Mountain Interagency Breastfeeding Coalition

1.  Your Baby Masters Latch

Although Breastfeeding USA noted that babies instinctively root and latch on the breast, it is rarely as simple as it sounds.  if you're struggling to get a latch reach out to a lactation consultant.  Get some help because a good latch is essential for good milk supply.  By the time your baby hits two weeks old you'll both have probably mastered latching.

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2.  Your Milk Comes In

Although every mom is different, mother's milk usually comes in about three or four days postpartum.  Up until that point your baby will drink the colostrum you've been producing since late pregnancy.  When you milk comes in you'll notice that your breast feel full, warm to the touch, and most likely a bit painful until the pressure is relieved.  

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3.  Your Letdown Reflex Begins to Sync With Baby

Your letdown reflex (the release of hormones that causes your milk to "drop" and flow quicker as your baby sucks) may seem erratic and random in the beginning.  However, your letdown reflex should sync with your baby's suckling patterns over the first few weeks.  You may also notice cramping  of your uterus when you milk lets down but this should subside after two or three weeks. 

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4.  Your Baby Begins to Nurse on a More Predictable Schedule

During the first few weeks your baby will seem to eat sporadically and for differing lengths of time.  This is totally normal newborn behavior.  By the time they're a few weeks to a month old they will have established a more predictable "routine" of nursing every two to three hours.

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5.  Your Baby Regains Their Birth Weight

Whether your baby had a high or low birth weight, all babies lose a bit of weight over the first few days.  However if breastfeeding is going well by the baby's two week check-up they should have regained their birth weight. 

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