Breastfeeding is a unique privilege for women. Hormones are responsible for the changes and preparation of the breasts to produce milk. As a child’s nourishment continues after birth, breastfeeding is one of the most natural processes and is primarily guided by a woman’s instinct. However, do not hesitate to seek your healthcare provider’s help and guidance during the first weeks, as support and practical assistance are key factors for success. Mothers often find themselves alone in the first days or weeks after childbirth and may give up breastfeeding when facing even the slightest difficulty. Although breastfeeding can be challenging, the emotional changes that occur after birth can influence a woman’s decision to stop. Understanding what breastfeeding entails during the first weeks and knowing what to expect can help you prepare for an easier transition. While Mother Nature physically prepares all new mothers to breastfeed their babies, breastfeeding does not always come naturally. Your baby is born with a natural reflex for breastfeeding, but satisfying their hunger is a completely new experience. Breastfeeding is a learning process for both of you, and it is important to be prepared before your baby is born. Remember that most difficulties may arise during the first six weeks after birth. Your determination, proper guidance from your healthcare provider, and encouragement from your loved ones can help you continue breastfeeding. Eventually, you will feel relaxed, confident, and enjoy the experience.

How to Breastfeed Properly

The sooner you start breastfeeding and the more you do it, the faster you can produce colostrum and regular milk. Almost all mothers can breastfeed their children, and the production of breast milk is proportional to the needs of the newborn and infant. Breast size has no impact on the ability to produce milk.

“First Milk” – Colostrum: Colostrum is the first milk that the newborn receives; it is thick, yellowish, and scant. The baby’s nutritional needs are met because colostrum is rich in proteins, salts, vitamins, and low in fat, making it easily digestible. Most importantly, it contains many antibodies that help babies resist infections. This does not mean that breastfed children never get sick, but they are more resilient and recover more easily. Some women produce colostrum during pregnancy, others produce just a few drops, and some do not produce any at all. In any case, they are capable of breastfeeding.

Mature Milk: About three days after childbirth, colostrum becomes thicker, and after the seventh to tenth day, it transforms into mature milk. This does not mean it has less nutritional value but adapts to the needs of the child. It is produced in larger quantities and provides more energy. It contains the optimal quantity and quality of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, salts, vitamins, and antibodies compared to cow’s milk. This is one of the reasons breast milk is irreplaceable for the newborn. It also contains a lot of water, so the baby does not need any additional fluids.

Children who breastfeed rarely suffer from gastroenteritis, otitis, bronchitis, and are more resistant to certain viruses. Breast milk has no germs because the child takes it directly from the mother’s breast and does not require any preparation. It contains special substances that protect the baby against many diseases and allergic reactions.

For premature newborns, their mothers’ milk is the ideal food. Recent research has shown that the milk of mothers who give birth prematurely has significantly higher protein content than the milk of those who give birth at full term.

Breastfeeding is the foundation of the child’s mental health and creates a lifelong bond between mother and child.

New Mothers

If you decide to breastfeed, it is important to be patient and avoid listening to any irresponsible or misleading advice. Stay calm and happy, as stress can reduce your milk supply and affect your baby.

Breastfeeding Steps

Breastfeeding should begin as soon as possible, even minutes or hours after childbirth.

Every morning while taking a shower, wash your breasts, the folds under them, and your armpits with soap and water. Wash your breasts before and after breastfeeding using just water. Avoid antiseptics, as they can dry out the natural oils of the nipple, making it prone to injury. Always wash your hands with soap before breastfeeding to protect your baby from infections and diseases.

Always wear a clean, comfortable, and well-fitting bra and keep your nipples clean and dry.

When breastfeeding, ensure you are comfortable. Place a pillow on your knees. Your baby should be lying on their side and turned towards your breast. With one hand, hold your breast, and with the other hand, support your baby’s head by the neck. When your baby opens their mouth, make sure their lower lip is under the base of your nipple and gently push their head towards your breast. This helps the baby latch onto the dark area around the nipple without causing injury. Once the baby is latched, ensure their head is slightly tilted so that their chin rests on your chest.

