When the Milk Comes In
The first feedings will be short, no more than three or four minutes actual sucking on each breast. He is still learning, and the intimacy is good for him, so do not turn him off too early. Gradually, as his hunger increases and he learns how to suck to full effect, he will take longer and steadier feeding. If your baby does not at first take much each feeding and cries for more after only two hours, answer his need and feed him again. You may have to give ten or twelve feedings a day at first, but soon your breasts will be producing enough to keep him happier for longer. Put him to both breasts at each feeding, alternating the one you start with.
The Breasts
When your milk first comes in your breasts may feel strange. You may find the sensation of “letting down” the milk disconcerting. It is not something for which modern living prepares women. Once they have got used to it, many women find it surprisingly satisfying.
You may find that your breasts leak between feedings. You can absorb the surplus by lining your maternity bra with freshly laundered cotton hankies. You can buy disposable paper pads or special washable pads that are covered with plastic on the outside to stop the milk from coming through. Be careful that holding the milk in does not make your nipples sore. If there is any tendency to soreness, let the air get to the nipples and go topless for a while.
Leaking may be a problem, especially in the morning when the baby has not been fed for six or more hours. Your breasts may be quite hard and uncomfortable with the milk.
You can easily let off the pressure by releasing the surplus by hand. It is sometimes possible to give this to a hospital to help less fortunate babies, where it is commonly used to feed those premature babies whose mothers cannot yet produce milk.