What to expect - Breastfeeding in the first month

The first few weeks of breastfeeding are a steep learning curve and most breastfeeding mums find it overwhelming. Feeding around the clock is very common and helps to build your milk supply but it can also be very tiring. Taking good care of yourself and be patient, and you will find that it will get much easier after the first month as your milk supply will increase.

How often do I need to feed?

Your newborn’s small stomach grows very fast to accommodate your growing milk supply. Allowing your baby to feed as and when she needs it, will help her to continue to grow.

During the day, you can expect to feed every two to three hours. At night the gaps could be longer, like three to four hours, or maybe even five. But every baby is different. Some babies are fast feeders whereas some take up to an hour. The  feeding pattern of every child differs.

At any one feed, allow your baby to feed as much milk as she wants from one breast, then offer the other breast. When she’s full, she will seem relaxed and contented and will detach naturally, so much so that she might fall asleep. At the next feeding, offer the opposite breast first.

Why does my baby want to feed all the time?

In this first month, your baby appears constantly hungry and needs to feed often, maybe every 45 minutes This is good to initiate and build your milk supply. Another reason is that babies want to be in constant contact with their mums and just to suck for comfort. You do not need to set a routine or follow a schedule. Let her initiate the feeding instead. Offer her your breast whenever she shows signs or early cues of being hungry like her licking her lips, opening her mouth, sucking her hands, or turning her head open-mouthed. Crying is a late sign of being hungry.

How do I know if my milk is enough for my baby?

You may be worried whether your baby is getting enough milk because you can’t see how much milk your baby drinks when breastfeeding. You have to  trust your body and your baby. As the milk starts to flow, your baby sucking rhythm will be slower. You may be able to hear your baby gulping down the milk. Your baby will show signs if she’s had enough  She’ll be relaxed and her body language will show you she has had enough.

When should my baby regain her birth weight?

 It is normal for most newborns to lose weight during the first few days after birth.and it is nothing to worry about. Most lose around 5 to 7% of their birth weight, but some may lose up to 10%. However,  most babies are back to their birth weight by day 10 to 14. The minimum expected weight gain is 150 g (5.5 oz) per week on average in the first 3 to 4 months.

When will breastfeeding get easier?

This early phase is challenging but it will get easier! Your breast milk supply will be established at the end of one month. Things will be easier then. Any problem with your baby’s latch would have been sorted out by now and your body will be more efficient at producing milk, so any soreness or leaking should start to reduce. The first four to six weeks are the toughest, then it starts to settle down. And from three months onwards, breastfeeding gets easier.