Start Breastfeeding Right

What to Know and Expect Before Baby Arrives

Choosing to breastfeed your baby is a great way to provide optimal nutrition and immune benefits right from the start. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and continued breastfeeding until at least age two – but any amount of breast milk you provide is amazing! Set your own breastfeeding goals that feel right for your family, and plan to reassess as things go.

If you plan to nurse your baby, preparation with knowledge is your best way to set yourself up for success. You’ll feel more confident in knowing when things are going well, but you’ll also know when to seek help if you meet challenges along the way. Although nursing is natural, it doesn’t always feel natural or come easily to many parents.

As soon as possible, get your support team on board. This includes anyone who will support you in your breastfeeding goals and can include your partner, friends, family, and professionals like your pediatrician and lactation consultant. If this is your first time nursing a baby, take a breastfeeding class or meet with a lactation consultant to review expectations for the first days and months. If you weren’t able to reach your breastfeeding goals with a prior baby or have medical conditions that may affect nursing, schedule a prenatal appointment with a breastfeeding medicine physician.

As long as delivery goes as planned, your baby should be able to latch on right after birth and will often feed at the breast for a while. Take all the time that you need during this first hour or two while baby’s awake and alert. Most term infants and their parents will then take some time to sleep following this first feed. Try to wake baby to feed every few hours this first day, but don’t be discouraged if baby seems sleepy. However, after the first 24 hours, try to wake baby to feed at least every three hours, and if baby wakes up sooner then feed them!

If there are complications and you are separated from baby, advocate for yourself to hand express or pump within an hour of delivery and then every three hours until baby can return to the breast.

Babies have very small tummies and only take drops of milk with each feed the first day. The first milk is extra concentrated and nutritious, so it is the perfect nutrition for your baby during this time. We expect babies to lose some water weight initially after transitioning from a wet environment inside mom. Your team will keep an eye on baby’s weight, but often weight loss of up to around 10% of birth weight is normal within the first few days.

It can be tricky to get a sleepy baby to feed, so don’t give up! If you’re struggling with getting baby to latch to the breast, request lactation support. Nursing may feel new and may be a bit uncomfortable, but shouldn’t be painful. If you’re experiencing pain, get help with ensuring baby has a deep latch. A proper latch should provide relief to you, and will also help your baby to more effectively drink milk.

Remember, every nursing experience is new for both you and your baby. You’ve got this, and your team is here to help!

Dr. Sarah Wiersma is the owner of PeaPod Pediatrics and a board certified pediatrician and breastfeeding medicine specialist. Schedule a Meet & Greet to meet Dr. Wiersma and find out how pediatric direct primary care can support your family.