Breastfeeding is a natural innate process; however it can take time and practice to develop an established and comfortable breastfeeding experience for both you and baby.
You might find yourself asking, “DOES breastfeeding get easier?” and if so “WHEN will
breastfeeding get easier?”
As a Breastfeeding Specialist I want to offer insights and tips to ease your
breastfeeding journey..
Trust the journey - Trust yourself as a mum - Trust your baby!
Topics covered in this breastfeeding blog:
First and foremost breastfeeding DOES get easier and commonly from 4-6weeks; for the
majority of mums.
You may have done research on breastfeeding while pregnant, attended prenatal classes or
spoken with a breastfeeding professional but when your little one has arrived your main focus is feeding your baby and giving them the milk they need for their physical growth and overall health and wellbeing.
However, you are feeling overwhelmed, anxious and unsure when it comes to
breastfeeding.
Understanding early challenges when breastfeeding
No sugarcoating here - breastfeeding can be demanding, hard work and
exhausting at the beginning!
Mums commonly experience:
Nipple damage of general breastfeeding discomfort
Latch difficulties
Milk supply concerns (I experienced this with both my daughters – it used to drive me crazzzy!)
These challenges in the first few days and weeks often make you wonder ‘will
breastfeeding EVER get easier?’
Being able to understand the breastfeeding hurdles faced in the early weeks will
hopefully give you peace of mind and comfort on your breastfeeding journey.
So what can you expect in the first month of breastfeeding?
First Week | LEARNING
Welcome baby & welcome motherhood!
Your baby is adapting to the outside world and latching onto your breasts
You are adjusting to breastfeeding
Note:
Colostrum is your first milk (yellow or orange colour, thick and sticky) and your breastmilk comes in 3-4 days following birth; at this point you may feel like your baby is at an ‘all you can eat buffet’ needing to nurse for what feels like constantly
Remember! It is essential to nurse frequently and on demand to establish your milk supply
Weeks 2-4 | IMPROVING
You should begin to notice less discomfort with breastfeeding:
Your baby has developed a better latch
You feel more relaxed with breastfeeding positioning
Note:
Typically babies go through a growth spurt around 2-3 weeks old and so your baby may be wanting to nurse for longer and more frequently
Remember! It is so normal to feel overwhelmed and exhausted but hang in there
See how small your baby’s stomach is in those first few weeks!
Weeks 4+ | ESTABLISHING
Breastfeeding has usually become more comfortable and enjoyable:
Your baby’s suckling has further improved; they are stronger and more effective at feeding
Your milk supply is better established
Note:
Clusterfeeding (short feeds that are close together over a few hours or so) can occur at various stages throughout your early breastfeeding journey; it commonly occurs during the evening as this is when your milk supply is generally at its lowest in its 24hour period.
I personally found clusterfeeding relentless BUT it is totally normal and thankfully is short lived, often lasting only a day or two. The end is always in sight..
Remember! Consult a breastfeeding professional if you have ANY concerns with breastfeeding
Check out my free ‘Key Breastfeeding Guidelines: First 3 Weeks’ | This two-page download provides average number of feeds, wet and soiled nappies guidance, deep latch tips and much more:
When will breastfeeding get easier?
Nearly all mums will say their breastfeeding experience hasn’t been ‘easy’ from the get-go, sure some mums face less challenges, but overall it is a totally new body experience. So rest assured you are not alone..
Practice & perseverance is key!
Most mums find that Breastfeeding becomes significantly easier when their baby is around 4-6 weeks old, this is because;
Your baby is now the master of latching and suckling
Your milk supply has been established to meet the needs of your baby
Your body and mind has adapted to the physical and emotional demands of breastfeeding
There should be a reduction in any nipple discomfort or damage
Breastmilk leakage should start to subside
Breastfeeding is a really special bonding time and it may seem like one of the hardest journeys you have been on but you blink and the initial challenges and demand of breastfeeding will be a distant memory
How to tell if baby is getting the milk they need from breastfeeding
You may be thinking you have a ‘low milk supply’ because baby wants to feed so much but guess what..
If your baby is producing wet and soiled nappies then they are getting the milk they need! Below is a rough guidance on wet and soiled nappies in those first 3 weeks:
Average Wet Nappies: Average Soiled Nappies :
Days 1-2 : 2 Days 1-3 : 2 (Black or Dark Green stools)
Days 3-4 : 3 Days 4-7 : 3 (Yellow stools)
Days 5-7 : 5 Weeks 2-3 : 3 (Yellow & Seedy stools)
Weeks 2 -3 : 6
You may be thinking your ‘milk is not good enough’ because your baby has lost weight at post birth weighings but guess what…
After birth your baby may have lost up to 10% of their birth weight but they should regain that weight after 2 weeks
You may be thinking you have ‘no milk’ to feed your baby because your breasts feel soft but guess what…
Aslong as baby is suckling then we are producing milk for them!
Tips to ease your breastfeeding journey
Your health and well-being when it comes to breastfeeding is just as important as your baby’s and so try to focus on the following;
SUPPORT
Do not hesitate to join breastfeeding support groups to share your breastfeeding experience or reach out to a breastfeeding professional to receive professional advice – expressing your concerns and worries can make the world of difference
LATCH
A deep latch minimises nipple damage and general breastfeeding discomfort; ensure baby’s mouth is covering as much areola as possible when feeding
Four tips for a deeper latch;
Hand hold a C or U shape and compress breast
Tilt your nipple slightly upwards
Bring baby to breast not breast to baby
Lean back for a deeper latch
POSITION
Experiment with different breastfeeding positions to find what’s most comfortable for you and your baby. Common positions include cross-cradle, football-hold, laid-back, side-lying and koala-hold
HYDRATION & NUTRITION
Did you know the energy you need to breastfeed a baby each day is the same amount you need to walk 11km? And so your body needs extra fluids and nutrients to effectively manage milk production; drink plenty of water and eat a balanced diet rich in protein, fruits and vegetables
REST
I know what you’re thinking, ‘Easier said than done with a newborn,’ but when you can rest, rest, rest! Don’t be afraid to ask family and friends for help with mundane life chores so you can have some time to take care of yourself
For more breastfeeding tips and information follow Maternal Mayhem on Instagram:
Finally
So, does breastfeeding get easier? Absolutely. But, when will breastfeeding get easier? While the initial weeks can be challenging, most mums find significant improvement by 4-6 weeks.
Remember! Every baby is unique, every mum is unique and so every breastfeeding journey is unique
Do you want guidance and support with your breastfeeding journey? See my breastfeeding support below:
I am a Breastfeeding Specialist that offers a balanced approach to breastfeeding. When advising on breastfeeding the most important factors I take into consideration are that you are content and happy with how your baby is feeding, and your baby is thriving.
I offer both in-person consultations in Madrid, Spain and virtual consultations Worldwide; book a free 15minute discovery call to get you on the road to a comfortable and enjoyable breastfeeding experience!
A well-fed baby is a happier baby and a happier you!
Rebecca x
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