Melanin Milk: The First 48

Also known as #liquidgold, breast milk is The Most High’s gift to both mom and baby. Milk production begins months before a woman gives birth and it provides the exact nutrition needed to sustain this new life. Although breastfeeding benefits the mom as well, the first few days and weeks can be tough. On top of caring for a brand new baby, which involves lots of sleepless nights and overwhelming emotions, moms often struggle with the basics of breastfeeding. There are, however, a few tips to establishing a healthy relationship from the moment baby is born.

In the first 48 minutes, skin-to-skin contact is vital. Milk secretion, or #lactation, begins when the placenta detaches from the uterus and is stimulated by oxytocin, the “happy hormone.” Holding your brand new baby close will increase your oxytocin levels, in turn telling your body milk is needed. Once baby begins to “root” or make suction motions with their mouth, it is time to latch onto the breast. A good, deep latch is crucial to ensuring successful milk transfer, as well as avoiding cracked and bleeding nipples. The immediate latch can be uncomfortable for the first few weeks, but it should not be painful. Working with a lactation consultant or doula at this stage will be extremely beneficial.

In the first 48 hours, your baby will receive #colostrum. It is a thick, yellowish milk full of antibodies for the immune system, carbohydrates, and protein. Because of its thickness, colostrum is harder to express (by hand or pump) from the breast, but baby will handle that. Breastfeeding during this time should happen on demand, but at least every 2 hours to help increase milk production and weight gain. A newborn’s stomach is very small (the size of a cherry actually) so colostrum is the perfect first food. A baby only needs 5-7 milliliters, or 1-1.4 teaspoons of milk every couple of hours. You will know baby is getting enough by their diaper output. Day 1 should yield 1 wet and 1 poopy diaper. Day 2 should yield 2 wet and 2 poopy diapers. This pattern will continue for a bit and then completely change as breastfed babies can actually go 2 weeks without a poopy diaper. Rest assured, your body and baby know what they’re doing, even if this is the first time doing it.

In the first 48 days, brace yourself as your colostrum begins to transition to mature milk. 3-4 days after birth, the body will start over-producing milk and #engorgement can occur. It is completely normal, the production will regulate based on the baby’s eating, and frequent nursing sessions will help this process. A pump, bottles, and pacifiers should not be used in the first 6 weeks as these things can drastically affect your breastfeeding relationship. Instead of the pump, hand expression, warm showers or towels, and massage can help the discomfort you might be feeling. Instead of bottles and pacifiers, allow your baby to be soothed at the breast. You will not spoil them by doing this. Milk spoils...babies do not! Once your milk is regulated, you will notice a change in your breasts. Lactation will occur more in line with your baby’s eating pattern and the journey will get a little easier.

Overall, in the first 48 minutes, hours, and days, moms often start to doubt their bodies and begin to think they aren’t producing enough milk. Why? Newborns are fussy and seem to constantly be giving the cues that it’s time to eat. We naturally equate crying to hunger and/or that something is wrong. Remember, your baby spent roughly 9 months in a warm, safe, comfortable environment and is now overstimulated by the new world around them. Attached to you (at the breast) is the best place for them to hang out, and on top of that, babies nurse for more than just hunger. Commit this to memory: thirst, hunger, love, relaxation, and development/ immunities. So grab your Bible, water and snacks, turn on Periscope, get comfortable, and enjoy this wonderful new addition to your household! Lo, children are a heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. Psalm 127:3

Interested in a prenatal breastfeeding prep session or in need of a postpartum lactation consultation? Contact me via email (info@birthincolor.com).