Surprisingly, many women think that their milk comes in before the baby arrives. This is typically not true. In fact, you will probably have already checked out of the hospital and taken your new bundle of joy home before your milk comes in. Trust me, you'll know when your milk comes in. The stuff is literally like liquid gold. I remember the first time I pumped at home and milk actually came out instead of colostrum. Danny would have thought that I won the lottery because I was so excited and amazed that my body could do that. There's nothing wrong with formula, but a mother's milk was created and intended for your baby. I know some of you are probably reading this thinking, "okay, Alicia is off her rocker" but anyone who has gone through BFing before probably knows the feelings and emotions I'm talking about.
With labor and delivery your body produces hormones that signal production. At first, your body will create a very thick, nutrient rich food called colostrum. Colostrum contains lots of antibodies for your new baby!
Many women start a downward spiral while they are in the hospital by immediately supplementing with formula because their milk hasn't come in yet. This is your first mistake! A newborn baby's stomach is literally the size of a marble. Which means that their stomach fills up fast and empties fast, requiring nursing often (along with eating comes lots of fun diaper changes...you will be amazed at what such a sweet, little, innocent baby can produce). The sucking motion of the baby also helps to stimulate production. So instead of giving baby formula and magically waiting around for your milk to come in, put the baby at breast as often as possible. Offer both sides as well so that your milk comes in evenly.
**Important reminder: BFing is a Supply and Demand System!**
Here is an example of what your baby's stomach looks like during the first week of life:
So there is no need to try and shove 3 ounces of formula down your newborn baby's throat. It will most likely end up in spitting up, upset tummies and an unhappy baby. There is such a thing as over feeding a baby!
Next you might find that your new bundle of joy is more interested in sleeping than eating. Skin to skin contact is a great way to keep baby awake and help with bonding. Undress baby and keep baby close to you for warmth. Softly stroke baby's back, tickle toes, hold his/her hand to try and keep him/her awake. Keep in mind this is all a learning process and baby may have a hard time learning to latch and suck all at the same time. Gentle tickling/pressure on the jaw bone will sometimes signal baby to start sucking. I don't know how many times the lactation nurses at my hospital would nudge Marissa a little and it worked like a charm!
For the ladies who will be deliverying at my local hospital, consult the lactation consultants (LC) on staff. They are such a great resource, very encouraging and can answer any questions or doubts you may have. Use them while you are in the hospital and be sure to take their number when you go home. They really want each and every woman to successfully BF. Again, this is all a new experience and being a bit of a shy person myself, don't be afraid to ask visitors to give you some time alone with baby while you nurse. No one wants an audience while you are trying to figure out how to feed this screaming baby, without flashing the world! Also, your husband can be such a great resource and support system. He should be in the room when you are nursing, offer to get you a pillow, get you a glass of water, ask the LC questions and assist in any way possible. Danny was so supportive during the learning process with Marissa. Just hearing him say "you're doing a great job" meant more to me than anything!
Your lactation consultant can also set you up with a hospital grade pump while you are at the hospital if you feel that you need it. Don't be afraid to ask. They will also provide you with lanolin cream (for your poor, sore nipples), gel pads, a syringe to feed with if necessary and extra pump parts that are yours to take home when you leave.
While in the mix of changing diapers, nursing, entertaining visitors, enjoying your new baby, bonding as a family and taking your new life in...don't forget to eat! It's very important for nursing moms to eat healthy, well rounded meals. You need extra calories to produce milk. It's also very important to stay hydrated. While I know you are probably dying for a diet coke, a giant cup of coffee or an ice cold beer or martini, you need plenty of water to keep you hydrated. It's okay to indulge in a cup of coffee or a beer here or there, but now is not the time to take 6 espresso shots or throw back a six pack. ;-)
When we came home from the hospital with Marissa, Danny had a pack of Guinness in the fridge waiting for me. I had read that dark beer helps with milk production. Just one a day, nothing too crazy and is perfectly safe for baby. Danny says it was all in my head because I thought it would help my milk production, but the taste really did grow on me. I've always been a Miller Lite girl, myself. :-D
Since we've discussed nursing while in the hospital, I'll try to cover nursing the first few weeks at home next. Any questions?
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