as birthing has been portrayed in our culture as difficult and painful, so too has breastfeeding. The fact is that the vast majority of mothers and babies breastfeed with few difficulties.  But equally this isn't always the case and some support can be helpful also a little preperation of what to maybe expect can help alliviate some stresses of those first few days and weeks. Mother’s bodies and babies know what to do, but there are some things that make this process harder or interfered with.  As with birthing, positive expectations, good support from family, friends and care providers, and trust in the process are necessary. 

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When your baby begins to nurse, it triggers a release of oxytocin. This causes the tiny muscles around the milk glands to contract, releasing the milk into the ducts, where it flows to the nipple. Most mothers feel a tingly sensation in the nipples when the milk ejection reflex or

let-down occurs, and milk begins to flow from both nipples. Without the let-down, your baby will get very little milk. Just as in labour, oxytocin flows best when a mother is relaxed. Relaxation techniques are very helpful during the months and years of breastfeeding.

Colostrum is present for the first few days after birth, it is low in fat, high in protein, and contains many essential antibodies and important growth factors. It has a mild laxative effect which helps empty the bowel of meconium and helps clear bilirubin to prevent jaundice. The volume of colostrum is small, but it is just the right amount for a newborn.

Breast milk comes through within 24 to 72 hours after birth, the milk glands transition from producing colostrum to milk. The volume increases dramatically and composition changes to meet your baby’s needs Breastfeeding is a model of supply and demand. The more your baby nurses, the more milk you will make. Mothers of twins and triplets can and do breastfeed their babies and many mothers nurse two or more babies of different ages (tandem nursing) or donate milk.

Breastfeeding should feel good. If it hurts, take your baby off the nipple and let them try again. She should have the entire nipple in her mouth, and perhaps some of the areola (depending upon the size of mother’s nipples.) If she sucks on just the tip, she will get little milk and you will have sore nipples.

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