Building a long-term bond through breastfeeding
Every new beginning brings uncertainty, questions, and challenges—especially when it comes to motherhood. Right now, you are the most important person in your baby’s life. This is why many new mothers, particularly first-time moms, experience fear and self-doubt during the postpartum period. These emotions can affect the process of learning how to breastfeed. However, with a positive mindset, patience, practice, and the right support, almost every mother can establish successful breastfeeding.
Early skin to skin contact
Skin to skin contact is the first essential step toward a successful breastfeeding journey. Ideally, it should begin immediately after birth and last at least 60 minutes. This uninterrupted time helps regulate the baby’s body temperature, heartbeat, and breathing, and strengthens the bond between mother and child. Most importantly, it promotes the baby’s instinctive desire to nurse.
Milk production and colostrum
How colostrum protects your newborn
Milk production begins during pregnancy, but full lactation starts after delivery. The first form of milk is called colostrum—a thick, yellowish liquid rich in antibodies and immunoglobulins. Although produced in small amounts (5 to 15 ml per feed), it meets all the nutritional and immunological needs of a healthy newborn during the first two to three days.
Colostrum is packed with energy and helps protect the baby from infections. To maximize its benefits, breastfeed your baby on demand—this means without limiting the number or duration of feeds, typically 10 to 12 times per day or more.
Proper latch and comfortable feeding position
Before nursing, wash your hands and find a relaxed, comfortable position. Touch your nipple to the baby’s lips and wait for a wide open mouth. Then gently bring the baby to the breast. Make sure both the nipple and a good portion of the areola are inside the baby’s mouth.
Breastfeeding should not be painful. A shallow latch can lead to nipple injuries such as rhagades. Adjust positioning if you feel discomfort.
From colostrum to mature milk
What foremilk and hindmilk do for your baby
About two to three days after birth, you may feel a sense of fullness in your breasts as milk production increases. This is the start of transition milk, which appears between days 4 and 14. It contains more fat and carbohydrates.
During each feeding, offer one breast first. Once the baby releases it, offer the second breast. Alternate breasts at the beginning of each session to balance supply.
After approximately three weeks, mature milk is produced. It has two parts:
- Foremilk: lighter and more watery, satisfying the baby’s thirst.
- Hindmilk: thicker and richer in fat, creating a feeling of fullness and satisfaction.
Because breast milk changes throughout a feeding session, exclusively breastfed babies do not need extra water or tea.
Recognising hunger cues
Signs that your baby is hungry
You’ll soon learn to recognize the early signs of hunger, such as:
- Rooting or turning the head
- Opening the mouth
- Putting hands to the mouth
- Restlessness or making slurping sounds
These are the best moments to offer the breast. If you wait until the baby is crying, it may be harder to latch and feed calmly.
Feeding duration varies—sometimes it lasts 10 minutes, other times up to 30. Observe whether your baby is actively nursing or just comfort-sucking while drifting off.
Challenges and special situations
Longer or more frequent feeds can occur with:
- Improper latch
- Premature birth
- Low birth weight
- Illness or feeding difficulties
In such cases, reach out to a pediatrician or certified lactation consultant for guidance.
Support and shared responsibilities
Why your partner’s role matters
In the first weeks, prioritize breastfeeding. Ask family and friends to help with meals, cleaning, or errands instead of bringing gifts. The support of your partner is especially vital. A father who understands the value of breastfeeding and encourages it can make a significant difference in a mother’s confidence and consistency.
It’s also important to filter advice. Stick to professional, evidence-based guidance and be wary of outdated or unsolicited tips that might erode your confidence.
The emotional connection
Breastfeeding is more than nutrition—it’s a powerful emotional exchange. As you breastfeed, you’re providing warmth, comfort, and security, which strengthens the emotional bond between you and your baby. Just as every baby is unique, so is every mother’s milk—and every breastfeeding journey.
Breastfeeding also contributes to the baby’s long-term emotional and physical development, while reinforcing a sense of closeness and care within the family.
Get support when you need it
Every breastfeeding experience is different, but no one should go through it alone. Whether you need help with positioning, confidence, or milk supply, support is essential.
That’s where the LittleDot app comes in—offering expert advice, access to digital health records, and daily parenting tips in one place. Download it today to get the help you need, when you need it most.
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