Are you having a baby soon and planning to breastfeed? The most natural way to feed your baby — breastfeeding — is not always straightforward.
While your body and mind are adjusting to having a newborn, it may take some time to get the hang of breastfeeding. But knowing what to expect can help you set accurate expectations and feel more prepared.
Here’s what you can expect during the first year of breastfeeding:
The first week of breastfeeding
A baby’s urge to breastfeed is strongest immediately after they're born. Maximize this special time by keeping your baby skin-to-skin and breastfeeding right away.
Keep in mind that:
It takes some time for milk to come
Milk usually comes in around three to five days after giving birth. Before your milk comes in, your body produces colostrum, a thick, yellowish fluid packed with nutrients and antibodies.
Your nipples will be sore
It’s normal to experience nipple tenderness at first. This usually fades as your milk comes in and your baby gets better at latching. If soreness continues or is unbearable, tell your nurse. You can also try:
- Different feeding positions
- Gentle breast massage before feeding
- Applying colostrum or lanolin to your nipples after feeding
You’ll need to breastfeed often
During the first week, your baby will become more alert and active. This newfound awareness might make them a bit fussy, but snuggling close to you through breastfeeding can help comfort them. Frequent feedings (about every two to three hours) help stimulate your milk supply. And as you prepare to go home, don’t hesitate to ask your nurse about breastfeeding support resources available to you.
Your breasts may become engorged as your milk comes in
Engorgement is when your breasts become overly full and uncomfortable. Frequent feeding, warm compresses before feeding and cold compresses after feeding can help relieve the discomfort.
If you’re away from your baby, you’ll need to pump or hand express
Frequent breastfeeding tells your body to make more milk, so if you stop for more than a couple of hours, your milk supply could reduce. When you can’t breastfeed, pumping at regular intervals helps signal your body to keep producing milk.
The first six months of breastfeeding
As you get past the first week, you’ll likely start to find a rhythm with breastfeeding. Your milk supply will increase, and your nipple soreness should decrease. This is the best time to establish a routine that works for you and your baby.
During this time:
You’ll breastfeed on demand
Newborns have their own internal clocks. Breastfeeding on demand means offering your breast whenever your baby shows signs of hunger. This flexibility helps improve your milk supply and ensures your baby’s needs are met.
Your baby might also start to cluster feed, which is when they feed frequently over a short period, often in the evening. It's normal and helps increase your milk production. Make sure you're breastfeeding at night, too, because it helps maintain your milk supply and supports your baby's growth.
You’ll need to build your milk supply
Breastfeeding success depends on making enough milk. During this first month, support your milk supply by drinking plenty of fluids. Nourish your body with fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Rest when you can, because getting enough sleep helps maintain milk production.
Keep a lookout for things that can hurt your milk supply, like engorgement. Avoid clogged ducts (when milk can’t flow freely through a milk duct) with gentle massage, warm compresses and regular breastfeeding.
You may experience latch issues
Latch issues (like a shallow latch or poor areola coverage) are common. It may take some time for you and your baby to find the perfect breastfeeding position. Signs of a good latch include:
- Your baby seems content after breastfeeding.
- You do not hear clicking or smacking noises during feeding.
- Nipple discomfort ends quickly after the baby latches on.
- You can hear swallowing.
- Your baby’s chin is touching your breast.
If you're worried about your baby's latch, reach out to a lactation consultant. They can assess your latch and offer guidance.
You’ll build a bond
Breastfeeding is more than just nutrition; it's a special bond between you and your baby. As the months go by, your body and baby adapt to this new routine, and you’ll likely feel more confident.
The end of the first year of breastfeeding
Breastfeeding for a full year is a remarkable achievement. After a year, you and your baby will likely have a comfortable breastfeeding routine. You overcame challenges and celebrated many successes together.
Around this time:
Your baby will eat solids
By now, you likely introduced solid foods while continuing to breastfeed. Up to this point, breast milk was still an important part of your baby's nutrition, providing essential antibodies and nutrients.
You may decide to stop breastfeeding
At the one-year mark, some moms stop breastfeeding. Although data varies, one poll found that 71% of breastfeeding mothers nursed their babies for a year, then by the time the child turned 2, that number dropped to 45%.
Your baby is eating solids and can drink whole milk now. The decision on when (and how) to stop breastfeeding is up to you. If you decide to wean, remember to:
- Cut back on breastfeeding slowly: Gradually decrease breastfeeding sessions while increasing solid food intake.
- Listen to your body: Pay attention to any discomfort and reduce feedings accordingly.
- Seek support: Talk to your healthcare provider or a lactation consultant for guidance.
You may want to keep breastfeeding
If you choose to continue breastfeeding past your baby’s first birthday, remember to:
- Enjoy the bond: Breastfeeding beyond a year offers continued benefits for both you and your child, including immune protection, comfort and security.
- Manage expectations: Be prepared for changes in feeding patterns as your child grows.
- Seek support: Connect with other mothers who are extending breastfeeding for encouragement and advice.
At the beginning of this journey, an entire year of breastfeeding might seem like an uphill battle. Remember that any length of time spent breastfeeding is beneficial for both you and your baby. No matter what this journey looks like (or how long it lasts) for you, breastfeeding is something to be proud of.
