How to Get Breastfeeding Established

Getting breastfeeding established

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

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)

Preparing for breastfeeding during pregnancy (Ministry of Health) [5]

It helps to know as much as possible about breastfeeding before your baby is born. Breast milk is the perfect food for your baby and breastfeeding is perfect for you too.

Breastfeeding problems (Ministry of Health) [6]

There are some common problems that women have when breastfeeding. Find out about sore nipples, engorged breasts, blocked milk ducts and your milk supply, with tips to manage them.

Supporting a breastfeeding mother (Ministry of Health) [7]

Breastfeeding can be challenging and it can be tiring. Support from dads/partners, whānau and friends can really help. Find out the things that you can do to support mothers to breastfeed.

La Leche League New Zealand [8]

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 [9] and check the section 'questions mothers ask' [10].

Eating for healthy breastfeeding (HealthEd) [11]

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.

This page last reviewed 02 June 2013.
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