Breast changes 5 days after your baby’s birth
Following the birth of a baby (expelling the placenta), oestrogen and progesterone levels decrease quickly. and breastmilk production is triggered by this change.
Hormones to be released into the mother’s bloodstream called Prolactin which causes the milk supply to build, the other hormone is called oxytocin causing the breast muscle cells (you may feel the tightening sensation) to eject, or “let down” the breast milk.
Important tips
The breasts are never completely empty
Feel the breast before the breast feed so that you can feel the breast soften as baby feeds and recognize the difference
If pinching or pain is felt 60 seconds after attachment, detach baby, and start again
The first liquid expressible from your breast is called Colostrum.
Functions of Colostrum
Colostrum may only come in small amounts, but it's packed full of concentrated nutrition. It's sometimes called "liquid gold" because it contains everything that your baby needs in the first few days of life.
Your colostrum is also made up of components that protect your newborn and help them fight off infection, illness, and disease. Other key facts about colostrum nutrition include:
Colostrum is higher in protein and lower in fat and sugar compared to transitional and mature breast milk, making it easier to digest and nutrient-packed.
Colostrum is full of antibodies, white blood cells, and other immune properties—it functions like your child's first immunization.
The high levels of secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) found in colostrum protect your baby's GI tract and helps to kill off viruses and bacteria.
Colostrum is a natural laxative. It helps your infant move their bowels and get rid of the meconium—the tar-like poop that collects in the bowels before your baby is born. Since meconium contains bilirubin, the laxative effect of colostrum helps to prevent newborn jaundice.
Cluster feeding
Between 12-72 hours of age your newborn baby will demand to breast feed more often. During this period of “cluster feeding “a baby can feed 12 or more times in 24 hours.
This is normal behaviour for a newborn baby, and this “phenomenon” sustains the infant, and encourages the lactation hormones to increase cause breast milk to “come in”. This is a tiring time for the breast-feeding mother, that will settle down once milk supply is available to the new baby. Sleeping when baby sleeps is especially encouraged during the cluster feeding period.
Breast Milk and breast changes
Around day 3-6 after the birth, the colostrum becomes diluted by additional fluid that makes it look whiter. Breasts become larger and feel heavy, warmer and uncomfortable when your milk ‘comes in’. This is normal. It does not affect milk flow or the ability of your baby to attach to your breast. In some cases, a mother’s breasts can become very hard, swollen and tender and her nipples become flattened and taut. This is engorgement and is caused by a build-up of milk, blood and other fluids in the breast tissue. It can be painful for the mother and make it difficult for a baby to attach to the breast.
Engorgement tips
Remove your bra completely before starting the breastfeed.
Gentle breast massage or use of warm towel or shower for a few minutes before feeds may help trigger your let-down reflex.
If your baby has trouble attaching to your breast, express some milk (by hand or with a pump) to soften the areola to allow baby to take in ample breast tissue when attaching to the breast.
Feed your baby frequently.
Massage the breast gently while you are feeding.
Express for comfort after feeds, if needed
Use cold packs after a feed to reduce inflammation.
Ask your GP or health practitioner about taking anti-inflammatory medication or pain relief if needed
Ensure that your bra is not too tight around the breasts when going to sleep