Pregnancy Timeline
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Pregnancy: Popping noise in the belly — should you be concerned?
Breastfeeding in the first days: the first feed
At the maternity ward, the midwife will probably suggest that you offer the first feed, also called the “welcome feed” within the first few hours after your baby is born. Suckling is an instinctive reflex and you can place your baby at the breast as soon as they show their first signs of waking. Your body is already ready too. The first breast milk, called colostrum, is produced at the end of pregnancy and after childbirth. Colostrum is a thick yellow liquid very rich in nutrients and antibodies. It provides your newborn with everything they need at birth.After the first 2 hours of life, your newborn generally needs to sleep to recover from birth. If they sleep a lot, you can put them to the breast while they are half asleep, or express some colostrum and feed it to your baby to give them energy. This colostrum can be given drop by drop during skin-to-skin contact, or with a syringe or a small spoon, especially during REM sleep phases, which occur about every hour and last around twenty minutes.The first feeds help to stimulate your milk production. After a few days, milk will naturally replace colostrum to meet your baby’s evolving needs.
Breastfeeding in the first days: the benefits of skin-to-skin contact
In the first moments of your baby’s life, skin-to-skin contact is recommended. This very pleasant practice also has many benefits for establishing breastfeeding. Placing your newborn directly against your skin also helps your baby maintain their body temperature and stay calm. In addition, this intimate contact stimulates the natural reflexes that will make future feeds easier.During a skin-to-skin session with your baby, you also produce oxytocin, also called the hormone of happiness and trust. This hormone causes the myoepithelial cells around your alveoli and milk ducts to contract, leading to milk ejection. Oxytocin also causes uterine contractions during feeds, helping your uterus return to its original size after birth.To practice skin-to-skin, simply undress your baby, remove your clothing from the waist up and hold your baby against you. You can use a soft blanket to cover your baby’s back and keep them warm. Want to learn more? Feel free to download the May app, where you’ll find plenty of resources to support and guide you throughout your journey as a new parent.If you have to be temporarily separated from your newborn, for example in the case of a C-section, the co-parent plays an essential role:- If skin-to-skin contact with the mother is not possible at birth, the co-parent can provide this contact, which also has many benefits for the newborn, even though it does not stimulate maternal milk production.
- The co-parent can act as a relay by giving the baby syringes of colostrum expressed by the mother right after birth.
Breastfeeding in the first days: what is on-demand breastfeeding?
By keeping your baby close to you, you will have the opportunity to bond and notice the first signs of hunger. However, not all babies ask to feed on their own, which is why you can offer breastfeeding on demand. Breastfeeding “on demand” means you can put your baby to the breast as soon as they show signs of waking (your baby becomes restless, brings their hand to their mouth, turns their head, etc.). In the first days of breastfeeding, these signs are not always easy to spot. Therefore, we recommend putting your baby to the breast very regularly, without waiting for them to cry.When your baby feeds as often as they need, breastfeeding is established more smoothly. Regular suckling encourages milk production.
What are the signs of effective breastfeeding during the first days?
In the early stages of breastfeeding, one of the main concerns for mothers is making sure that feeds are effective, meaning the baby is drinking enough during each feed. Here are some signs that breastfeeding is off to a good start:- Your baby breastfeeds on average 8 to 12 times a day.
- Your baby starts to gain weight after about 3 or 4 days of life.
- After 5 days of life, your baby fills 6 wet diapers and has at least 3 mustard-yellow stools per day.
- During feeds, you feel milk let-down and slight tingling in your breasts.
- You hear and see your baby swallowing regularly, after an initial burst of quick sucks.
- Generally, the first milk let-down reflex occurs a few seconds after your baby starts to nurse.
- Your baby seems calm and satisfied after feeds.
- You don’t feel significant pain. It’s perfectly normal to feel some discomfort as breastfeeding is new for both you and your baby. However, breastfeeding should not cause pain. If it does, it’s important to identify the cause of this discomfort to address it. There are many solutions to relieve nipple pain.
Which position should you use for breastfeeding?
Most often, breastfeeding difficulties in the first few days are caused by an incorrect position of your baby. There are several breastfeeding positions (biological nurturing, cradle hold, rugby hold, etc.). No position is better than another; the most important thing is to find the one that suits you best. Here are some tips to help ensure your positionduring breastfeeding is appropriate from the first days:- Your baby is able to latch onto your nipple properly. They should open their mouth wide to take in the areola and avoid painful friction. Their mouth should be wide open and their tongue positioned in a trough shape under your breast.
- You are comfortably positioned during feeds. Feel free to use as many cushions as you need. Ideally, you should not feel any strain. This will help you relax and make breastfeeding easier.
- Your baby’s position is optimal when their ear, shoulder, and hip are aligned.
The first days with a baby: what if you don’t want to breastfeed?
If you choose not to breastfeed and instead give your baby a bottle, don’t worry—breastfeeding is not the only way to welcome your child. It is entirely possible not to offer the breast and simply surround them with love.The colostrum your body produces is indeed important for your child, but it is not essential to offer it directly. In fact, it is the repeated intake of colostrum that provides benefits, not a single feed right after birth.Keep in mind that stimulating the breast triggers milk production, and even a single feed in the delivery room can sometimes increase the risk of a more or less uncomfortable milk coming-in phase in the following days (between 2 and 6 days later).Good to know: if you don’t want to breastfeed but find that your milk coming in is too painful, you can use a breast pump up to 1 or 2 times per day, without trying to completely drain your breasts. This will relieve your chest without stimulating milk production. It is no longer recommended to compress your breasts as this could increase pain or worsen engorgement. Instead, wear a suitable bra.Although breastfeeding is a natural process, it is not innate. If you feel the need, you can consult a lactation consultant. In the first few days, this professional can give you valuable advice to help you get started. And in any case, listen to yourself—the most important thing is to do what feels right for you, your comfort, and your baby’s well-being!** Photo credits: Daria_Nipot | yosss1 | AlexVog | YuriArcursPeopleimages | tonodiaz This text was translated from French by an artificial intelligence. The information, advice, and sources it contains comply with French standards and may therefore not apply to your situation. Make sure to complement this reading by visiting the May US/UK app and consulting the healthcare professionals who are supporting you.
