Breastfeeding Insights for the Early Days
Preparing for the Early Days of Breastfeeding
The first few days and weeks of breastfeeding can be a learning curve for both you and your baby, but with a little preparation and understanding, you can set the foundation for a successful breastfeeding journey. Here are some key points to remember during those early days:
Bring Baby to the Breast Often
Frequent feedings are crucial in the first few days to help establish your milk supply, ensuring your baby is getting the nutrition they need. Aim to feed every two to three hours or whenever they show signs of hunger.
Removing milk often–either through breastfeeding or pumping–stimulates your body to make more milk and maintain production!
Skin-to-Skin Time is Vital
Spending time skin-to-skin with your baby is incredibly beneficial. It helps lower stress levels for both of you, regulates your baby’s breathing and blood sugar. It also stimulates the production of oxytocin and prolactin-hormones that increase milk production and bonding.
Baby’s Natural Instincts
Babies are born with natural instincts to breastfeed. Most healthy, full-term newborns can self-attach to the breast if placed skin-to-skin on their mother’s abdomen. They will instinctively crawl up her torso using their stepping reflex and massage the breast to activate their feeding reflexes.
Understanding Colostrum and Baby’s Tummy
In the first few days, your body produces colostrum—a thick, golden milk packed with nutrients and antibodies to help prime your baby’s immune system. Many new moms worry they aren’t making enough milk, but colostrum is all your baby needs. Did you know a newborn’s stomach is about the size of a cherry and can only hold a small amount? By day three, it grows to the size of a walnut, and by one month, it’s about the size of a chicken egg.
Refer to this chart for a visual representation:
Milk Transition
Monitoring Wet and Dirty Diapers
One of the easiest ways to ensure your baby is getting enough milk is by keeping a log of their diapers. Tracking their wet and dirty diapers provides valuable insight into their hydration and digestion, especially in those early days.
Wet Diapers
- Day 1-2: Expect 1-2 wet diapers per day
- Day 3-5: You should see at least 3-5 wet diapers daily as your milk transitions
- Day 6 and Beyond: Look for around 6 or more wet diapers daily.
- Day 1-2: Your baby’s first stools, called meconium, will be thick, sticky, and black
- Day 3-4: Stools will transition to a greenish-brown color as meconium clears
- Day 5 and Beyond: Stools should become mustard-yellow, seedy, and loose in consistency. Breastfed babies typically have 3-4 diapers a day, which can vary.
Dirty Diapers
Below is another visual that may be helpful:
Around day three or four, your milk will transition from colostrum to mature milk. This is often when moms notice their breasts feeling fuller. If your baby is latching well and effectively removing milk, your supply will adjust to meet their needs.
Latch and Feeding Cues
Breastfeeding should not be painful! Some tenderness is normal in the first few days, but sharp pains or discomfort could indicate a poor latch.
Signs of a good latch include:
• Baby’s cheeks are full (not dimpled).
• You hear active sucking and swallowing.
• Baby’s lips are flanged outward.
• Their chin touches your breast.
You can express a little milk or gently stroke your nipple along your baby’s upper lip to encourage a wide mouth before latching.
Seek Support Early
Lactation specialists and International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) can provide valuable guidance to prevent and address breastfeeding challenges. They can show you different feeding positions to ensure you and your baby are comfortable.
Breastfeeding Benefits
Breastfeeding offers many health benefits for both you and your baby. For your baby, it strengthens their immune system, protects against obesity and GI issues, and reduces their risk of infections. For you, it lowers the risk of ovarian and breast cancer and supports postpartum recovery by releasing oxytocin-the ‘love hormone.’
Weight Gain and Feeding Schedule
Your baby may lose some weight in the first few days due to fluid loss, but you should see them regain their birth weight by around day 10. Feeding every two to three hours, or on demand, will help maintain your milk supply and support your baby’s growth!
Every Drop Counts
Breastfeeding, even in small amounts, provides incredible benefits for your baby. Each drop of breast milk is packed with valuable nutrients and antibodies that support your baby’s health and development.
Additional Resources
If you’d like more guidance, I offer a free downloadable journaling guide for setting your unique breastfeeding goals!
