Survival Guide to Breastfeeding: The First Two Weeks

Congratulations on making the decision to breastfeed your newborn, mama – a decision that will provide ongoing short- and long-term benefits to your family! With that in mind, it’s important to remember that the first two weeks after delivery are critical to initiating breastfeeding and “programming” the breasts to make milk. At Medela, we always remind parents like yourself that breastfeeding is a learned skill requiring patience, practice and sometimes even professional support from your healthcare provider and a lactation consultant.

“Childbirth is exhausting and the days that follow can feel raw, emotional, unfamiliar and draining,” says Medela’s Jess Sember, MSN, RN, IBCLC, CPLC, CCE, SBD. “Despite early challenges, which are often very normal, providing nutritious liquid gold to your baby is totally doable with a little planning and a lot of patience. With each day, you’ll become more skilled and confident in your choice to breastfeed.”

Prioritize What Matters Most

We suggest letting these priorities be your most important and allowing the rest to fall away – at least for now!

• Breastfeeding your baby frequently and effectively.
• Sleeping well.
• Taking care of yourself by resting and relaxing as you recover.

Though the three priorities above sound simple, most moms find plenty of distractions! Your phone and social media notifications going wild with well wishes from acquaintances. That drive you feel to keep your home clean and tidy. Well-meaning loved ones wanting to stop by and meet the new baby. Remember, all of that can wait! Limit your early visitors to only those who are hands-on and there to support you in a tangible way. There will be time later – after you’ve recovered and you and your baby have a solid breastfeeding relationship established – to break out the charcuterie board and entertain guests.

The First Two Weeks After Birth

Day 1: Delivery Day

Feeling:

• You finished a marathon.
• Incredibly tired.
• You are Superwoman!

What's Happening?

• Baby is extremely sleepy.
• Here comes your liquid gold, also known as colostrum. Expect about 5 mL per feeding.
• Baby's first poop, also known as meconium. Expect only a few soiled diapers, with meconium being sticky and blackish-green.

What to Do:

• Skin to skin contact with your baby for the first hour and until your first breastfeed is completed. Skin to skin contact should continue frequently over the next few days.
• Help your baby learn to latch effectively as you initiate breastfeeding.
• Frequent feeds are important and you may need to wake your little one every 2 – 3 hours to ensure they’re feeding.

Tips:

• You’re not alone! It’s okay to ask for help at any point in your journey, even if that means every day for the next few weeks.
• Remember – Even if you’ve had children before, you’ll still need the same dedication and focus to effectively begin breastfeeding during this important initiation period.

What Success Looks Like:

Lots of rest for mama and baby after labor and delivery!

Day 2: Second Night Syndrome

Feeling: 

• Sleep-deprived.
• Probably frazzled.
• Sore breasts and nipples – be sure to give them some TLC with a quality nipple cream or cooling hydrogel pads!

What's Happening?

• Baby is waking up and more alert.
• Cluster feeding begins, which means your baby needs to nurse more during periods of growth. It’s also their way of helping to increase your milk supply!
• It’s normal for newborns to lose about 7% of their birth weight during the first few days after birth.
• Expect 1 – 3 meconium poops and about 2 wet diapers.

What to Do:

• Chat with a lactation consultant to ensure a good latch. Breastfeeding shouldn’t hurt!
• Gentle breast compressions while baby is feeding will help stimulate your milk flow.
• Keep up that skin to skin contact! Your little one needs a lot of it during the first few days.

Tips:

• Keep in mind that you may arrive home before finishing initiating lactation. Once settled in at home, lean on your support systems to fuel your mind, body and soul and remember to limit visitors right now to only those who want to help!
• Often referred to as “second night syndrome”, your baby will become more alert as they adjust to all the “firsts” such as hunger, cold air, light and more. Don’t worry, mama – It’s temporary!

What Success Looks Like:

Focusing on yourself and your baby, and don’t be shy about reaching out early on to a professional for help with latching and learning to breastfeed.

Day 3: A Big Day of Transition!

Feeling:

• Exhaustion sets in.
• Breasts may start becoming engorged with milk.
• Possibly feeling extra-vulnerable and sensitive - This too shall pass!
• Bouts of the baby blues, which around 80% of new parents feel during those first few days after birth. It usually dissipates on its own after a couple weeks, but be sure to closely monitor how you’re feeling and speak with your healthcare provider if sadness lingers or intensifies.

What's Happening?

• You’re likely heading home now, unless there were complications or you had a C-section.
• You may have had a crazy night! Your baby is eating a lot and may not be sleeping much.
• Colostrum begins to transition into mature milk and can cause uncomfortable engorgement.
• Baby may still have a hard time latching and wants to be held frequently.
• Expect about 3 poops and 3 – 4 wet diapers.

What to Do:

• Cool compresses can help alleviate engorgement.
• Breast massage (with a certified organic massage oil) can trigger oxytocin and encourage your natural letdown reflex.
• If need be, express some milk by hand to soften the breast and help baby latch easier.
• Make sure you’re feeding your baby on demand through the night too!

