It is the baby itself who causes the milk to be produced. The more your baby sucks on the breast, the more milk is produced. It is preferable for your baby to start breastfeeding as soon as possible after birth, because the sucking reflex is very strong. During the first few days babies need to feed frequently—up to 8 or 10 feeds a day, if your baby wants!
At first, a yellowish liquid rich in vitamins and protein, known as colostrum, is secreted from the breasts. Over the next few days, colostrum is replaced by a more watery fluid, mature milk.
Colostrum
Colostrum is produced during pregnancy and the first few days after birth, and is rich in nutrients.
- Colostrum is higher in protein and some vitamins and minerals, and is lower in fat and water than mature human milk.
- Colostrum is ideally suited to the needs of a new-born.
- Colostrum helps establish important bacteria in the digestive tract, strengthens immunity and helps keep your baby healthy.
Maintaining milk production - the law of supply and demand
The continuous production of milk depends on the law of supply and demand. The more milk taken from the breast, the more milk you produce—i.e. the more the baby suckles effectively, the more milk you make. It is therefore essential that your baby feeds regularly from your breast, and for sufficient time. There is no need to time feeds.
Fore milk and hind milk
Fore milk is produced between feeds and stored in the ducts and milk sinuses. It is available for your baby, as soon as your baby starts suckling. But fore milk alone will not satisfy your baby’s hunger.
Hind milk is a calorie-rich milk necessary for your baby’s development and satisfaction. After the let-down, hind milk is released.
Allow your baby to suckle for as long as your baby wants on the first breast to ensure the nutritious hind milk is taken. Your baby may be content to take the entire feed at one breast only.