NICU Lactation Guide: Breastfeeding basics
Lactation Support for Hospitalized Moms
Give Your Baby the Best Possible Start in Life
Getting started
Your body has been getting ready to feed your baby throughout your pregnancy. Human milk is specially made for your baby. Consider the first few weeks a learning period for you and your baby. Give yourself time to recuperate from birth. With time and practice, you will become a coordinated team. You will not see or measure how much milk your baby takes in, but you and your baby will show signs that your baby is getting enough milk. CHKD Lactation is available in the NICU to assist you with getting started.
Mother’s signs
- Breasts feel full and heavy as milk comes in around day 2 to 4. Leaking milk is normal and pads inside your bra may be helpful.
- Breasts should feel fuller before feedings and softer after feedings. Listen for your baby’s swallowing.
- 'Let-down' is the milk ejection reflex that starts milk flowing toward the nipple. Some mothers experience a pins and needles sensation, and some don’t. This is normal.
- You may experience some nipple tenderness when your baby latches on. This is normal and usually disappears at the end of the first week. If tenderness persists or worsens, please contact a certified lactation consultant.
Baby’s signs
- Baby should latch on deeply and suckle rhythmically for at least 15 minutes on the first side, then switch sides. Baby may pause to rest, and you will hear swallowing. Your baby is finished when they pull off or fall asleep.
- Baby should breastfeed 8 to 12 times in 24 hours, or about every 1.5 to 3 hours. You may need to wake your baby to feed if they do not wake up to eat after 4 hours.
- Baby should be content between feedings. If your baby is often fussy or crying, contact your physician.
- The color of your baby’s stools will change from thick black meconium to dark green to yellow cottage cheese/mustard milk stools over the first 4 to 5 days. Baby should have four or more stools per day after the fourth day of life.
Disclaimer: This information is not intended to substitute or replace the professional medical advice you receive from your child's physician. The content provided on this page is for informational purposes only, and was not designed to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Please consult your child's physician with any questions or concerns you may have regarding a medical condition.
Reviewed on: 6/2024