30 weeks pregnant with a breastfeeding question???

Question

I have read many books and articles on breastfeeding- which I plan to do when my baby comes- but how do you feed a baby until your milk comes in (which is 3-4 days after delivery)? Thanks

Answer 1

When your baby is born their stomach can hold 1/2 tablespoon, which is nothing. This is why your breasts make colostrum it is like corn syrup it is so thick and full of sugar, antibodies, and nutrients. It is very important for your baby. Do not use formula or sugar water during this time even though some old-fashioned people (and health providers) will tell you to.

You should read this:

http://www.kellymom.com/newman/26baby_refuses_to_latch.html
http://www.kellymom.com/newman/how_breastmilk_protects_newborns.html
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/supply/milkproduction.html
http://www.massbfc.org/formula/bottle.html

Answer 2

Before your milk comes in there is a thick yellowish substance that comes out called colostrum. This is the liquid that helps to jump-start your baby's digestive tract and is loaded with antibodies and good things for your baby. Only about 1Tbsp. comes out each feeding, but a newborn baby isn't "hungry" until the 2nd or 3rd day of life, so this small amount is usually plenty to satisfy. I am breastfeeding right now, my son is 6 weeks old, and he is doing great..... now. During this "premilk" stage he would not nurse. I think that it was too hard for him to express the colostrum. What I did was pump it all out and mix it with a tiny amount of formula (the hospital will send you home with some, but you should buy some ahead of time just incase you experience problems with nursing). This way I knew my son was still getting the things he needed, and there was a lot less frustration. Once my milk came in he would not take a bottle any longer. Throughout the first few days I was still introducing the breast to him in the beginning of each feeding, so that he would not lose his latching reflex. I can also say that pumping out all the colostum caused my milk to come in sooner (in my opinion from what the hospital staff told me) and also I never experienced painful engorgement when it came in like so many women do. Hope this helped.

Answer 3

You breastfeed...on demand. This is the only thing that will help you establish a good milk supply. In the first few days mom's produce colostrum, which is very good for the baby. It is all they need. Moms tend to panic when they see how little milk they make at first, but what they don't know is that a newborn baby's stomach is only the size of a chick pea! That is pretty little. It increases as they grow and your milk supply increases. The real key to making sure your little one is getting enough is to feed whenever baby seems hungry. This will increase at 3 weeks, and 6 weeks etc as they hit growth spurts. This is normal. Lots of moms think during these periods their babies aren't getting enough milk, but if you feed when they are hungry, and they are having wet diapers, I promise you, they are fine. Good luck and happy nursing.

Answer 4

When you first give birth the "milk" that comes in is a clear liquid, and not much at all comes out. You just put the infant to your breast and he or she will learn what to do. The baby doesn't need much food when they are first born, and will be fine until the milk does come in. The baby will lose a few ounces in the first week or two and this is expected of breastfed babies. You do not need to supplement your own milk with anything. Good luck!

Answer 5

You have a calorie rich substance called colostrum that gives your baby everything needed in the first few days. Then your milk comes in a that is what your baby needs and gets. The female body does amazing things. Even if you have "no milk" left if you continue to nurse milk will let down for your baby in a few minutes!! Congrats!

Answer 6

What everyone answered on Colostrum is correct. But I have a great tip that I want to pass along.

Breastfeeding in public can be challenging to get the hang of. I recommend not buying those "nursing" shirts and tanks. Instead buy cheap tank tops (like men's "wife beaters") and cut a slit in them just over your nipple. Wear them under t-shirts or button down shirts, and no one will even notice when you have to pull up, or down, or open your shirt because they won't be seeing any skin, just that tank top.

I also recommend attending Le Leche even before your baby is born. They are a great resource for breastfeeding moms.

http://www.lllusa.org/groups.php

Answer 7

Before your milk comes in there is a secretion called "colostrum". You still nurse the baby in the same way and this is their nutrition until your milk comes in fully. The baby will eat very often at this time, but it is more than enough nutrition for them even though it may seem like they are sucking out air.

Answer 8

actually , what comes out first is colostrum, super milk, it's rich in antibodies,that provide baby with protection against various infections, that will hold her, and her sucking will make milk come in sooner, the baby needs nothing else, that first "stuff" is like a concentrate, they call it super milk

Answer 9

well it is going to hurt, and you are going to feel like a mama cow....but they get everything they need from something your body has been storing up the entire pregnancy colostrum... when yuor milk comes in 3 to 4 days you will wake up looking like Pamela Anderson.... rent or buy a pump to get excess mik out to help with the pain....don't give even it hurts...the pain goes away and your baby and you bond closer than ever...enjoy the early weeks of nursing non stop they grow up before you know it!
good luck and congrats!!

Answer 10

Your baby will be getting your Colotrum..The Colotrum is so important..So your baby will get that until your milk comes in..