Your baby should latch onto the dark area around your nipple. To achieve the correct breastfeeding position, support your breast from underneath in a U-shaped hold. Gently guide your baby’s mouth to your breast without bending over or leaning forward. Instead of giving the baby the breast, push the baby’s head towards your chest with the palm of your other hand. This way, the baby latches onto the nipple correctly. If your nipples become sore, seek professional advice and do not interrupt breastfeeding. Avoid using ointments on the nipple; instead, spread one to two drops of breast milk over the nipple to aid healing.

Breastfeeding is free and unlimited. The baby can breastfeed day and night, whenever they want and for as long as they want. Do not interrupt the breastfeeding process. When the baby is done, they will naturally stop. If your baby falls asleep while breastfeeding, it does not mean they are finished; they may wake up and continue. Each baby is unique and has their own eating habits and schedule. Additionally, your baby can regulate the amount of milk they need on their own.

Breastfeed your baby from one breast and use the other breast the next time they are hungry. If you switch breasts during a feeding session, your baby will only get the initial thin milk, as the quality of your milk changes during breastfeeding. At the beginning, the milk is thin, and towards the end, it becomes thicker and richer in fat. This transition usually occurs around the third to fourth day. To avoid discomfort, you can breastfeed from both breasts during the same feeding session.

New Mothers with Twins

If you have twins, don’t worry. Your milk is sufficient for both your children. You can even breastfeed them simultaneously if that works for you. Place both babies head-to-head on pillows directly in front of you. Ensure their bodies are turned toward you, rather than facing up. Use your palms to support each baby’s head. Some babies might prefer individual feedings, so try different approaches to see what works best.

If you feel thirsty during breastfeeding, drink as many fluids as you want.

After breastfeeding, keep your baby upright, resting on your chest or face down on your lap, gently rubbing their back to burp. Then, place them on their bed without a pillow, but with their head turned to the side. When your baby lies on their back, there is a risk of choking.

Do not wake your baby up after they fall asleep during breastfeeding. Only wake them if your breasts are full and you need to feed from both breasts.

Do not give your baby any liquids between meals. Your milk contains enough water to quench their thirst. Proper breastfeeding has a positive effect on teething.

If your baby is crying, even if you just breastfed them, do it again and avoid giving any milk supplements. Do not panic if you think you don’t have enough milk. The first six weeks are an adjustment period for both you and your baby.

Check your baby’s weight every ten days during the first weeks of their life and then once a month to ensure breastfeeding is sufficient. Remember that breastfeeding helps your baby grow stronger, not necessarily gain weight.

You do not need to eat excessively to produce milk or try to lose weight too soon after pregnancy. Eat healthy foods rich in minerals, fats, carbohydrates, and vitamins. Drink as much water and juice as you want if you are thirsty. Eat more if you are hungry, but avoid spicy food, sweets, alcohol, and coffee. Prefer oil over fat. Avoid beans or fava while breastfeeding. Breastfeeding will help you lose the weight gained during pregnancy, as the stored fat is used to produce milk. Do not follow a strict diet and avoid smoking.

Important Reminders:

• The breast is an organ that produces milk rather than a “storage” that fills between meals.

• Milk is mainly produced while your baby is breastfeeding.

• The baby breastfeeds whenever they cry, day and night. If they are not crying out of hunger, they may need a diaper change, be in pain, or just need a cuddle.

• You will be able to keep up with your baby’s eating schedule after the sixth week, as their eating habits should settle into a routine.

• When breastfeeding properly, milk is sufficient to meet the needs of the newborn.

• Do not give your baby chamomile or sugar water.

• Do not give your baby any milk supplements.

• Eat healthy food. If you are hungry, eat more. At the end of breastfeeding, you will lose the extra pregnancy weight.

• Do not smoke.

• Rest during your baby’s sleeping hours.