Wyoming WIC

What to Expect

WHAT TO EXPECT​

Many new moms have questions about breastfeeding. Knowing what to expect can help.

Here are answers to some common questions about breastfeeding:

Your baby needs to breastfeed frequently for good weight gain. The more your baby eats, the more milk your body makes. Your milk supply will adjust to your baby’s growing appetite. As your baby grows, continue to watch for their feeding cues and feed on demand.

CLUSTER FEEDING

In the first 4 weeks, many babies are fussy during the day or night and may want many small feedings close together. This is called cluster feeding and is very normal. Cluster feeding prepares your baby to sleep longer at night.

WEEKS 2 TO 4

Your baby may want to eat more often now that they are a couple weeks old. This is usually a time when they are growing faster.

Your baby should be:

  • Eating 10-12+ times each day.
  • Having 6-8 wet diapers each day.
  • Pooping loose, yellow, and seedy stools. Usually breastfed babies poop at least 3 times in a 24 hour period, but can be much more.

If you are concerned about your baby’s weight gain, call WIC or your health care provider and ask about bringing your baby in for a weight check.

  • Stirring
  • Mouth opening
  • Hands in mouth
  • Turning head seeking/rooting

There is no set time for feedings. Your baby will let you know when they are finished feeding. They may turn their head away or fall asleep at the breast. Watch their hands! Babies that are full have relaxed bodies and hands. If you are worried your baby is not getting enough milk, talk with WIC or your healthcare provider.

A newborn’s tummy is very small. In the first few days and weeks, your baby can only take in a small amount of milk. This means they will need to eat frequently. As your baby grows, feedings can be longer or shorter depending on their needs. If you are exclusively pumping or feeding your baby a bottle of pumped milk, they will typically take 2-4 ounces per feeding. No matter how your baby is getting their breast milk, whether at the breast or in a bottle, follow your baby’s hunger and fullness cues.

Breastfeeding is recommended for the first six months of a baby’s life. After six months, gradually introduce your baby to other foods while continuing to breastfeed for up to two years or longer. The length of time you breastfeed will depend on you and your baby’s unique needs.

Breastmilk

Drop - golden yellow

BIRTH

MILK

  • Your body makes a thick, yellowish milk, called colostrum, in small amounts.
  • Colostrum is the best food for newborns because it is rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals, and contains antibodies which help protect your baby from getting sick.

Baby

  • Your baby will probably be awake in the first half hour to two hours after birth.
  • This is a good time to breastfeed your baby.

You (Mom)

  • You will be tired and excited.

First 12-24 Hours

MILK

  • Your baby will drink 1 to 2 teaspoons at each feeding.
  • Your milk has all your baby needs and in the right amount.

Baby

  • It’s normal for your baby to sleep heavily. Labor and delivery are hard work!
  • Some babies may be too sleepy to latch at first.
  • Within the first 24 hours after birth, babies should eat 10 or more times.
  • Some babies may need to be woken up to eat enough.
  • As your baby wakes up, look for signs that they are hungry.
  • Feedings may be short and all over the place – that’s okay!

You (Mom)

  • You will be tired, too. Be sure to rest when possible.
Breastmilk

Drop - whiteish yellow

NEXT 3-5 DAYS

MILK

  • Your mature milk takes the place of colostrum. Mature milk can be white or have a yellow or golden tint.

Baby

  • Your baby will feed a lot, most likely 10 to 12 times or more in 24 hours.
  • Very young, breastfed babies do not eat on a schedule. It’s okay if your baby eats every 2 to 3 hours for several hours, then sleeps for 3 to 4 hours.
  • Feedings may take about 15 to 20 minutes on each breast.
  • The baby’s sucking rhythm will be slow and long, and they might make gulping sounds.

You (Mom)

  • Your breasts may feel full and leak.
  • You can use disposable or cloth pads in your bra to help with leaking. Be sure to change your nursing pads every few hours to reduce the risk of nipple soreness or infection.
  • If you are not noticing these changes in your breasts, contact your healthcare provider or WIC.
Breastmilk

Drop - whiteish blue

AT 4-6 WEEKS

MILK

  • White human milk continues.

Baby

  • Your baby will be better at breastfeeding and have a larger stomach to hold more milk. Feedings should be no longer than 3 hours apart (8 times in 24 hours is every 3 hours).

You (Mom)

  • Your body gets used to breastfeeding.
  • Your breasts may become softer, and the leaking may slow down.

MONTHS 2 AND 3

Breastfeeding may be getting easier. You and your baby are learning together! Breast milk is still all your baby needs to grow healthy and strong.

The amount of wet and poopy diapers your baby has might change as they grow. They may only have a poopy diaper once a day or every few days. Your baby should still show signs of good growth during their doctor and WIC appointments if they are eating enough.

Your baby may start sleeping more at night, however, some babies don’t sleep through the night until they are 4 months of age or older.

Install this web app on your iPhone: tap ios-share and then Add to Home Screen.

SIDE-LYING HOLD

Side-Lying Hold

  1. For the right breast, lie on your right side with your baby facing you.
  2. Pull your baby close. Your baby’s mouth should be level with your nipple.
  3. In this position, you can cradle your baby’s back with your left arm and support yourself with your right arm and/or pillows.
  4. Keep loose clothing and bedding away from your baby.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • You had a C-section
  • You want to rest while baby feeds
  • You are breastfeeding in the middle of the night
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
CROSS-CRADLE HOLD

Cross-Cradle Hold

  1. For the right breast, use your left arm to hold your baby’s head at your right breast and baby’s body toward your left side. A pillow across your lap can help support your left arm.
  2. Gently place your left hand behind your baby’s ears and neck, with your thumb and index finger behind each ear and your palm between baby’s shoulder blades. Turn your baby’s body toward yours so your tummies are touching.
  3. Hold your breast as if you are squeezing a sandwich. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Instead, bring your baby to you.
  4. As your baby’s mouth opens, push gently with your left palm on baby’s head to help them latch on. Make sure you keep your fingers out of the way.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby is premature
  • Your baby has a weak suck
  • Your baby needs help to stay latched
  • Your baby needs extra head support
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
CLUTCH OR “FOOTBALL” HOLD

Clutch or “Football” Hold

  1. For the right breast, hold your baby level, facing up, at your right side.
  2. Put your baby’s head near your right nipple and support their back and legs under your right arm.
  3. Hold the base of your baby’s head with your right palm. A pillow underneath your right arm can help support your baby’s weight.
  4. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Bring baby to you instead.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • You had a C-section
  • You have large breasts
  • You have flat or inverted nipples
  • You have a strong milk let-down
  • You are breastfeeding twins
  • Your baby likes to feed in an upright position
  • Your baby has reflux
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
CRADLE HOLD

Cradle Hold

  1. For the right breast, cradle your baby with your right arm. Your baby will be on their left side across your lap, facing you at nipple level.
  2. Your baby’s head will rest on your right forearm with your baby’s back along your inner arm and palm.
  3. Turn your baby’s tummy toward your tummy. Your left hand is free to support your breast, if needed. Pillows can help support your arm and elbow.
  4. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Instead, bring your baby to you.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby needs help latching on
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
Laid-Back Hold

Laid-Back Hold

  1. Lean back on a pillow with your baby’s tummy touching yours and their head at breast level. Some moms find that sitting up nearly straight works well. Others prefer to lean back and lie almost flat.
  2. You can place your baby’s cheek near your breast, or you may want to use one hand to hold your breast near your baby. It’s up to you and what you think feels best.
  3. Your baby will naturally find your nipple, latch, and begin to suckle.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby is placed on your chest right after birth
  • You have a strong milk let-down
  • You have large breasts
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position