What to Expect

What to Expect

Many new moms have questions about breastfeeding. Knowing what to expect during the first few days can help.

Here are answers to 5 common questions about breastfeeding:

Newborns need to nurse at least 8 to 12 times every 24 hours. Nursing often also helps your body make plenty of milk. As your baby grows, they will develop their own feeding pattern or schedule. Your baby will also start to show you signs when they are hungry, so you nurse when they are ready to eat.
There is no set time for feedings. They may be 15 to 20 minutes per breast. They may be shorter or longer. Your baby will let you know when they are finished feeding. They may turn their head away or fall asleep. If you are worried your baby is not getting enough milk, talk with your healthcare provider or WIC.
A newborn’s tummy is very small. In the first days and weeks, your baby can only digest a small amount of milk. By the time they are 1 to 6 months old, your baby will need between 19 to 30 ounces of human milk each day. Every baby is different. Typically, if you breastfeed your baby eight times a day, your baby will get around 3 ounces per feeding.

Breastfeeding is recommended for at least the first six months of life. Breastfeeding for 12 months or longer, or for as long as wanted by both mother and baby, will continue to provide health benefits. WIC can help you meet your breastfeeding goals.

Breastmilk

BIRTH

MILK

  • Your body makes a thick, yellowish milk in small amounts.
  • This milk is called colostrum and it protects your baby from getting sick.

Baby

  • Your baby will probably be awake in the first hour after birth.
  • This is a good time to breastfeed your baby.

You (Mom)

  • You will be tired and excited.

First 12-24 Hours

MILK

  • Your baby will drink 1 to 2 teaspoons at each feeding.
  • Your milk has all your baby needs and in the right amount.

Baby

  • It’s normal for your baby to sleep heavily. Labor and delivery are hard work!
  • Some babies may be too sleepy to latch at first.
  • Within the first 24 hours after birth, babies should eat 8 or more times.
  • Some babies may need to be woken up to eat enough.
  • When your baby wakes up, look for signs they are hungry.
  • Feedings may be short and all over the place – that’s okay!

You (Mom)

  • You will be tired, too. Be sure to rest when possible.
Breastmilk

NEXT 3-5 DAYS

MILK

  • Your mature (white) milk takes the place of colostrum. It’s normal for mature milk to have a yellow or golden tint at first.

Baby

  • Your baby will feed a lot, most likely 8 to 12 times or more in 24 hours.
  • Very young, breastfed babies do not eat on a schedule. It’s okay if your baby eats every 2 to 3 hours for several hours, then sleeps for 3 to 4 hours.
  • Feedings may take about 15 to 20 minutes on each breast.
  • The baby’s sucking rhythm will be slow and long, and they might make gulping sounds.

You (Mom)

  • Your breasts may feel full and leak.
  • You can use disposable or cloth pads in your bra to help with leaking.
  • If you are not noticing these changes in your breasts, contact your healthcare provider or WIC.
Breastmilk

AT 4-6 WEEKS

MILK

  • White human milk continues.

Baby

  • Your baby will be better at breastfeeding and have a larger stomach to hold more milk. Feedings may take less time and may be further apart.

You (Mom)

  • Your body gets used to breastfeeding.
  • Your breasts may become softer, and the leaking may slow down.

Feeding a 6-7 Month Old

Feed solids with a spoon and from a bowl, never from a bottle.

Feeding a 10-12 Month Old

Breast milk is the most important source of nutrition for your baby, even after you start offering solid foods.

Feeding a 8-9 Month Old

Feed solids with a spoon. Never put cereal in a bottle.

Tips

Mom new born home

Breast milk and formula feeding:

Around 2-3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months of age, babies may experience a growth spurt when they feed more often.

As they grow babies can hold more milk, so feedings may become further apart and take less time.

To prevent choking, always hold your baby when feeding. Never prop up a bottle to feed.

Start offering whole milk when your baby is one year old.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and that breastfeeding continue for at least 12 months and beyond.

feeding solid foods

Feeding solid foods:

Wait to offer solid foods until your baby:

  • Can sit up and hold up their own head.
  • Opens their mouth when they see food.
  • Can close their lips around a spoon.

To prevent choking, always hold your baby when feeding. Never prop up a bottle to feed.

Try one new food at a time. Wait 5 days before trying another new food to watch for allergies. Food allergies may include wheezing, rash, or diarrhea.

Introduce peanut butter around 6 months. Spread a small, thin smear of peanut butter or nut butter thinly on a cracker.  Watch your baby for any reaction for the next 2 hours.

Babies under one year should NOT have honey due to the risk of botulism. Also, babies should not have foods that can cause choking like nuts or whole grapes.

All babies are different. Talk with WIC or your baby’s healthcare provider about your baby’s needs.

Feeding Cues

Feeding a 4-5 Month Old

Before teeth come in, wipe gums with a soft, clean wash cloth after each feeding, especially before bed.

Feeding a 0-3 Month Old

Newborns have tiny tummies and need to be fed often. In the first few weeks, you may need to wake your baby to feed if they sleep longer than 4 hours.

Growth Spurts

Many babies are fussy during a growth spurt and will want to nurse longer and more often. This is called cluster feeding. This is your baby’s way of helping you increase your milk supply so that you can keep up with their needs. Remember, the more your baby nurses, the more milk your body makes.

Growth spurts can happen at any time, and every baby is different.

They often happen at these ages:

two-three-weeks

2 to 3 Weeks

6 Weeks

three-months

3 Months

six-months

6 Months

What foods can I get?

Authorized Food List
Authorized Food List

Where can I shop?