Breastfeeding Positions Getting a Good Latch Baby’s Cues First Feedings All About Milk Setting Your Supply
I breastfed my daughter for her first 2 weeks. I was not able to continue to due a health problem but I feel that those first 2 weeks were the most important in helping aid in her development. It was not only a bonding experience but I felt that I was able to pass along something very special that ONLY A MOM can give their child and that is a healthy start in life through the colostrum in the breastmilk.
Londa Dennings
Breastfeeding Mother
All About Milk - Even before your baby is born, your breasts are making colostrum.
Colostrum:
- Is high in protein, which is exactly what your baby needs in the first few days
- Contains antibodies that protect baby from infections
- Helps baby pass the dark, tarry stools he has in the first day or two.
When your baby is 2 to 5 days old, your milk will become thinner and bluish-white in color, like skim milk. Your breasts will also feel fuller. Congratulations, your milk has come in! When this happens, it is very important to nurse your baby frequently to keep your breasts from becoming
too full or engorged.
Your milk changes as your baby feeds. When your baby first begins a nursing session, he gets foremilk. Foremilk is lower in fat and higher in lactose, a milk sugar that is important for development. The foremilk quenches your baby’s thirst. As the feeding progresses, your milk transitions to hindmilk. Hindmilk is higher in fat, so it helps your baby feel full longer. During a feeding, it’s important not to switch breasts until your baby has had a chance to get the hindmilk from the first breast. Some people think of hindmilk as the baby’s dessert.
Milk Comes In, Tears Come Out
It’s an old saying, but many moms find it to be true—around the time their milk comes in, they also get new surges of hormones that bring on the “baby blues.” When you combine those hormones with lack of sleep, all of a sudden many new moms find themselves bursting into tears when they hear their favorite song or see a diaper commercial. This is completely normal, and lots of new moms go through it. If you find that the baby blues last more than a few days or you think you might be experiencing post-partum depression, be sure to call your doctor.
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