Newborn feeding: Breastfeeding basics
How your breasts produce milk
Your body makes two hormones that are important to breastfeeding: prolactin and oxytocin.
- Prolactin makes the cells in the alveoli (little sacs) produce the milk.
- Oxytocin causes cells in the alveoli to tighten and squeeze the milk down through the milk ducts and out the nipple. The process is known as "let-down."
Milk production is based on supply and demand. The more your baby nurses, the more milk your body will make.
The first milk you produce is called colostrum. This is low in volume but packed with antibodies (to protect your baby from diseases).
Colostrum is thick and concentrated. Known as "liquid gold," it is very high in protein and nutrients. It is the perfect food given in the perfect amount.
Over the first week, your milk gradually increases. Breastmilk has all the nutrition your baby needs. You do not need to give your baby water.
Normal breast changes
The first few days after birth you will notice that your breasts:
Did you know?
- All shapes and sizes of breasts produce milk.
- You can breastfeed if you have had either a vaginal or a Cesarean birth.
- are soft
- produce colostrum
- do not feel full.
Between the second and sixth days after birth you will notice that your breasts:
- produce milk that is thinner and whiter
- swell because of the extra fluid. (Nursing or hand expressing often will reduce the swelling.)
Questions to ask when breastfeeding