I’m About to Give Birth: What Do I Need to Know About Lactation?

Breastfeeding is a natural way to nourish your baby, but that doesn't mean it always comes easily. Knowing what to expect can make the process easier.

Dr. Jennifer Beatty and our skilled providers at The Breast Place in North Charleston, South Carolina, offer a wide range of breast-related care for women. Here are some important facts and tips about breastfeeding from our lactation specialists.

Breastfeeding

If possible, nurse your baby within an hour of birth, as babies tend to be alert the first couple of hours and then sleep for most of the next 24 hours. Breast milk will change over time to meet your baby's needs.

Colostrum

Immediately after birth, a new mother's breasts produce colostrum. This yellow substance is full of nutrients and antibodies against infections. Your newborn will consume just a few teaspoons at a time.

Transitional milk

After three to five days, mother's milk begins to come in and mixes with the colostrum to form transitional milk.

Mature milk

Mature milk appears anywhere from 10-14 days after birth. It’s white, thinner, and can appear bluish initially.

Your breasts may become large, full, and even leak. As you and your baby settle into nursing, your breasts will adjust and this issue should diminish.

Length and frequency of feedings

Breastfeeding a newborn at the beginning can be time-consuming. Feedings should occur at least eight to 12 times over a 24-hour period, including at night.

There are a number of signs to look for to ensure your baby is getting enough milk. These include wet diapers, bowel movements, and weight gain. Your breasts should also feel softer after nursing as the milk is depleted.

The amount of milk a baby needs adjusts over time. Growth spurts require more frequent or longer nursing sessions, which a mother's body adapts to.

Learning curve

If breastfeeding is a challenge at first, it's important to remember there’s a lot to learn on both sides. The baby is working to master latching, sucking, and swallowing while the new mother is finding the best position to hold the baby while nursing, how to recognize their hunger cues, and how to deal with the milk supply and breast health.

The team at The Breast Place can treat many lactation problems — such as clogged milk ducts, nipple bleeding or cracking, mastitis, low milk supply, and fungal infections. If you’re running into problems, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team for extra support.

Hunger cues

Babies show a number of signs when they’re hungry. They might move their heads from side to side, open their mouths or pucker their lips. Sucking on their hands and fists and nuzzling against the mother's breasts are other clues. Crying can be a late-stage hunger cue.

Breastfeeding can be challenging at first, and lactation support can be vital to getting started correctly or overcoming issues that arise. We can help. Click "Book online" to make an appointment, or call the office today at 843-797-1941.