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Breastfeeding Basics

Breastfeeding is a natural function and a very easy and convenient way to feed your baby. Your body will prepare itself to produce milk, but a new mother and baby may have to take some time to get comfortable with one another and learn the best ways to nurse.

Breast milk varies to suit your baby’s needs. Right after your baby is born, you will produce a clear yellow liquid called colostrum. Colostrum

• is easily digested
• acts as a laxative to clear your baby’s intestinal tract.
• contains antibodies that pass your immunities on to your baby

Within two to five days after your baby is born, you will begin to produce mature breast milk, which is somewhat blue in color. The composition of mature breast milk will change during the nursing session:

• Foremilk, made at the beginning of the feeding, contains a sugar (lactose) and proteins, but very little fat
• Hindmilk, made toward the end of a feeding, has more fat and is main source of energy for your baby.

Our lactation specialist will help you learn

• breastfeeding positions
• latch and positioning techniques to get your baby started nursing
• when to feed your newborn
• whether you should wake your baby to nurse
• how to know that your baby is eating enough
• what to do about nursing problems like sore nipples, blocked ducts, engorgement
• how to pump and store breast milk

UNIVERSITY WOMEN'S HEALTHCARE:
University GYN/OB Foundation
University of Louisville Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Women’s Health