Breastfeeding is a very unique experience for a mother and child. For most of the mothers, especially the first-timers, this FAQ guide will help to answer a lot of questions that are there in your mind. There is no need to panic, when we have your back!
When will my milk start coming?
In the initial days after your baby’s birth, your body produces pre-milk. In many women it is thick and yellowish in color and for others it is thick and watery.
After 3 – 4 days, your breast becomes firmer which indicates that more milk is being produced which is now changing into breast milk. Sometimes it takes longer than a few days, but you don’t need to worry, it is absolutely normal, but do let your doctor know about it.
When can I begin breastfeeding?
You can breastfeed your baby within the first hour after they are born. Hold it against your bare skin right after the birth. This triggers reflexes which helps the baby to latch to your breast.
How do I know my baby is hungry?
When you see your baby nuzzling against your breast, flexing their fingers, sucking on their hand or clenching their fists than your baby is hungry. And when they are full they will relax their legs, arms and hands and will close their eyes.
How long should I breastfeed my baby?
It is your personal choice but according to experts they should be breastfed for the first 6 months or until 12 months if it is working perfectly for the mother and the baby.
What is comfort suckling?
Some of the babies like to suck even after their hunger is satisfied. They do that for comfort. For the same reason they also tend to put their hand in the mouth or suck their fingers. During that time you might they he or she is hungry so you can offer the breast and don’t worry about overfeeding them.
How can I tell the baby is latched wrong?
Your baby is not latched correctly if he or she sucks on the tip of your nipple without getting much of the areola. They will also tend to fall asleep more often and will remain unsatisfied. In such a situation reposition your baby so it sucks on the nipple and areola.
When should I stop waking up the baby to feed?
If your baby is gaining weight properly, you will no longer need to wake them to feed them.
What is foremilk and HindMilk?
At the starting of your feeding, your milk appears watery and bluish. It is rich in proteins, vitamins, lactose, minerals and water. Whereas at the end of the feed the milk is called hind milk which appears to be white because it is rich in fat.
What causes soreness of nipples?
Sometimes mothers get soreness of nipples in the first week due to wrong positioning of the baby. She only sucks on nipple which causes the hurting.
Another reason is because you introduce your baby to a pacifier or teat of the bottle in the first week, which affects the sucking and cause soreness of the nipples.
It can also happen when the mother tried to take the baby away from the breast without breaking the suction. Do not worry if you get soreness. It usually settles down in a few days. But if it appears suddenly after 1 -2 weeks of delivery, it is because of fungal infection.
What should be done about leaking breasts?
Your breasts usually leak in the first week of delivery, but they stop on their own. You can keep a towel between your bra and breasts.
