What To Expect Of The First Few Breastfeeds

The beginning of your breastfeeding journey is a time to be treasured. It is the start of a beautiful relationship between you and your baby, as she receives all the benefits of breast milk while bonding with Mom.

Breastfeeding is natural, but it is quite common for new moms to feel anxious about the early feeds. We’re here to ease your concerns. Armed with realistic expectations and good advice, you’ll be set for nursing success!

For Baby’s first few days, she’ll suckle every hour or so, but will only drink small amounts at a time. After Day 3, Baby should still nurse frequently but for a bit longer at each feed. It’s important to feed when Baby needs to, and not on a schedule. Your baby is an individual, so the frequency and length of feeds will differ from baby to baby.

Knowledge is power

Also allow your baby to feed in ‘courses’ (starters, main course, and dessert) so she gets both foremilk and hindmilk. Initially, Baby will nurse for five to 20 minutes per feed (spending two to six hours breastfeeding per day), and from Day 4, for 30 to 90 minutes, including all ‘courses’, nappy changes, and burping (five to 10 hours of feeding per day).

One of the biggest shocks to new moms is how often a newborn nurses. That’s because Baby’s stomach capacity is only 5ml on Day One, gradually stretching to hold more. As your baby gets older, she’ll feed less frequently and breastfeeding itself will get easier. In the meantime, sit back, relax and enjoy this exclusive time you get with the newest member of your family!