Breastfeeding: The First 6 Weeks (or, what you don't remember from Pre-Natal Class!)

You spent 9 months focused on labor and delivery. Now give yourself some time for the breastfeeding learning process, for both you and your baby. After all, neither of you have done this before! Breastfeeding takes time and you learn it by doing it...and doing it, and doing it. Here are a few things to keep in mind in the first few weeks.

Think of a large marble…
This is roughly the size of a newborn's stomach. With that in mind, your baby needs to eat about 12-15 times in 24 hours (in other words, your baby is not eating more often than others!!). And if you have concerns about producing enough milk to keep up to this demand, don't. What your baby takes, your body makes - you will have enough milk!

Ouch!!
Yes, breastfeeding may hurt and cause sore nipples in the first few days, but it should not hurt for the whole feeding or over a period of a few days or longer. If pain persists, don't "tough it out" - seek help! Roughly 95% of the time, the solution to sore nipples comes by improving your latch.

Yikes…are these my breasts?!
Didn't think your breasts could ever be this big? Feel like they're as hard as Mount Everest with veins as big as marked trails? Not to worry, they will settle down after the first few days, and then when you've established a regular nursing schedule, they'll settle down in size and weight again (and they won't act like that leaky faucet in your bathroom anymore!). In the meantime, enjoy your cleavage!

Make peace with dust bunnies
Let dust bunnies and dirty dishes become your friends for the first few weeks. The world will not stop if you have a messy house or do not make a 4 course dinner every night. Now is the time to concentrate on your baby; to get to know one another, learn to read their cues, sing silly songs, whatever. And never hesitate to ask for help or accept it when offered. Friends and family are marvelous at folding laundry, making meals, running to the store…

Shhhh…listen to your instincts
If you're hungry, eat. If you're tired, nap. If you want to wear pajamas all day, do. If you're too tired to welcome visitors, defer. In other words, it's essential to take care of yourself as well as your baby in these first few weeks - you are doing important work!

Mastering the new normal
By about 6 weeks, you and your baby will have learned breastfeeding and have settled into somewhat of a routine. Life will feel more familiar again, your breasts will look more familiar again, and suddenly, your family is the new familiar!

So remember, breastfeeding takes time. Give yourself and your baby time to transition, to learn, to relax, and to fall in love.