Your St. Louis Doula’s Guide to Breastfeeding in the First Two Weeks

The First 24–72 Hours

• Offer the breast often, usually 8–12+ times a day

• Colostrum is full of everything baby needs!

• Baby may be sleepy or cluster feed

• Cluster feeding can be HARD! You will feel like all you’re doing is feeding. This will pass!

When Mature Milk Comes In (Days 3–5)

• This is usually your biggest hormone shift as well

• Breasts may become more full or engorged

• Feed often to relieve this - can also hand express a little off to give relief

• Use cold compress for relief

Feeding Cues

• Rooting

• Hands to mouth

• Lip smacking

• Try to feed before crying starts

Signs Baby Is Getting Enough

• Wet diapers

• Poop transitioning to yellow

• Baby seems satisfied after feeds

• Weight gain

Latch Basics

• Wide mouth, flanged lips

• Comfortable, not painful

• Adjust latch if you pain that continues

What’s Normal

• Soreness

• Cluster feeding

• Doubts about supply

When to Get Help

• Poor/no latency

• Low diaper output

• Severe pain or nipple damage

• Feeling overwhelmed

Gentle Tips

• Skin-to-skin as much as possible

• Stay hydrated and nourished

• Follow baby’s cues

• Try not to introduce pump in the first two weeks

Support/Resources

You don’t have to do this alone!

• Missouri Baptist Feeding Clinic - 314.996.3500

  • You can ask your pediatrician for a referral

• Abeille Feeding Clinic - 314.252.0153

  • Free support groups Monday 10am (West County) & Friday 10am (Sunset Hills)

• Le Leche League - 314.424.3900

• The Breastfeeding Pediatrician: Margaret Rozier Chen - 314.268.4070

  • Follow her Instagram and/or make an appt with her office