How to Get Breastfeeding Established

Getting breastfeeding established

Your milk usually takes 2 to 3 days to come in, and babies usually regain their birth weight by 10 to 14 days.

Wet nappies should start to become more frequent, with at least 6 every 24 hours from day 5 onwards.

At the beginning, your baby will pass a black tar-like stool (poo) called meconium. By day 3, this should be changing to a lighter, runnier, greenish stool that is easier to clean up. From day 4 and for the first few weeks, your baby should pass at least 2 yellow stools every day.

Your breasts and nipples should not be sore. If they are, ask for help.

Find out about the free lactation consultant service through PlunketLine [1]

Check SmartStart to find breastfeeding support services in your area [2]

Check KidsHealth's breastfeeding section [3]

Check KidsHealth's infant nutrition section [4]

More detail (see the online version for links to more detailed content)

External links and downloads (see the online version for more information at other websites)

Mama Aroha - breastfeeding basics (App) [10]

The Mama Aroha app provides information about many aspects of breastfeeding. It includes information on the importance of breastfeeding, support for breastfeeding skin to skin, supply and demand feeding, what to expect, feeding cues, latching and positioning, hand expressing and milk storage. Check out how to use the app (PDF, 1.73 MB) [11].

BreastFedNZ - breastfeeding help, information and support (App) [12]

This app provides information about various aspects of breastfeeding - from how to prepare for breastfeeding during pregnancy, through to the first few days and the early weeks. In provides guidance on common issues such as latching and positioning your baby, hand expressing and breast care. In addition, the app has information on more unusual issues such as breastfeeding twins and early babies (premature), and frequently asked questions around breastfeeding such as medicines, contraception and smoking when breastfeeding.

SmartStart - breastfeeding support services in your area [13]

Check SmartStart to find breastfeeding support services in your area.

La Leche League New Zealand [14]

For most mothers, breastfeeding can become natural and easy if you know what to expect and have informed support. La Leche League provides information and support to women wanting to breastfeed their baby. Find your nearest La Leche League breastfeeding support group [15] and check the 'I want to know ...' section [16].

PlunketLine for a Whānau Āwhina Plunket lactation consultant [17]

If you are worried about how your baby is breastfeeding, ask for a breatfeeding assessment. Your midwife or lead maternity carer (LMC) will know who to refer you to in your area. You can also talk to a PlunketLine nurse on 0800 933 922. Calls are free and PlunketLine is available 24/7. They'll do an assessment and can book you an online appointment with one of Whānau Āwhina Plunket's lactation consultants. These breastfeeding consultations are free and available for all breastfeeding women - even if Whānau Āwhina Plunket isn't your WellChild provider.

Tō Aratohu mō te Whāngai ū (PDF, 722 KB) [18]

Te Reo Māori 16 page booklet on breastfeeding. From La Leche League New Zealand and the Ministry of Health.

Eating for healthy breastfeeding/Ngā Kai Totika mā te Ūkaipō (HealthEd) [19]

Food information for breastfeeding women. Includes nutrition, healthy food for mother and baby, dietary variety, drinking plenty of fluids, foods low in fat, salt and sugar, healthy weight, losing weight gained during pregnancy, daily activity or exercise, taking time out, alcohol, and being smokefree.