For moms returning to work, I recently joined Madison Fugere- on the Postpartum Plan Podcast to share tips on building a milk stash and managing pumping schedules. Click here to listen!
If you like to explore virtual support, I offer video consulting through the I help moms platform. I can provide tailored support with breastfeeding and infant sleep routines, providing evidence based-guidance and a listening ear. Your first 15-minute consult with me is free and then $1.25 for expert support on your motherhood journey. Click here for my coaching link.
If you’re an expectant mother and would like more info on hand-expressing breast milk, the importance of the first hour after birth, and optimizing milk production in the early days, check out this wonderful resource: First Droplets by Dr. Jane Morton. Her videos are highly demonstrative and easy to follow.
Breastfeeding can come with challenges at times, but it’s also a rewarding journey! Remember, you and your baby are learning together, and it will get easier with time and practice. You’ve got this, mama, and I’m here if you need extra support.
Why Planning for Postpartum Matters
The Importance of Postpartum Care
When many people hear the word “postpartum,” they immediately associate it with depression. While postpartum depression is an important topic, the term “postpartum” actually refers to the period after a woman gives birth, extending through the first year of her baby’s life. This is a transformative time for mothers, and thoughtful postpartum care can make all the difference in ensuring a positive experience.
Why Postpartum Care Matters
Postpartum care plays a vital role in reducing the risk of postpartum depression and supporting mothers as they transition into this new phase of life. With the right care team, the benefits are endless:
1. Recognizing Early Signs of Distress
A professional care team-whether a doula, nurse, doctor, OB-GYN, or licensed counselor can identify the difference between common “baby blues” and more concerning depressive symptoms. They are trained to recognize the various types of postpartum disorders, providing the timely support mothers need.
2. Combating Isolation
Many women feel isolated during the postpartum period. Having someone to lean on—a doula, lactation consultant, or support coach—can offer invaluable emotional relief. It’s a chance to share fears, celebrate joys, and have someone consistently in your corner.
3. It Takes a Village
Postpartum is not a journey to be faced alone. While mothers can certainly survive on their own, the experience becomes so much sweeter with a supportive team. A dedicated postpartum plan ensures you are never without help when you need it most.
Creating a Postpartum Plan
Planning ahead is one of the best ways to set yourself up for success during the postpartum period. Consider using a journal or planner to list:
•Your care team (such as doulas, lactation specialists, primary care providers)
•Resources and referrals like massage therapists, chiropractors, babysitters
•A list of friends or family who have offered help
*When someone offers support, write their name down. You may not need it immediately, but you’ll be grateful to have that list ready when the time comes.*
At Newby Nurturing, our postpartum doulas and newborn care specialists believe every mother deserves compassionate care. We offer:
•In-home and virtual postpartum coaching
•Pre- and postnatal breastfeeding education
•Newborn care guidance, including sleep support and baby-wearing assistance
•Light household support to help you rest and recover
Remember, postpartum care is not a luxury-it’s a necessity. Whether you need emotional support, feeding guidance, or just an extra hand, our team is here to support you every step of the way.
Our team is here to support you as you transition into motherhood. We offer both day and night postpartum care, as well as support with your breastfeeding goals. Schedule a free 15-minute phone consult today to learn more!
If you’re outside this area or not interested in having someone in your home, no worries! I also offer virtual consulting through at just $1.25 per minute. Here’s my I Help Moms Coaching link if you'd like to learn more.
Click here to receive my FREE postpartum planning workbook I currently offer to all expecting mamas.
Preparing for Returning to Work After Baby: Tips for Maintaining Your Milk Supply
Hey, mamas! Wow, I can't believe how fast this year is flying by. October was full of so much wonderful – making more memories with my family, leading breastfeeding circles, expanding my network of providers and birth-workers, and starting a new per diem school nurse position, which has been anything but boring and crazy fulfilling!
I was also blessed with the opportunity to be a guest on my first podcast episode, which was more than I hoped for – soothing for the soul, even. We dove into a topic that I'm very passionate about: how to protect your milk supply when returning to work. I had the chance to discuss it on the Postpartum Plan Podcast with its wonderful host, Madison Fuger. Madison is a wealth of valuable information and compassion for women navigating the 'fourth trimester.'
