New Mom, Should We Start Breastfeeding Your Baby? (Breastfeeding Basics for New Moms)

When you become a new mother, you have a lot of questions on your mind, don't you? Especially about breastfeeding your baby. Although breastfeeding is a very natural thing, it takes some practice to do it right. Don't worry, let's talk about this simply. I hope these tips will help make this journey easier for you.

When will my milk start coming in?

This is a big question for many new mothers. It's normal to wonder things like, "When will my milk come in? Will the baby be able to latch?" Let's see how this goes.

What is "colostrum" that comes in the first few days?

In the first few days after your baby is born, your body produces a very special kind of milk. This is what we call ``colostrum``, or as doctors call it, ``first milk.'' This may come as a thick, yellowish liquid to some mothers. For others, it may be a little thinner, more like water. However, this is something that is worth as much as real gold to your baby.

This `Colostrum` contains many nutrients that strengthen the baby's immune system . This first milk also helps protect the baby from various diseases and infections. Think of it like the first vaccine that the baby receives as soon as it comes into this world. So, don't waste even a drop of this first milk.

Another thing is, this `colostrum` (colostrum) comes a little slower. That is, it comes in small amounts. There is a reason for that. The baby is still learning to coordinate sucking, breathing, and swallowing all at the same time. So, since these small amounts are coming, it is easier for the baby to get used to those things properly. It is like learning to drive a car, which is done at first. So, don't worry, give the baby this precious `colostrum` (colostrum).

How does it feel when real milk starts coming in?

After three to four days of colostrum, you will feel your breasts getting a little full and tight. Some mothers may also feel a little heavy and warm. Don't worry, this is a sign that your milk supply is increasing and changing from colostrum to mature milk . This milk is usually white in color and has a slightly thick consistency. However, this can also vary slightly from mother to mother. Some may have a little watery milk. That is not a problem.

Should I worry if my milk comes late?

Now you may be thinking, 'Oh, I haven't had any milk yet, I don't know if my milk is coming in late.' Don't worry. Sometimes, especially if you had a Caesarean section or if you have a condition like Diabetes Mellitus, it's normal for your milk to come in a little late. It's not a big deal.

However, if you feel that way, the best thing to do is to tell your doctor, midwife, or nurse. Even if your baby only has colostrum for the first few days, your doctor will want to make sure your baby is getting enough food. They will check your baby's weight and the number of wet diapers they have per day. This will help them know if your baby is doing well.

It is very important to breastfeed your baby as often as possible during this time. Put your baby to the breast at least every 2-3 hours, day and night. This is when your body sends a signal to 'make more milk'. This means that your milk production is stimulated. It's like supplying the demand.

When should I start breastfeeding my baby?

This is also a very important point. It is best to start as early as possible.

The Golden Hour Advantage

If possible, it's best to start breastfeeding your baby within an hour of birth. We sometimes call this the 'Golden Hour'. It means the golden hour.

The reason is that babies are often very awake and alert in the first few hours after birth. So when you start breastfeeding right away, it is easier to take advantage of the baby's natural alertness and get him used to sucking well. Also, holding your baby close to you as soon as he is born and giving him skin-to-skin contact is a great help in starting breastfeeding. It also strengthens the bond between you and your baby, keeps the baby warm, and has many benefits, such as stabilizing his breathing.

What happens after the first hour?

After those first few hours, newborns tend to sleep for most of the next 24 hours. That's their nature. So it can be a little difficult to latch on properly. They may not be able to suckle properly because they're sleeping.

But don't worry. Even if your baby is sleeping, try to wake him up every two to three hours and give him some milk. Sometimes you can wake him up by loosening his clothes a little, changing his nappy, stroking his legs a little, or giving him a light pat on the cheek. Your doctor will tell you more about this.

How do you know if the baby is drinking enough milk?

Okay, now you're feeding your baby. But how do you know for sure if your baby is getting enough milk and is getting enough? This is a question that many mothers have. It's normal to wonder, "I don't know if I'm getting enough milk." Don't worry, there are a few simple ways to do this.

