Beginning Breastfeeding

It is worth breastfeeding your baby even for a week as your breasts produce colostrum for the first 3 or 4 days. This thick yellow fluid is high in proteins in the form of antibodies which help protect your baby against infection before her immune system can start functioning properly.

Mature milk generally comes in on the third or fourth day. Unlike formula milk, the type of milk that you produce changes during a feed. The first part of the feed is watery and quenches your baby’s thirst. This is sometimes referred to as ‘fore milk’. The second part of the feed is more creamy and higher in calories. This satisfies your baby’s need for calories and is sometimes referred to as ‘hind milk’.

It is important to make sure your baby has emptied most of the first breast before putting her on the second so that she gets enough of the second part of the feed which is the more creamy milk that is high in calories.