You've just had a baby and you're probably surprised to discover your milk doesn't come in right away. So when does breast milk come in?
There were many surprises in the first few days after I gave birth to my daughter Sophie—like the sheer volume of laundry generated by such a tiny person and—but nothing was more unexpected than the amount of time it took for my milk to come in. I’d read that it takes, on average, three to five days. But no one really told me what you’re supposed to do to feed and comfort your baby in the meantime.
The nurses in the hospital told me to feed every two hours, even if I didn’t think Sophie was getting anything, because the more she suckled, the faster colostrum would give way to milk. While this is great advice—it’s a supply-and-demand process—it was easily the most frustrating part of the newborn days for me. Little Sophie had a weak latch and struggled to get the mechanics down , which in turn meant the milk was slow to come.
Lactation consultant Nancy Harmon, of Good Latch Breastfeeding Support Services in Halifax, says this was solid advice. “I recommend finger-feeding expressed milk, but the syringe wasn’t a bad idea,” she says. “With a few drops of milk placed on your finger, the baby will have to use her mouth in a similar way to nursing to get the milk. It’s more instinctive.” Harmon also agrees hand expression is an important skill for new mothers to master. “Pumping is fine, too, but not everyone has a pump.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Asda and Aldi roll out new 'no touch' policy in supermarketsHere's what you need to know before heading in store
Read more »
Week 5 of Warzone Wednesdays is about to beginHere's what you need to know to be ready to watch Keemstar's Warzone Wednesday event
Read more »
What Is Pansexual? A Guide to Pansexuality'I work off energy. If I dig your energy, I dig you.'
Read more »