By Mary Kay Vogel, IBCLC
 Lactation Consultant
Iowa State University Extension
TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF
During these early weeks, you and your baby are adjusting to many new things. You need to take good care of yourself so you can take good care of your baby.
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- Ask for help with household tasks.
- Eat a variety of healthy foods.
- Drink water or juice each time you breastfeed and whenever you are thirsty.
- Take one or two naps a day, sleeping whenever baby sleeps.
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Make a comfortable, quiet place to breastfeed and enjoy your baby. Have plenty of pillows, a place to prop your feet, and something to eat or drink. Put toys or books for older children nearby. Breathe slowly and
deeply. You may want to take the phone off the hook or listen to relaxing music.
MAKING BREAST MILK
How It Works
Breast size does not affect your ability to make milk. As your baby grows inside you, your body prepares to nourish your baby. Your breasts get larger and begin to make colostrum, the first milk. Colostrum helps protect your baby from illness. It comes in small amounts so your baby can adjust to this new way of being fed.
Three to four days after birth, your milk becomes more plentiful. Your breasts become full. This fullness goes away during the second week. You are not losing your milk. Your body is adjusting to making milk.
Ensure a good milk supply by holding and latching your baby correctly and breastfeeding 8 to 12 times in 24 hours.
Milk "Let Down"
After your baby breastfeeds a few minutes, your milk will "let down" (begin to flow). You can hear a soft "ka, ka" sound as your baby swallows. You may notice a tingly feeling in your breast, or milk may leak from your other breast. Breast pads can keep you dry and comfortable.
IS MY BREAST MILK OK?
Some babies are fussy if their mothers eat too much of one food. Eat a variety of foods, and drink a variety of liquids.
Mothers can continue breastfeeding during most illnesses. Even when you are sick, your breast milk helps keep your baby healthy. Breastfeeding mothers can take most medications, but always check with your health care professional.
SIGNS OF ENOUGH MILK
Your baby should:
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- breastfeed 8 to 12 times in 24 hours,
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swallow often after your milk lets down,
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have six or more wet diapers in 24 hours, and
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three or more soft, yellow stools in 24 hours. After six weeks, a totally
breastfed baby usually has fewer stools
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Breastfeeding Diary
Until your baby is gaining well, keep a diary. During each 24 hours, check off the wet and dirty diapers your baby has, and write down when your baby breastfeeds.
Increasing Your Milk Supply
Breastfeed whenever your baby seems hungry or fussy. Offering formula or water in place of breast milk will decrease your milk supply.
To make more breast milk:
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make sure you are holding and latching your baby on correctly,
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breastfeed more often - every 1 1/2 to 2 hours,
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breastfeed at least 20 to 30 minutes each time, and
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switch breasts when your baby's swallowing slows down, using both breasts
at least twice.
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 Bottles And Pacifiers
It takes some practice for breastfeeding to go smoothly. During these early weeks, avoid giving your baby bottles or pacifiers. A baby sucks differently on a bottle nipple and may become confused. Encourage your baby to breastfeed rather than use a pacifier so your milk supply will meet your baby's needs.
FUSSY BABIES AND GROWTH SPURTS
Sometimes babies can be fussy. Breastfeeding mothers may think they do not have enough milk or something is wrong with their milk. But babies cry for many reasons. First, try breastfeeding your baby more often. The closeness and some breast milk may calm your baby.
Your baby may be going through a " growth spurt," a time when babies are growing quickly and need extra milk. Go along with your baby's need to breastfeed more often. After a day or two your supply will build up to meet your baby's needs. These growth spurts usually happen around two weeks, six weeks, three months, and six months.
If breastfeeding does not calm your baby, change your baby's diaper, sing a song, walk outside, or carry your baby in a baby carrier. These early weeks are a learning time for everyone. Babies learn to trust that you will help them when they cry.
BREASTFEEDING AROUND OTHER PEOPLE
At first, you may feel more comfortable breastfeeding your baby in a familiar place with just a friend or relative nearby. As you become more experienced, you will feel confident breastfeeding in a variety of
situations. It is easy to go places with a breastfed baby. All you need is an extra diaper. Wear a loose, stretchy top that pulls up easily. Breastfeed when your baby first seems hungry. A baby blanket can cover your breast and baby.
WHO TO CALL FOR HELP
These early weeks are full of new experiences for you and your baby. New mothers need encouragement and someone to answer their questions. Call a friend or a relative, lactation consultant, health care provider, hospital nursery, WIC breastfeeding specialist, or La Leche League (1-800-525-3243).
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