Check out the baby's diapers.

• Wet Diapers: After the first few days (after the third or fourth day), if a baby is usually urinating six or more times a day (that is, if he wets at least six diapers), it is a good sign that the baby is getting enough fluids. The urine should be light yellow and odorless. In the early days, this number may be a little less, about one or two per day. But this number should increase as the milk starts to come in.
• Soiled Diapers/Poo: In the first few days, your baby's poop will be dark green to black and sticky. We also call it 'Meconium'. In a few days, as your milk comes in, it will turn yellow, a little runny, and a little stringy. If your baby poops three or four times a day, that's also a good sign.

Observe the puppy's behavior.

• When the baby is finished drinking, is he calm and content ? Is he moving his limbs slowly, seeming happy? Or is he sleeping soundly? That's a good sign.
• Is the baby active and alert when awake? Does it move its limbs? Does it look at you? But it's fine.
• Do you hear the baby making swallowing sounds when sucking milk? Does it suck quickly at first, then slowly and deeply? These are also good signs.
• But if your baby is constantly crying, is not calm even after feeding, does not want to let go of the breast, is very sleepy, or has no interest in sucking, you should tell your doctor about it.

Baby's weight gain

This is the most important indicator . It is normal for puppies to lose a little (about 5% - 10%) of their birth weight in the first few days after birth. However, if they are getting enough milk, they should regain that weight within a week or two and gradually gain weight. Your doctor or family health worker will check the puppy's weight regularly and let you know.

The first small problems that arise during breastfeeding

No matter how natural breastfeeding is, there may be some minor discomforts and problems in the early stages. Don't be afraid of them. Most of the time, these are things that can be solved.

Sore Nipples

When you first start breastfeeding, it's normal for your nipples to be a little sensitive and sore. But if they are sore, cracked, or bleeding , that's not normal. The main reason for this is that your baby isn't latching on properly. This can happen if your baby is only sucking on the nipple. Most of the areola (the dark area around the nipple) should be in your baby's mouth.

If you have severe pain like this, seek help from a doctor, a lactation consultant, or an experienced nurse immediately. They will show you how to latch on properly. Sometimes they can even give you a little ointment.

Breast engorgement

Sometimes, especially when your milk supply is good, both breasts can become full of milk, feel hard and painful, like a rock. This is called breast engorgement.

The best thing to do for this is to breastfeed your baby frequently . This will empty the breasts. Applying a warm compress before feeding or taking a hot bath can help. You can also apply a cold compress after feeding. If the pain is severe, you can also hand express some milk.

Don't be afraid to ask for help!

Remember, you are not alone. If you have any questions about breastfeeding, don't be afraid to ask your doctor, family health worker, experienced nurse, or lactation consultant . They are ready to help you. Sometimes, you can also get good advice from someone experienced, like your mother or mother-in-law.

The most important things for you to remember (Take-Home Message)

Okay, so I hope you now have some ideas about breastfeeding as a new mother. Keep these things in mind:

• Patience and practice: Breastfeeding takes time and practice to get the hang of. So be patient. Don't panic.
• The value of colostrum: The colostrum produced in the early days is like gold to the baby. It increases the baby's ability to resist illness.
• Start early: Start breastfeeding as soon as possible, within an hour of birth. Skin-to-skin contact is very important.
• Feed frequently: Especially in the early weeks, feed your baby on demand and at least every 2-3 hours, day and night.
• See if your baby is having any of the following: Pay attention to the number of wet diapers, the frequency of bowel movements, the baby's behavior, and weight gain.
• Think about yourself too: drink plenty of water, eat nutritious foods, and get as much rest as possible. Only if you are well can you provide good milk for your baby.
• Get help: If you have any problems, don't suffer alone, but ask for help from a doctor or someone who knows about this.

You are a great mom! I wish you all the strength for this journey. You can give your baby the best! This is both a challenge and a beautiful experience.

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