Milk Supply

For the first few days until your milk “comes in”, your baby is fed by the colostrum in your breasts. Colostrum is of great value to your baby. It is highly laxative and helps the baby to activate the bowel by ridding itself of meconium. It then forms a protective layer in the newborn’s gut. It is particularly rich in antibodies to whatever infections you may have been previously exposed to. In this way breastfeeding helps to protect your baby against a range of infections, until about six months of age, when your little one’s own immune system is beginning to mature. This colostrum, or “first milk”, is perfectly designed for all your baby’s nutritional needs, and is produced in smaller quantities as your newborn’s stomach is little bigger than the size of a walnut.

Most babies lose weight during the first few days. This is not an indication that they need a complementary feed. In fact, anything other than your nipple placed in your baby’s mouth during those first few days when baby is beginning to adjust can result in nipple confusion, and may lead to breastfeeding problems.

Many mothers worry that they will not produce enough milk for their baby’s needs. It is reassuring to know that most women can produce more than enough breastmilk. It helps to keep in mind that your baby’s stomach is only the size of a walnut at birth, growing to the size of a peach by six months. Increasing your supply can be facilitated by a good diet with an emphasis on protein, and by ensuring adequate breast stimulation. Breastfeeding works by supply and demand; the more milk that is removed from your breasts, the more milk you will make. The hormones needed to ensure adequate supply are encouraged by nipple stimulation. So your milk supply is, in fact, triggered by your baby’s sucking. You are busy making more milk while you are feeding; and, although the breast may be well-drained after a feed, it is never empty! Most newborns feed two to three-hourly, and it is common for a breast-fed baby to wake at least once during the night for a breastfeed until at least six months. It takes most babies up to six weeks to settle into a regular pattern.

Remember to alternate the breast when feeding during the first few days to maximise nipple stimulation (and therefore hormone production), which is important for stimulating supply.

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