Breastfeeding is something amazing our bodies do in order to provide for our babies! This process is different for every mother and may not be for everyone. The goal for any mom is just to be able to feed our babies to keep them full, happy, and healthy.
Our body makes mature breast milk 2-4 days after birth. (If you’re a first-time mom, then this can take longer). Your body goes through tremendous changes after delivery. Your hormones are no longer working to grow a baby but instead to feed and nurture your baby.
Your milk production occurs because of all the hormones released after delivery. These hormones also help you to release all the extra fluid your body has been carrying along with your baby. This is why you may be super sweaty or need to pee all the time after delivery! See the positives. You can blame your bitchy attitude on these post-delivery hormones. You may be laughing and happy one second, and crying over a hallmark commercial the next.
So what does your baby do until your mature milk comes in? They drink your colostrum. Colostrum is a thick, yellowish milk concentrate that has amazing health benefits for your baby, it is a super immune booster and provides your baby with great antibodies and white blood cells. It also helps to coat your baby’s digestive tract and aid in their first bowel movements. You may have seen this colostrum coming out from your nipple during your pregnancy (this can occur as early as the 12th week).
This Colostrum super juice is harder for your baby to pull out because it is thicker than breast milk and there may not be a whole lot of it. Do not panic! This is normal! Not only does this pre-milk train your baby to suck and swallow, but their stomach is so tiny when they are born so even a small amount will do the job. In fact, on the first day of life, the newborn’s stomach is the size of a cherry! WTF!
Your job during this period is to take advantage of this practice of milk. Take in all the advice and ask as many questions as you can. Get help from the nurses, doctors, midwives, and lactation consultants in the hospital (or other birthing settings). Check out this blog for a list of questions that you want to ask your healthcare team postpartum.
This is never a perfect process. There are so many emotions and challenges in this new transition for you and your baby. It is okay and completely normal to need support! If you are expecting soon or starting the transition and have any concerns or need some help send me an email or we can set up a consultation! Keep reading if you want a step by step guide to the first couple days.