If you’re preparing to return to work and feeling unsure about balancing pumping with your schedule, or you’re just curious about maintaining milk supply, this post is for you! Here are a few key points we covered:- The first few weeks after birth are so important for establishing a good latch and bonding with your baby before introducing pumping.
- Consider starting to pump around 3 weeks from when you will return to work to build a small stash (one pumping session a day should be sufficient).
- The hours between midnight and 6:00 AM are ideal for boosting milk supply due to higher prolactin levels (a milk-making hormone).
- When away from your baby, it’s important to remove milk as often as your baby would normally feed to maintain your supply.
I truly enjoyed sharing these tips, and I’m grateful to Madison for having me on her podcast! If you haven’t already, check out the full episode here for more tips on protecting your milk supply as you transition back into the workforce. You deserve to feel confident and supported during this journey!
For personalized expert support during your back-to-work journey, I offer 1:1 virtual sessions. You can find my coaching link here for support at $1.25 a minute through the I Help Moms platform.
Doula-Approved: My Go-To Items for New Moms and Babies
With so many expectant mamas in my life currently—and over a decade of watching the evolution of baby products—I thought I’d share some of my go-to baby shower gifts, as well as a few items I’ve found aren’t as essential. When you begin your search, you'll run into an overwhelming number of options. So, when you're holding that scanner at Target or adding items to your Amazon cart, I hope this list will support your journey into motherhood!
For Mom:
- Comfy slippers: I love gifting an expectant mama a soft pair of booties with non-slip soles—perfect for wearing around the house while she’s healing and bonding with her new baby.
- Bath soak: There’s nothing quite like a soothing bath soak. My favorite to gift friends and family is lavender-scented Epsom salt that mamas can use during pregnancy or for moments of relaxation during their postpartum phase when it's safe to soak again. It’s a wonderful way to add a touch of warmth to a mama's self-care routine.
- Nursing bras: A supportive, well-fitting bra is essential—just make sure it’s not too tight and has no underwire. I personally loved nursing sleep bras. They were so convenient and breathable that I continued wearing them long after I stopped breastfeeding.
- Nursing pads: In the early days of breastfeeding, breasts may leak unexpectedly due to oxytocin and your body adjusting to milk production. Both disposable and cloth pads are available to slip into your bra. I used both but found myself reaching for disposables more often because they were more accessible.
- Microwavable heating pad: I didn’t have this during my postpartum days, and I wish I did! One of my clients had several around her home and used them to relieve tension and stress. She would ask me to warm them for about a minute before using them on her breasts, which helped with milk let-down during pumping sessions. The brand she used was Bed Buddy, and after getting one for myself, I’ve been gifting these ever since!
- 3-in-1 breast therapy packs: Lansinoh- my go-to (and other brands) make these, and the moms I’ve gifted them to swear by how helpful they are, especially in the early breastfeeding days.
For Baby:
- White noise machine: This is a must-have for soothing babies, especially in those early days when they're transitioning from the comfort of your womb. The sound mimics the noises they heard in utero and can help drown out background noise that might disrupt their sleep. I used mine with my daughter until she was about eight years old!
- Boudreaux’s Butt Paste: This is a family favorite! It was a lifesaver when my daughter was a baby, and I always gift a tube at baby showers. Aquaphor is another great barrier cream for everyday use.
- Boppy Pillow: Yes, they still exist! I loved mine when I was learning to breastfeed, and I’ve used Boppys for years for bottle-feeding my doula babies as well. They're great for support, though they aren’t meant to be used as sleep devices.
- Bassinet for rooming in: While a crib is important, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends rooming in with your baby for the first six months. I don’t have a specific brand preference, but I suggest choosing one with a firm mattress. I recommend avoiding bassinets that strap the baby in or rock, as they can set up unrealistic expectations for sleep. Your baby just needs a safe, simple surface that adheres to safe sleep guidelines—nothing fancy! Plus, having a bassinet in your room makes nighttime feedings much easier, reducing the amount of time you're up and moving around.
What You Can Skip (though the choice is yours!):
- Bottle warmers: Over the years, I’ve found these less necessary, as warming a mug of water in the microwave and placing the bottle or breastmilk bag inside works just as well. Plus, it helps babies adjust to a range of milk temperatures, which is handy on the go.
