Early and Frequent Feeding
Your body is still producing colostrum—nature’s first superfood. This thick, golden milk is packed with antibodies like immunoglobulin A, which coat your baby’s gut and protect against infection. Your breasts may feel slightly fuller today as they prepare for the transition to mature milk.
Frequent feeding is essential to stimulate your milk supply. Aim for 8-12 feeds in 24 hours, even if that means waking your baby. Babies tend to feed in short bursts, which is normal as their tiny stomachs hold just 5-7 mL per feed at this stage – about the size of a cherry.
Tips for You Today
- Notice how hormonal shifts might leave you feeling emotional. Rest when you can and stay hydrated—oxytocin (the “love hormone”) needs water to do its job.
- If your baby struggles to latch, consider hand-expressing a few drops of colostrum to spoon-feed them. This ensures they receive those vital nutrients while encouraging your milk to flow. You can read more about spoon-feeding here.
- Feeling overwhelmed? Reach out to a trusted family member or professional for reassurance. Early support builds confidence. You are doing a wonderful job, mama!
Fun Fact
Human milk oligosaccharides are being studied as treatments for irritable bowel syndrome in adults.
