Womb to Bloom - Maternity & Beyond

Many women are very concerned about their ability to breastfeed. A common misconception is that breastfeeding is a difficult thing and that it takes a very dedicated woman to pursue it to the bitter end. The opposite point of view is also widely held. Some people just don’t see that breastfeeding could possibly be difficult, it is the way nature intended things after all. The reality of things is somewhere in between.

In fact generally things are somewhere in between. Something that often concerns new mothers is the fact that when your baby arrives there is usually no milk to speak of. The natural instinct is to think “Oh no, I don’t have any milk and my baby will starve!” The funny thing is that babies don’t really need a lot of extra nutrition at first.

Every baby comes pre-equipped with extra baby fat upon arrival. That extra weight that you just spent hours pushing out will soon sleek down by several ounces as you baby uses all that stockpiled nutrition while it waits for your milk to arrive. While getting it all out isn’t fun at all, you should be thankful for the chubby extra layer of fat that keeps your baby going.

Usually a woman has colostrum within a very short time after birth. This thin fluid doesn’t look like much, but in fact it is one of the best things possible for your baby. Packed with antibodies it gives your little one the extra protection from illness that he needs to keep him healthy as he is exposed to everything around him.

A new baby tummy is remarkably small. Believe it or not it can only hold about a teaspoon of liquid at any given time. Your breasts may seem dry, but there is actually plenty of liquid there. When you consider that your baby will likely remain latched on for half an hour or more at a time and will probably eat at least every two hours he is actually getting quite a bit of food into his tummy.

Those tiny drops that you can express are only a sample of the buffet your little one will be enjoying. Even a few drops a minute will quickly add up to a teaspoon of highly nutritious antibody rich food.

By the time your baby is about three days old his tummy will be a bit bigger and he will need a bit more food. This is where the constant attachment of a nursing baby comes into play. All those tiring hours of holding your little one as he avidly sucks on your sore, milk blistered nipples will start to pay off somewhere around this time.

In fact as your baby starts to stay awake for longer periods he will probably increase his nursing to stimulate your breasts to start producing the milk that he will soon need. If you baby is sleeping longer than a couple of hours at a time you can wake him gently and nurse him, keeping a maximum of 2 hours between feedings. The more he nurses the quicker your milk glands will respond and produce the milk you are anxiously awaiting.

In the meantime keep track of the number of wet and poopy diapers your baby is producing. While diaper changing is commonly looked upon as a trial by non-parents it is amazing how exciting that first soggy or stinky diaper can be! You finally have proof that there really is something going into (and coming out of) your baby. Even the slimy goop that arrives as the first poops pass through the system can seem like manna from heaven if your baby has been holding out. It is the stuff that comes out that is the true proof that something is going in. A baby can’t make those lovely messes if he is not getting any nutrition from you.

Some time between day three and five your milk will probably announce its arrival when your breast suddenly feel as though they are going to burst. It is not uncommon for women to feel like their breasts have become solid as rocks when the milk arrives and nursing your baby is the most wonderful relief you can imagine. Suddenly the fear of not having any milk is replaced by the concern that you will never have soft breasts again. Not to worry, this too is temporary and soon you will be soft and succulent again.

If for some reason your milk has not come in by day five or six you need to talk to your doctor or lactation specialist. There are medications to help encourage let-down and many herbal supplements can also help get the process underway. In the meantime keep nursing your baby as often as possible, even every hour if you can. The more the baby nurses the stronger the message “feed me” is impressed upon your breasts.

Avoid the temptation to supplement your baby with formula as it will sate his hunger and he will not be as eager to nurse. Introducing an artificial nipple can also cause nipple confusion and make it that much harder for your baby to get a good latch. Because bottles produce a steady supply of formula with minimal effort some babies will even abandon the effort to breast feed altogether preferring the easier food supply of the bottle.

If you persevere the rewards are completely worth the effort. Not only is breast milk the best nutritional value for your baby, but it also offers convenience and a truly amazing bonding experience with your baby. Best of all breastfeed significantly reduces the chances of experiencing colic, lessens spit-up problems and provides diapers that are far less stinky than those from formula fed babies.

Remember, your doctor and lactation consultant are there for you. There are also many free community services that offer support for new mothers that can guide you through any difficulties you may be having. While initially breastfeeding can be difficult there are very few women who physically can’t nurse their babies. Indeed there are very few cases in which women can’t produce enough milk for their babies. So try to relax and not fret about the initial lack of milk. It will come.