What will happen to you, baby, and your milk supply

It is important that you have an understanding of what you and your baby might go through during the first 6 weeks of breastfeeding. This is the most difficult time for most mothers because many do not know what to expect. Many give up on breastfeeding within the first few weeks believing that they aren't not producing enough milk. Use this chart below to help you get a basic idea of what to expect.

	Milk appearance and amount	You (the mom)	The Baby
Birth	Your milk will appear yellow or golden. The amount will be small, but it gives your baby a healthy dose of protection against diseases.	You will be tired and excited. This is a good time for you to feed your baby.	Your baby will probably be awake and alert the first hour after birth and this is a good time for him or her to breastfeed.
First 12 - 24	Your baby will drink about 1 teaspoon of your milk at each feeding. You may not see the milk, but it has what your baby needs and in the right amounts.	Continue resting and getting to know your baby. Your breast may be a little tender at first. If breastfeeding hurts, ask for help from someone who has experience helping breastfeeding mothers. Breastfeeding should not hurt.	It is normal for some babies to sleep heavily. Labor and delivery are hard work for the baby. Some babies may be too sleepy to latch on well at first. Feedings may be short and irregular. As your baby wakes up, he or she will have a strong instinct to suck and feed very often. Your baby will love the taste of your milk. Many babies like eat or lick, nuzzle, pause, savor, doze, then eat again. Ask the nurses not to give your baby any formula or water unless needed for medical reasons.
Days 2 -5	Your mature milk comes in. It will look bluish white, but may still look a little yellow or golden for about 2 weeks.	Your breast will feel full and may leak. (You may use disposable or cloth pads in your bra to absorb the milk.) If your breasts become swollen and hard, remove a little milk from your breast before feeding your baby. Between feedings, use ice packs to reduce swelling (sometimes called "engorgement"), which will go away in 1 -2 days. Breastfeeding your baby helps reduce the swelling.	Your baby will feed a lot, at least 8 - 12 times in 24 hours. Your baby's stomach is little, so lots of feedings are normal. Breastfed babies don't eat on a schedule. It is okay if your baby eats every 1 - 2 hours. Feedings will probably take about 15 - 20 minutes on each side, but all babies are different. Your baby might take only one side at a time or seem to like one side better. After delivery, it is normal for a baby to lose a little weight. Your baby will regain his or her birth weight by about 10 days to 2 weeks of age.
First 4 - 6 Weeks	Your milk gradually starts to look bluish white at the beginning of a feeding and creamy white toward the end of a feeding. The color may vary a little from day to day. Some foods you eat can change the color of your milk, but this won't harm your baby.	Your body gets used to breastfeeding so your breasts will be softer and the leaking will slow down. Don't worry. The milk is still there.	Your baby will be better at breastfeeding and have a larger stomach to hold more milk. Feedings may take less time and be farther apart. Most breastfeeding babies like to nurse often, because it is comforting and it keeps them close to you.