The first week of breastfeeding your newborn is so important. Not only does your baby need the nourishment in the first few days in the real world, but he also needs to get used to the proper way of breastfeeding. The first week is often the hardest with breast milk supplies not always being readily available.
Doula Emily Elliot advises new moms to go easy on themselves. “During the first week of breastfeeding, new moms should expect that it won’t go perfectly,” she told Mom.com. “Sure, there are some babies that will latch and latch perfectly — but think about it, this is something that is new to both you and your baby. It does take some practice.”
Maryland mom Regina Balin Claudy couldn’t agree more. “My daughter wasn’t cooperative with me. But the minute her dad picked her up with his naked chest, she tried to latch on to him,” Balin told Mom.com. Who says breastfeeding for a newborn is all instinctual?
If you’re working on breastfeeding your newborn, here are some tips to get it done properly and keep your baby healthy.
One of the most common problems: Latching on
How healthy is breast milk? Here are the nutritional facts
Many moms are concerned about milk production, or lack thereof. Remember that in the first couple of days, you probably won’t be producing a lot of milk. You will be producing colostrum, which is highly concentrated in proteins and nutrients. One of the most critical factors of getting colostrum into your baby’s belly is to help build her immune system. This is thought to be a foundation for long-term health.
When you start to produce milk, the color will go from a yellow to an opaque whitish-yellow. Your breastmilk contains the right balanced diet for your baby, which is why doctors recommend it for at least six months. Aside from the colostrum, breast milk also contains antibodies to help keep your baby healthy.
Breastmilk is thought to reduce the risk of:
- Ear infections
- Respiratory tract infections
- Colds
- Gut infections
- Allergies and asthma
- Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
- Diabetes
- Childhood leukemia
There is no doubt that breastfeeding your newborn gives them an edge in being a healthy child. Don’t get frustrated by the problems. Practice and get the help of a lactation consultant if you need to. You’ll be glad that you did.
