Keep in mind that the discomfort associated with this change is temporary. Applying hot packs to the chest region before feeds — and cool packs after them — can help make engorgement a little more comfortable. Over time, as mature milk develops, your breasts will become softer again. This is completely normal. A change in the appearance of the milk coming from the breast is another indicator that your milk has changed from colostrum to a more mature form. Colostrum is called liquid gold for a reason!
It tends to be more yellow in color. Transitional milk will appear white. Keeping track of wet and stool diapers will help you know whether your milk supply is increasing appropriately. In the first few days, as your supply is getting established, make sure to feed your baby on demand, around the clock. Because newborn babies have small stomachs with low capacity, you may notice your baby wants to eat more frequently in the early days.
If you find that your supply is decreasing, there are things you can do to help increase your supply. Pumping and storing the extra milk in either the refrigerator or freezer will come in handy if you become ill, have a babysitter, or return to work. For breastfed babies, the World Health Organization recommends feeding on demand.
In the beginning, you can expect an exclusively breastfed baby to eat every 2 to 3 hours around the clock. You may need to wake them to fill their belly. As your little one grows, you may experience periods of cluster feeding , during which your baby wants to eat more frequently.
Still, you can expect to feed your baby 8—12 times per day for the first few months. Your body may need a few extra days due to your unique birthing and postpartum circumstances.
Some potential reasons for a delay in increased milk production include:. You can increase your milk volume by making sure that your baby has a good latch when they feed, feeding your baby frequently, and ensuring feeds are lasting for an appropriate length of time. It might be 20 minutes per breast. As babies learn to extract milk, feeding time will shorten substantially.
If you find that your milk production is delayed or are worried that you have risk factors for delayed milk production, you should talk with a lactation consultant. They can work with you to ensure your baby receives sufficient nutrition and provide suggestions to help speed the process along.
And make sure that your baby is able to put his or her mouth around your nipple to nurse latch on and can transfer milk from your breast. Continue to express milk. That means removing milk from your breasts with a breast pump or by hand. And continue to breastfeed often, even if you are supplementing with formula for a few days. Babies who are premature or jaundiced are especially likely to need formula temporarily.
Sometimes a mother has a health condition that may temporarily delay the large increase in milk production usually seen between 3 to 5 days following birth. These mothers may not begin to produce large amounts of milk until 7 to 14 days after giving birth.
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