Share

Breastfeeding - the first few days

Breastfeeding is one of the most rewarding experiences of early motherhood.

It is recommended that your baby should be latched onto your breast straight after birth. Even women who have a caesarian should request that their baby be placed onto their chest immediately. Make sure to include this in your birth plan.

For the first few days after birth, your breasts will secrete watery, yellow fluid known as colostrum. This precedes the onset of breast milk. Colostrum provides the huge nutritional requirements of the baby during this period.

You’ve probably heard people saying that the breast milk “comes in on the third day”. This means that the production of mature milk will start any time between the second and fifth day and it is quite normal for the mother’s breasts to increase in size when this happens.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE