Although we know breast milk is best, breastfeeding isn’t always possible. And for some, it’s even a little scary.
It’s normal to feel a bit anxious about breastfeeding – especially if it’s your first time. But as we look at the basics of breastfeeding it may just help you understand it better and fear it less.
It’s really very natural. The God of all creation equipped babies with rooting and sucking instincts as well as an appetite for mommy’s milk.
That very same God also gave women mammary glands to produce the milk their sweet little bundle of joy needs.
Your baby comes into the world peeking at her new surroundings, stretching like she’s never stretched before and within a couple of hours, shes’ rooting around in search of food.
For the first few days your breast produces colostrum. It’s thick, yellowish and gooey, but it’s full of everything your baby needs to fill her belly and give her the nutrition she needs. Colustrum even provides antibiotic qualities and aids in developing her digestive track and preparing it for the real stuff.
By the end of the second week, your milk should be considered ‘mature milk’ and you and your precious baby should be on your way to feeling comfortable with breastfeeding.
Probably one of the most troubling aspects to breastfeeding is that you can measure what she eats so you have no way of knowing whether she has had enough or not. But your body and hers are on hookup. About the time her belly is crying out for more milk, your body is crying out to release it.
Since it’s normal for a baby to lose a little weight during the first week or so, you can’t help but wonder if she is getting enough milk to fill and nourish her. But babies have a great way of letting mommies know when they are still hungry. They cry.
Obviously, not every cry comes from a growling tummy, but putting her to your breast will help you distinguish whether or not your milk will settle her down or not.
Babies generally nurse for about 10 to 20 minutes on each breast and since newborns tend to nurse when hungry, you may find yourself nursing somewhere between 8 and 12 times every 24 hours. It won’t be long before you get into a routine and she’s eating about every two hours and then every four hours.
If you struggle with breastfeeding or are concerned in anyway, please be sure to contact your doctor or the pediatrician. Here are a few things to look out for:
- your breasts become red, swollen, hard, or sore
- your breast develop an unusual discharge or you have bleeding from your nipples
- your baby isn’t gaining weight or you don’t think she’s getting enough milk
These things are very unlikely to occur, but if they do, don’t worry. Just call your doctor and set your heart at ease.
Remember…breastfeeding is very natural. You and your baby are both fearfully and wonderfully made by the Creator of the universe and as a mother, this is all part of His beautiful design. So hang in there sweet mom! You’ve got exactly what the precious baby needs and you can do it!
- Ch…ch…ch…CHANGES Are Coming in 2017 for TMI - December 27, 2016
- What New Thing Are You Ready to See God Do in Your Life in 2017? - December 26, 2016
- Heaviness and Newness - December 23, 2016