- Formula makers: Formula-dispensing machines may seem convenient, offering "baby lattes" by providing warm, ready-to-feed formula at the touch of a button. However, some parents find these machines inconsistent with formula-to-water ratios, which is crucial for a baby's nutrition and hydration. Most of my clients have stopped using them altogether or ended up using them only to dispense warm water. And I encourage all parents to do their own research and weigh the pros and cons to see if a product is a right fit for their family.
I’m not here to criticize any companies or play brand favorites. But I am passionate about sharing my experiences, honest advice, and providing compassionate, non-judgmental support for new parents!
**If you’d like to download my free postpartum planning journal, which includes a list of healing products and tips to support your recovery, click here.**
**To schedule a free 15-minute discovery call, book a prenatal breastfeeding class, and receive affordable support with your postpartum plan + baby registry! Click here for on-demand, by-the-minute support with I Help Moms as you transition into motherhood!**
**Click here to give gifts like expert support for pregnancy, lactation, the postpartum period, or gentle infant sleep coaching to a new or expectant mama in your life!**
Daytime Doula Support: Empowering Moms to Thrive After Birth
At Newby Nurturing, we understand that every mother’s journey is unique, and we acknowledge both the beauty of early motherhood and its challenges. While we still offer overnight postpartum care, we're excited to announce that we now provide daytime postpartum doula support tailored to your individual needs.
So What Does a Daytime Postpartum Doula Do?
From diaper changes to comforting techniques, we help ensure your little one is well-cared for, allowing you time to catch up on much-needed rest.
Breastfeeding Support and Guidance:
Whether it's supporting you with latch techniques, assisting with your breast pump, or providing evidence-based guidance on proper breastmilk storage guidelines and how to safely prepare infant formula, our certified doulas offer personalized support.
Sterilizing Bottles and Pump Parts:
We understand the importance of keeping your feeding equipment clean and can take care of this task so you can focus on bonding with your little one.
Washing and Folding Baby Laundry:
To take another endless task off of your hands, we can wash and fold your baby's clothes, blankets and burp cloths, ensuring fresh ones are readily available.
Meal Preparation:
We can prepare nourishing meals and snacks and ensure you're staying hydrated, giving your more time to relax and recover.
Providing a Listening Ear and Emotional Support:
The transition into Motherhood is a monumental experience. Our doulas are here to listen, offer encouragement, and provide non-judgmental support on your journey.
Helping with Bottle Selection and Swaddling Techniques:
We can help you choose the right bottle and teach you to master swaddling so that you can confidently soothe your baby.
Why Choose Daytime Support?
Daytime doula support gives you flexibility to take a break and care for yourself. Whether you need time for a hot shower, to run errands, or have someone accompany you to a doctor’s appointment, we're here to help. Our goal is to ensure you feel supported and confident as you adjust to your new role.
We currently serve families in the Houston and San Antonio-New Braunfels areas. Ready to get the support you deserve? Inquire today at www.newbynurturing.com to schedule a free consultation. Let us help you recharge while we handle the rest.
What Can a Postpartum Doula Do For You?
A postpartum doula ensures that you feel supported and heard during your transition into motherhood—a time that often comes with many questions and uncertainties.
She can be a listening ear as you process your birth story or any concerns you may be having. She offers evidence-based education and can connect you with resources or trusted professionals in her referral network.
She can assist you with light household duties, such as washing and sterilizing bottles and pump parts, preparing nourishing snacks, refilling your water, and taking care of baby laundry.
If you are breastfeeding, she can answer questions, assist you with achieving a comfortable latch, and refer you to lactation specialists when needed.
She is also there to help you and your partner catch up on rest. While you get some shut-eye, she can take over care of your sweet baby, providing soothing, diapering, bottle feeding, or bringing the baby to you to nurse, all while keeping a detailed log of their nightly routine.
Most importantly, a postpartum doula is there to support not only the mom's recovery but the whole family as a unit. She is a compassionate professional who brings a nurturing presence to the families in her care.
If you are interested in postpartum doula support, we have a wonderful team that proudly serves families in the Houston and San Antonio-New Braunfels areas. Click here to fill out a contact form to set up your free 15-minute consultation.