The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends newborns should begin breastfeeding
as soon as possible after birth, preferably within the first hour.
Newborns should be fed 8-12 times every 24 hours or whenever they show
signs of hunger. The amount of time a feeding lasts is different for each
baby; let your baby feed as often and as long as they want. It could last
10 to 45 minutes. It is important to allow your baby to finish the feeding
completely. Milk production is regulated by supply and demand. The more
milk removed, the more milk being made.
During the first few days, your baby will receive colostrum. It is very
thick and high in protein, vitamins, minerals, and immunoglobulins, which
protect the baby from a variety of bacterial and viral illnesses. Although
it may seem like your baby is not getting enough milk, colostrum is all
a baby needs to meet the nutritional requirements for the first few days.
As your baby continues to nurse, his/her stomach will begin to expand as
the quantity and the composition of your breast milk change. You can expect
our mature milk to be present within four days after birth. As your baby
grows, you milk will continue to change to meet his/her specific needs.
