At this stage, despite the sleepless nights and smelly nappies, you’ll be getting into some sort of a routine, and breastfeeding will be a huge part of that routine. In fact, it may feel as though all you really do these days is breastfeed – first thing in the morning, all throughout the day, last thing at night and during the night!

But even then, a lot of mothers worry about meeting their baby’s milk needs, and that’s entirely normal. So, let’s explore those needs?

What are my baby’s milk needs in week 1?

During this very early stage of their life, your baby needs between 540-690 ml of milk a day, drinking up to 90 ml each feed, and feeding up to 12 times a day. Now, their feeding pattern will be rather random and even relentless at times, but if you’re feeding when they ask and they come away from the breast seemingly satisfied, keep at it.

That being said, it won’t always prove this simple and easy, which in turn leads to many mothers switching to bottle feeding.

Why do many mothers switch to bottle feeding?

A lot of mothers will decide to switch to bottle feeding for one of the following reasons:

They’re experiencing pain whilst feeding, specifically sore and cracked nipples. Bleeding, cracked and blistered nipples are very common in the early breastfeeding stages, so it’s entirely understandable that many mothers switch to bottle feeding. But nipple soreness isn’t unavoidable. Sore nipples generally occur when a baby isn’t quite latched on properly, so switching up positions and finding one that works for you and your baby can make all the difference.

A lot of mums worry that they aren’t producing enough milk. A lot of mums worry that their baby isn’t getting enough milk, but so long as they’re putting on weight and filling their nappies there likely isn’t a problem. Now, if you’re still feeling nervous, try expressing after a feed. If you find that you don’t produce more than half an ounce of milk in 10 minutes from both breasts combined, then you’re a little short. But there are steps you can take to increase your milk production.

But before we explore how to go about increasing milk production, let’s find out what can be done regarding nipple soreness.

How can I cope with nipple soreness?

Check your technique. Make sure your baby’s lips are covering your areola and that their mouth is nice and wide. If their sucking proves painful, slip your finger into their mouth to break the suction and try again in a different position. If you’re struggling to find a position that works for you both, speak to your midwife or a paediatrician.

Once they've latched on correctly, keep at it and use painkillers. If your nipples are already sore, the correct position will lead to less pain but won’t bring you any comfort. In fact, it will probably still hurt rather a lot. Unfortunately, the very best thing you can do is keep feeding, but do take some painkillers 15 minutes before a feed – ideally paracetamol.

Use expressed milk in desperate situations. If it’s proving too painful to continue, use expressed milk and speak to a doctor.

Use a nipple cream. There are some breastfeed-friendly creams that should help to relieve pain but do speak to a medical professional and seek their advice before any application.

Try nipple shields. As a very last resort, you can try using nipple shields when feeding, which should instantly make feeding less painful. Nipple shields have been known to reduce milk production, so try to only use them at every other feed or just on the sorer nipple.

Now we can get onto the question of milk production.

How can I increase milk production?

Express after daytime feeds. Even after just a week of expressing once your baby is finished, you’ll find that you’re producing more milk. Keep this milk so your partner or a relative can perform some nighttime feeds, or simply throw it away.

Feed on demand. Let your baby feed when they want to and for however long they keep sucking. And make sure to offer both breasts. The more they feed and stimulate the breasts, the more milk you’ll produce.

Stay hydrated. As you express more and they keep drinking, it’s easy to become dehydrated. You need to drink at least 3 litres of water a day, so keep a glass of water beside you during each feeding session and a full jug at your bedside.

Avoid smoking. Smoking has been linked to a slowing down of milk production.

Avoid stress. We know that those first few weeks present a whole lot of change, and it’s sure to be tiring and even overwhelming at times. So try to relax a little every day and make sure you eat plenty of healthy foods and plenty of yummy snacks. Have a bath, watch some TV, or read a book. Relaxing is sure to increase your milk production.

What does breastfeeding my newborn look like? (Week 1)

Unii explores nursing in the early days.