Short answer
Start breastfeeding within the first hour after birth if you can, with your baby skin-to-skin on your chest. The first milk, colostrum, is thick and yellow, and about a teaspoon per feed is enough. Feed whenever your baby shows hunger cues, at least 8 to 12 times in 24 hours. Your milk usually “comes in” 2 to 4 days after birth.
- Published
- Published by
- Dhruva Hospitals, Kadapa
Skin-to-skin and the first feed
WHO and UNICEF recommend that every baby starts breastfeeding within 1 hour of birth. Holding your baby naked against your skin keeps the baby warm and calm and helps the first feed. This is possible after a caesarean too.
If your baby needs special care first, you can still breastfeed and bond later. The nurses can help you express milk in the meantime.
Colostrum: your first milk
The milk in the first few days is called colostrum. It is thick, golden-yellow and very concentrated, so a newborn needs only a small amount at each feed. Do not throw it away; it is the right first food for your baby.
Your baby needs nothing else: no water, honey, ghutti, sugar water or formula unless your doctor advises it.
How often to feed
In the first days, babies may feed every 1 to 3 hours, and at least 8 to 12 times in 24 hours. Feed whenever your baby wants and for as long as they want. You cannot overfeed a breastfed baby.
Early hunger cues are easier to respond to than crying:
- Restlessness
- Sucking on fists or fingers
- Murmuring sounds
- Turning the head and opening the mouth (rooting)
Building your milk supply
Around 2 to 4 days after birth your breasts feel fuller as your milk comes in. The more often your baby feeds, the more milk you make. Night feeds are important, because the hormone that builds supply is higher at night.
In the early weeks, formula top-ups or a pacifier can reduce your supply. Nearly all mothers make enough milk for their baby.
When to ask for help
- Feeding hurts all the way through, or your nipples are cracked
- Your baby falls asleep before the deep, rhythmic swallowing starts, which can mean a poor latch
- Your baby is too sleepy to wake for feeds, or looks yellow
- Your baby has fewer wet nappies or dark urine
- You are worried your baby is not getting enough milk
The first six months
WHO recommends breast milk only for the first 6 months, then continuing breastfeeding up to 2 years or beyond, with safe solid foods added from 6 months.
Common questions
Can I breastfeed after a caesarean?
Yes. You can usually have skin-to-skin contact and start feeding soon after the operation. Ask the nurses to help you find a comfortable position that keeps pressure off the wound.
My milk has not come in yet. Is my baby starving?
No. Colostrum is enough for the first few days, because a newborn’s stomach is small. Frequent feeding brings your milk in faster.
Read next
This article is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. In an emergency, call +91 90368 52311.