 |
|
By Nancy Mohrbacher, IBCLC, Ameda Products
Co-author of Breastfeeding Made Simple and The Breastfeeding Answer Book |
|
|
| Be prepared. This is a time of intense breastfeeding. Here are breastfeeding basics from Day 4 to Week 6. |
|
| FUN FACTS |
- A baby’s stomach grows from marble to ping-pong ball size by Day 10.
- Most babies feed 8-12 times a day but not at set times. They may bunch feedings close together for part of the day or night.
- Babies may take one breast at a feeding, or they may need to feed from both breasts.
- More breastfeeding makes more milk.
- Most mothers make much more milk starting on Day 3 or 4.
- Drained breasts make milk faster. Full breasts make milk slower.
- Breastfeed only. Try to avoid pacifiers, water and other liquids.
- Your milk supply grows from about 1 ounce (30 ml) to about 30 ounces (900 ml) between Days 1 and 40.
|
|
| WHAT TO EXPECT |
- If your breasts feel very full, breastfeed more or express milk. This will make you feel better, not worse.
- By Day 3-5, baby’s black stools turn first green and then yellow.
- After that, expect 3-4 or more yellow stools every day.
- Expect 5-6 or more wet diapers a day by Day 5.
- Your baby should be back to birth weight by 2 weeks. Then expect him to gain at least 6 ounces (170 g) a week or 1.5 lbs (680 g) a month.
- Your baby may want to feed again soon after breastfeeding. This is normal.
- Most babies sleep for one 4-5 hour stretch a day. It may not be at night.
|
|
| THINGS TO LEARN |
- Breastfeed whenever your baby wants to. You’ll know it’s time when your baby turns his head from side to side with an open mouth or when he puts his hand in his mouth.
- Don’t wait until your baby fusses or cries. When he is upset, it’s harder to feed well.
- Use a hold that feels good for you and your baby.
- Learn to sleep while you breastfeed. Practice during the day.
- If breastfeeding hurts, get help. A small change in how your baby takes the breast may be all you need to feel better.
- Find a mother's group near you.
|
|
| SOME REASONS TO SEEK HELP |
- If breastfeeding hurts.
- If your baby gains weight too slowly.
|
|
To find a board-certified lactation consultant (IBCLC) near you, go to "Find a Lactation Consultant" on www.ilca.org. |
|
| Even when breastfeeding is going well, you may still experience some of the following: |
|
- Your baby has fussy times.
- He wants to feed again soon after breastfeeding.
- He wants to feed more often.
- Your breasts no longer feel full.
- He wants to feed less often or for a shorter time.
- He wakes a lot at night.
- He will take a bottle after breastfeeding.
- You can’t express much milk.
- Your breasts may or may not leak milk.
|
|
| You know you have plenty of milk when your baby gains weight well on breastfeeding alone. |
|
| FROM BIRTH - 4 MONTHS: |
- Your baby should gain 6 ounces (170 g) a week or 1.5 lbs. (680 g) a month.
|
|
| This is general information and does not replace the advice of your physician or healthcare provider. If you have a problem you cannot solve quickly, seek help right away. |
|
Every baby is different, and your baby may not be average.
If in doubt, contact your physician or other healthcare provider. |
|
