How much milk do you have in the first few days?

[mum29919]

This may be a really stupid question but I gave birth to my baby boy two days ago and for the first 24 hours he wouldn't feed much. That's all changed now! He's just fed for an hour on one boob and I'm not sure if I should be moving him into the other boob in case one runs out? Can you run out? I've alternated which each feed but this is the longest he's fed so far and I don't know how to tell if I'm still making enough milk for him. Tia

Your milk will take a few days to come in, you will know when it has as your boobs will look ridiculous, and probably get quite hard. Prior to the proper milk coming in you are producing colostrum which is the most important thing for a newborn baby. Your body makes milk to demand, you won't run out! The more he feeds the more you will produce. I used to switch boobs when I felt one was emptier sometimes during a feed. Just keep letting him feed for as long as he wants, it sounds like you are doing really well so far.

They don't feed much for the first 24 hours after birth.

As the above poster said, he's now having colostrum. He'll also want to be close to you and will be feeding for comfort. I would swap boobs when you feel uncomfortable or he seems a bit disgruntled. Keep drinking and eating!

I swapped sides between naps with mine, I didn't need to put them dowm so they stayed skin to skin most of the time. The babies sucking will send your boby the message that more milk is needed and your milk will come in between 2 and 4 days. It a time when your hormones are doing a big change and feeling overwhelmed is often normal. I found it passes when my milk is in.

His stomach is still tiny but the stimulation is helping to start your change from colustrum to 'proper' milk, which will be uncomfortable for a day or two (have breast pads at the ready!)

It's the natural place for him to be, snuggle up and rest with him

Have a look at "cluster feeding". This is where baby feeds for hours at a time. It doesn't mean you don't have enough milk. It basically is your baby stimulating milk production to increase and can go on for a few days or weeks, often in the evenings.
If you can, it is best to just let him feed as much as he wants, switching sides occasionally, and not to top up with formula. The stimulation is really important to help your milk come in and to increase your supply.

Keep swapping sides, and drinking lots of water. He will take what he needs. You will know when your milk comes in, you will be able to see the milk for a start. The colostrum in the first few days is very thick and rich and you won't see it really.
Just trust your body and your baby, let him feed as much as he needs.

My milk came in quite quickly with DD about 2 days after having her - But I had been harvesting colostrum and freezing syringes for a few weeks prior to giving birth so i think that I was primed to go! We were still in hospital and i remember getting up out of the chair to go to the bathroom and wondering what had spilt down myself - I had soaked through my clothes completley - looked like I was in a wet tshit contest!

Thanks very much everybody. He's currently been feeding for over three hours and doesn't look he'll finish any time soon so you're getting me through this!

Glad all is well op, you're doing a great job.

Don't worry, your baby knows what to do. Drink plenty of water, try to get enough sleep and nap as well. The first 3 days your baby will be taking colostrum but the more it sucks the quicker the milk will come in. Be prepared for your boobs to swell up like rocks on day 4. Keep putting baby to suck often, every 2-3 hours. Make sure you eat regularly, it is easy to not bother when you get tired but you need to eat and drink well. Good luck.

Forgot to say do not use formulae milk. Persevere as it is so worth it.

All sounds normal!

Get some lasinoh for your nipples, drink and eat lots.

I usually offered both breasts. The great time about breastfeeding is that you can’t overfed.

Lots of cups of tea and lansinoh cream is your friend! Cluster feeding is completely normal.

Congratulations on your new baby!