Breastfeeding the first 6 weeks

Breastfeeding the first few weeks may sound simple enough.  But, in fact, the first few weeks are probably some of the most difficult you'll experience during your breastfeeding experience. 

During the first weeks, both you and baby are getting settled in and learning about each other.  Learning to nurse is just one of the many new things you'll discover during this time. 

It may be a few days before your milk comes in fully.  Be assured that the pre-milk, or colostrum, that baby is getting is all that he needs at this time.  Offering formula or anything else in a bottle will slow the milk production and can actually keep it from coming in fully.  While the two of you are learning to nurse, it is usually not recommended to offer a bottle or pacifier.  Once nursing is well established, around two weeks, a bottle of expressed breast milk or formula can be offered occasionally so that Daddy or Grandma can share the joy of feeding your baby.

Now, I say usually here, because sometimes babies need a pacifier.  See, they haven't learned the "rule" book, and don't know that they're not supposed to take one.  My second child was one of those exceptions.  He nursed often, and well, but when he was sucking for comfort I was well aware of it.  Even in the hospital he knew how to switch from eating to sucking to comfort.  He would spit the breast out until he had only the nipple, and would suck away.  I had to convince the nurses that I did, indeed, need a pacifier.  Since he was also one of those few who didn't lose any weight in those first few days, it was obvious to me that the pacifier caused him no problems at all.

While working at the WIC clinic, I found many examples to the contrary.  As a matter of fact, the majority of mothers having pain or problems at the 6 week mark had offered bottles in the first two weeks. 

Bottles work differently than the breast, so of course, baby's suck changes.  When offered bottles regularly, baby gets used to that suck and some babies have trouble transitioning.  Now when nursing is well established (around 2-4 weeks, usually) this transitions is more often an easier one for the baby.

Most pediatricians will want to see the baby at either 1 or 2 weeks of age to check for growth.  Usually by the two week check, babies have regained their birth weight.

By the end of this first six weeks, you may start feeling like a nursing pro.  You may have even become so comfortable that you've tried to nurse in public.  Congratulations.  Nursing in public is probably the biggest reason I have heard for women who want to introduce the bottle.  But discreet nursing can be easy with practice.  Try it at home with someone watching, or using a mirror.  That way you can see how exposed you are and work on positioning.  There are also ways to position the blanket to help cover you up.  The latest "poncho" craze is great for the nursing mom, because you don't have to feel underdressed when you nurse.

Then it hits you, the first 6 weeks is almost behind you and WHAM! baby wants to eat all the time.  She may have settled into every 4 hours as a pattern (or maybe not) but now she wants to eat every hour like when she was brand new.  This is nothing to worry about, it is perfectly normal.  It is just the first of many big growth spurts.  By nursing as often as she wants to nurse, your milk supply will adjust to her increasing demand and in a day or so she'll settle back into her usual pattern again.