Tips:

• If you’re worried that your milk isn’t coming in about 72 hours after birth, talk to your healthcare provider and check out some of our tips.
• Practice kangaroo care, which means a lot of skin to skin contact (achieved through breastfeeding and cuddling!) The more contact, the better health outcomes and greater likelihood of effective breastfeeding.

What Success Looks Like:

Embracing the idea of around-the-clock feeding on demand (totally normal in these early days!), with the knowledge that breastfeeding won’t always be this hectic.

Day 4: It's All About Your New Skill

Feeling:

• Some relief - You may not be as engorged.

What's Happening?

• Baby begins cluster-feeding, if they haven’t already – maybe every hour!
• Baby will likely take a long nap after feeding.
• Expect about 4 poops and 3 – 4 wet diapers, and know that stools will appear greenish-brown now.

What to Do:

• Ongoing communication with your lactation consultant, especially if you have questions, concerns, are still experiencing sore nipples and/or your little one isn’t having enough soiled diapers.
• Leaking milk? It’s common and should settle down after the first six weeks or so. In the meantime, stock up on absorbent nursing pads to minimize leakage onto clothing or bedding!

Tips:

• If you’re still struggling with achieving a good latch, be sure to get help from a lactation consultant sooner than later.
• If you’re at all concerned about baby’s weight gain or if your baby shows signs of dehydration (such as dark-colored urine, no poops in 24 hours, lethargy or not eating) then seek medical help right away.

What Success Looks Like:

Showing up with love and intention. You’re stepping up every day, no matter how exhausted and sleep-deprived you may feel, to learn this new skill with perseverance and consistency – and that’s amazing!

Day 7: The First Pediatrician Check-Up

Feeling:

• Increased confidence…even if you’re still tired.
• Look at you, rocking parenthood!

What's Happening?

• Your baby is becoming more efficient at breastfeeding.
• May need to advocate for continued breast milk feeding vs. supplementing occasionally or frequently.
• Expect about 3 – 5 poops and 5 – 6 wet diapers per day. Stools transition to a seedy, mustard-yellow color now that your mature milk is officially in.

What to Do:

• Don’t forget to take care of yourself.
• Consider joining online or local in-person breastfeeding support groups for encouragement and celebration of milestones.

Tips:

• Be patient about the length of your feedings. Some babies are speed-feeders, but others may prefer to take their time. Don’t fall into the habit of comparing yourself or your baby to others!
• If you have a lactation question, find out how to access telehealth services for immediate care. You can also use our free Ask the LC program for non-urgent questions to consult via e-mail with a board-certified lactation consultant.

What Success Looks Like:

Keep on keeping on. If this routine is working well and your baby has gained their weight back, then keep feeding often and doing exactly what you’re doing!

Day 10: Becoming Comfortable with Breastfeeding

Feeling:

• Enjoying breastfeeding as a beautiful, one of a kind bonding experience.

What's Happening?

• Breastfeeding is becoming more comfortable and enjoyable; you find yourself falling into a more established routine.
• Your baby will gain weight – about 5 – 7 ounces weekly!
• You’ll see about 3 – 5 poops and 6 or more wet diapers.

What to Do:

• Continue feeding your little one frequently, about 8 – 12 times daily, especially if they’re experiencing another growth spurt.
• If you’re getting bored at home, try breastfeeding in different environments to see what you’re most comfortable with – a friend’s house, a coffee shop, a park, wherever you feel like venturing to!

Tips:

• If you’re having hot flashes due to hormonal fluctuations, try a specially designed nursing bra with quick dry technology to keep cool.
• Make sure to prioritize the breastfeeding-friendly clothes in your closet and have a few nursing bras on hand that you’re comfortable wearing in and out of the home.

What Success Looks Like:

You’re settling into breastfeeding – and maybe even enjoying it – while forming a vision of how your breastfeeding routine will work for your family.

Day 14: Thriving as a Breastfeeding Parent!

Feeling:

• Proud of your accomplishments so far, though you still may encounter some challenges.
• Curious about incorporating a breast pump into your routine.

What's Happening?

• Congratulations – Your milk supply is officially established!
• The bond continues to strengthen between you and your little one.
• You’ll see about 3 – 5 poops and 6 or more wet diapers.

What to Do:

• Thinking about pumping? Talk to a lactation consultant about when it’s best to introduce a pump and what type might be best for your unique needs.
• If you already have a breast pump, begin to familiarize yourself with it – assembly, usage, its parts and properly cleaning everything.

Tips:

• Enjoy your breastfeeding journey for as long as it lasts. Keep learning and educating yourself while getting support from the larger community and fellow breastfeeding parents.
• Only introduce pumping after you’ve established a solid nursing routine (unless a healthcare provider recommends sooner due to medical reasons or unique challenges) and carefully research your options to determine the right breast pump for you.

What Success Looks Like:

Drum roll, please…You’ve made it through the tough first weeks! You’re learning the invaluable skill of breastfeeding, which will provide both you and your little one with immense benefits now and in the future. Best of all, you have an amazing bond with your baby!