Breastfeeding is one of the most natural ways to nourish your newborn. By breastfeeding, you protect your baby's health and ensure that you both build a very special and deep bond with each other. However, especially at the beginning, breastfeeding your newborn can be challenging. To ensure a good start to breastfeeding and what you should pay attention to while breastfeeding, you will find out in the following article.
Prepare for breastfeeding during pregnancy
Even before the birth, you can prepare for breastfeeding. Educate yourself about breastfeeding techniques and positions, for example, in a childbirth preparation course, through books, online, or with your midwife. Knowing what to expect can give you confidence.
About twelve days before birth, the first colostrum forms in your breast, also known as colostrum. You can collect the milk, which amounts to up to 40 ml, in small milk containers and cool or even freeze it to give to your baby after birth. The yellowish and thick colostrum provides your baby with plenty of proteins and vitamins after birth. Colostrum is low in fats and carbohydrates, making it easily digestible for your newborn.
The first breastfeeding after birth
After the birth of your baby, ideally, you will have it placed directly on your chest so that you can get to know each other in peace. The first breastfeeding should take place approximately within the first hour after birth. A good way to position your baby is to have your upper body free and your baby naked. This allows your baby to use its innate rooting and grasping reflexes to find support on your body and become active: Your baby searches for your breast through head movements, and when it finds it, it lifts its head, opens its mouth, and can latch on independently or with a little help from you. Your baby's sucking reflex helps stimulate milk production. If breastfeeding does not work immediately after birth, ask a midwife for help and try to stay relaxed.
Breastfeeding after birth - with support, it works
With pregnancy and birth, not only does the anticipation of your baby grow, but sometimes also the uncertainty or fear of doing something wrong. Don't worry, this is completely normal. You will receive support and advice from your midwife in any case. Perhaps at the place where you give birth, there are even lactation consultants who can show you the optimal latching technique after birth. Additionally, you can also look for a breastfeeding group in your area early on. The exchange with other mothers, observing your baby at the breast, and tips can help you with the start of breastfeeding.
Easy start to breastfeeding through proper latching
There are different positions for breastfeeding, and what works for one mom may not necessarily be suitable for you. Try out different positions to see what is most comfortable for you and your baby. With a breastfeeding pillow, you can make it really cozy for you and your baby. The right latching technique can greatly ease your start to breastfeeding:
1. Preparation for breastfeeding
Hold your baby close to your body so that its nose is pointing towards your nipple. To stimulate the rooting reflex, you can touch your baby's lips or the area above the upper lip with your breast. When your baby opens its mouth, guide it to your breast.
2. Drinking
You can tell if your baby is latched on correctly by the fact that the upper and lower lip are flanged out and it has little chubby cheeks. For your baby to drink well, it should grasp your nipple and part of the areola well. This makes sucking easier. If breastfeeding feels uncomfortable, hurts, or you hear smacking sounds, briefly interrupt and find a new position. Always stay calm and relaxed, even if it doesn't work perfectly at first.
3. Releasing after breastfeeding
Your baby usually releases itself from the breast when it has had enough to drink. If it continues to suckle at the breast without drinking for a long time, you can gently slide your little finger into the corner of its mouth to stop the sucking process. This will help your baby easily detach from the breast.
What is the right amount of milk for the start of breastfeeding?
Your baby is born with a stomach the size of a hazelnut, so in the first few days, small amounts of colostrum are sufficient to satisfy your baby. Later, as you produce more milk, your baby can also digest larger amounts - eventually up to 800 ml a day. Your milk supply always adjusts to your baby's demand. This can vary from more to less. What matters is that your baby appears satisfied and gains weight. By the way: Did you know that depending on the time of day, not only the amount of milk but also the composition of the milk changes?
How often should I breastfeed my newborn?
Breastfeed your baby on demand when it shows signs of hunger. Especially at the beginning, the breastfeeding volume is increased to eight to twelve times a day. Frequent latching also stimulates the breast and encourages milk production. As your child gets older, the intervals between breastfeeding sessions will also increase. You can expect breastfeeding to last about 15 to 20 minutes. However, this varies from baby to baby.
How do I know if my baby is hungry?
Breastfeeding is easier for you and your baby if you recognize the early signs of hunger:
- Your baby is licking its lips and moving its head.
- Your baby is smacking and sucking on its hand.
- Your baby is making noises, becoming fussy, and whining slightly.
- Your baby sticks its tongue out when it wants to suck.
If your baby is already crying, that counts as a late sign of hunger. It can then be difficult to latch the baby correctly. Therefore, always pay close attention to your child, cuddle a lot with it, and hold it securely in your arms to notice early signs. You will see: Breastfeeding works so much better without stress.
How do I know that my baby is full?
You can tell that your baby is drinking enough when, starting from the fifth or sixth day, it has six or more wet diapers and two or more full diapers daily. If it is gaining weight well, you can be sure that your baby is getting enough fluids and calories. If your baby lets go of the breast, it is full.
Do I have enough breast milk for my baby?
Especially at the beginning of breastfeeding, many moms worry about whether their breast milk is sufficient. However, these worries are often unfounded, as the amount of milk always adjusts to your baby's needs. Your breast may also feel fuller at times and emptier at others. However, this does not indicate how much breast milk you are producing. You can assume that your baby is drinking enough if it...
- ...is gaining weight continuously,
- ...has a healthy skin color,
- ...is satisfied, and
- ...has about six wet diapers daily and three diapers with stool starting from the fourth day of life.
Note: The indicated number of diapers may vary daily.
What should I consider in my diet?
To make the breastfeeding period enjoyable for you and your baby, you should place great importance on a balanced diet. Eat especially vitamin- and nutrient-rich foods and drink plenty of water or tea. During breastfeeding, your calorie needs may increase by an additional 500 to 600 kcal per day. With healthy fats from, for example, nuts, seeds, avocados, and oils, as well as enough proteins and carbohydrates, you can be sure that you are consuming enough calories. Many moms also notice that they have increased hunger during breastfeeding and intuitively eat more than usual. Of course, you can also treat yourself to chocolate, ice cream, or another favorite snack of your choice.
Believe in yourself and your baby
Breastfeeding is a personal journey, and every experience is unique. Be patient with yourself and your baby as you both adjust to this new phase of life. And even if it is not easy at times, your baby cries a lot, or it struggles to latch onto the breast: Remember that you can do this, that you are strong, and that you are providing for your baby with 100 percent dedication and doing your best every day. With time and practice, breastfeeding will become easier, more routine, and a natural and fulfilling experience.
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