When will my milk come in? Typically 3-4 days after birth.
Colostrum is already preasent after giving birth. This colostrum is perfect for baby. It is low in fat, and high in carbohydrates, protein, and antibodies to help keep your baby healthy. Colostrum is extremely easy to digest, and is therefore the perfect first food for your baby. Colostrum has a laxative effect on the baby, helping him pass his early stools. This aids in the excretion of excess bilirubin and helps prevent jaundice.
Your breasts will begin to produce mature milk at 3 -4 days postpartum. When your milk 'comes in' your breasts might feel heavy and sore. Frequent breastfeeding will help with this and prevent engorgement.
Can I breastfeed at work? Absolutely.
United States Breastfeeding Committee (USBC) states:
Effective March 23, 2010, this federal law requires employers to provide break time and a place for hourly paid workers to express breast milk at work. The law states that employers must provide a 'reasonable' amount of time and that they must provide a private space other than a bathroom. They are required to provides this until the employee's baby turns one year old.
Have more questions? USBC answers 20 questions about the Break Time for Nursing Mothers Law.
Do I need birth control while breastfeeding? Not necessarily.
Breastfeeding can be a great form of brith control, however, certain guidelines should be followed.
- Your baby is less than 6 months old
- Your menstrual periods have not yet returned
- Your baby is breastfeeding at least every 3-4 hours (day and night) and gets nothing but breastmilk or only small amounts of other food
When following this criteria, exclusive breastfeeding is 98-99.5% effective in preventing pregnancy.
Should I expect nipple pain? At first yes.
Typical nipple pain does not usually indicate a problem. When first beginning breastfeeding latch-on pain can last between 30-60 seconds into the feeding. This is described as mild pain or discomfort. The pain should not continue through the entire feeding and there should not be pain between feedings.
Pain peaks around the third day after birth and is typically gone within two weeks. You should not have cracks, blisters, or bleeding. Your nipple should look the same after each feeding. Not flattened, creased, or pinched.
What is Mastitis? How do I prevent it?
Mastitis is a breast infection that comes with flu-like symptoms. You might feel achy, tired, and have a fever; this will be accompanied by a red, warm, painful to touch spot on your breast. This is most common in the first months of breastfeeding, but it can occur at any time. A blocked milk duct causes mastitis.
To prevent mastitis, you should avoid letting your breasts become too full or engorged. If your breasts are not empty after nursing or pumping, or your have a plugged duct, use warm compresses and massage to get the milk out. If you feel that you have mastitis, call your doctor and make an appointment.
