How Breastfeeding Works

The first milk your breasts produce is called ‘colostrum’. This milk is ideal for your baby for the first few days. It is made in small quantities so your baby will feed frequently, which is perfectly normal. The more your baby feeds the more milk you will produce.

After about three days your breasts may become engorged. They may feel heavy, hot and full. This is normal and is due to an increase in the blood and milk supply to your breasts. It usually settles within 24 – 48 hours with frequent feeding and by using cold compresses on your breasts between feeds.

Sometimes women may have to hand express to soften the areola (area around the nipple) so that the baby can attach properly to the breast.
Once the mature milk is established it contains ‘fore” milk and ‘hind’ milk. The fore milk is high volume milk, which will quench your baby’s thirst. The hind milk is high in fat and calories, which will settle your baby between feeds and ensure that they will put on weight.

It is important that you don’t restrict how long your baby spends feeding. Babies will vary the length of their feeds. Just like us, they may fancy a quick snack or will want to settle in for a full three-course feast! As a general rule, your baby should feed from the first breast until the breast is softened and/or your baby comes off the breast naturally. Always offer your baby the second breast although they may not take it. Throughout a breastfeed your baby’s sucking will send messages to your brain to ‘order’ milk for the next feed.