First Feed - Mansi Shah | Lactation Care & Nutrition

Is My Breastmilk Sufficient?

Track these clear indicators to perform a reliable breastmilk adequacy test.

From Birth till First 15 Days

Phase 1
  • Urine Output: Passing urine daily. By the 6th - 7th day of birth, passing urine ≥ 6-7 times per 24 hours.
  • Potty/Stool: By day 4 of life, passing frequent yellow stool per 24 hours.
  • Weight Check: Baby's weight starts coming back to birth weight or beyond.

Monthly Adequacy Test

Ongoing
  • Daily Urine: Verification of minimum 6-7 urine outputs consistently per day (in 24 hours).
  • Weight Gain Goal: Gaining at least +500 grams / month.

Milk Storage & Feed Guidelines

Points To Ponder: Previously Fed Milk

Once an infant begins to drink from a bottle or container of breastmilk, the remaining milk becomes exposed to infant saliva containing bacteria.

Safety Action: Discard any remaining breastmilk within 1-2 hours of the initial feeding.

Dietary Restriction Warning for Young Children

Avoid giving the following foods to young children due to high levels of free fructose, which can trigger digestive disorders:

Pear Juice Honey Dried Fig

Step-by-Step Hand Expression

Hand expression stimulates milk production, providing relief and nutritional support during distinct scenarios at home or in the hospital.

Useful in the Hospital When:
  • Your breasts feel overfull
  • You are temporarily separated from your baby
  • Your baby requires a medical supplement (excessive weight loss, low blood sugar, or jaundice)
Useful at Home When:
  • Your baby is not extracting enough milk directly at the breast
  • You are away from your baby during expected feed timings
  • You have transitionally returned to work routines
The Expression Cycle Steps (Takes 20-30 minutes total)
1
Preparation

Apply heat, massage, and gently stroke the breasts down towards the nipple.

2
Finger Placement

Position your fingers correctly right behind the edge of the dark areola circle.

3
Press Back

Firmly press your fingers directly back straight towards your chest wall.

4
Compress

Compress fingers together smoothly to encourage flow without sliding over the skin.

5
Express

Maintain pressing and compressing rhythmic actions until the initial milk flow slows.

6
Alternative Massage

Massage and stroke across the broader areas of breast tissue once more.

7
Reposition

Move your fingers to a slightly different position around the breast quadrant.

8
Final Collection

Repeat press, compression, and collection cycles until fluid flow completely stops.

Do Babies Cry Only Because of Hunger?

Crying is a baby's language. Understand the distinct underlying physical and emotional states:

"I Am Uncomfortable"

  • Wet / Dirty Diaper
  • Too Hot / Cold Environment
  • Feeling Sick
  • Actual Hunger Needs

"I Need an Env Change"

  • Too Much Noise Around
  • Too Many New Faces

"I Need Some Love"

  • Wants to be Close to Parents
  • Needs Quiet Time to Settle