1.Newborns do not nurse on a schedule. This is the time when feeding on demand is allowed. Breastmilk is easily and quickly digested, so your baby will get hungry more often. It is later that a feeding schedule will come into play. Get ready for cluster feeding the first 24 hours. Expect your baby to eat every 40 minutes, it will be exhausting, but you’ll get through it.
2. Look for hunger signs. This includes: sucking on his fists, licking their lips, squirming to find your nipple area, turning their head back and forth and the obvious one – Crying!
3. On average, your baby will be nursing 10-12 times daily during the first two months.
4. Moms should set a timer (there are also apps for this) for 15-20 minutes, per breast.
5. Always remember to switch breasts. Some babies will have a preference, but it’s not only good for supply, avoiding engorgement and also avoiding lop sided breasts. Keep them even Steven.
6. Allow your baby to latch off on their own. If you pull them off, you could really hurt your nipple.
7. You will feel like you’re always nursing because you literally will be!
8. In the beginning, a Newborn’s stomach is very small (the size of a walnut) so it won’t hold much milk, this is why you’ll have frequent nursing.
9. If you are strictly breastfeeding, breastmilk is easily and quickly digested, compared to formula fed babies. So on demand feeding is fine.
10. As your baby’s stomach grows bigger in size, you will notice an increase in between feedings.
The first days are difficult, but you will get through it. Your hormones are trying to settle and because of this you are leaking from your eyes, crying is normal during the first 12 days. Then, you have leaking from your breasts, you are officially able to now breastfeed your baby. Lastly, you’re leaking down below, it’s like the period you didn’t have for 9 months is making up for lost time! All of this can be overwhelming, apart from your body recovering from childbirth, can a woman get a break!? Rest assured this is the normal process women go through and this too shall pass.
