Getting 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)

Stages of breastfeeding [5]

Breastfeeding progresses through four broad stages

Breastfeeding problems [6]

There are some common problems women run into when breastfeeding. Find out what you can do to deal with these issues

Supporting a breastfeeding mother [7]

Breastfeeding can be challenging, and it can be tiring. Support from fathers/partners, family and friends can really help.

Preparing for breastfeeding with previous breast surgery [8]

Breastfeeding in special situations [9]

Information on breastfeeding in special situations, such as after a caesarean or when your baby’s been born prematurely

Breastfeeding in public and at work [10]

You have the right to breastfeed in public and at work – but that doesn't mean it's always easy.

La Leche League New Zealand [11]

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.

Eating for healthy breastfeeding (HealthEd resource) [15]

[16]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. (PDF, 621KB).