THE FIRST THIRTY DAYS: GETTING STARTED BREASTFEEDING YOUR NEWBORN

Oh, the first thirty days! ​They are such a tender, fragile, and utterly transformative time. The first six weeks aren’t just about "learning to feed the baby," it’s about the two of you finding a rhythm that will sustain you for months, or even years, to come. Like learning how to do an intricate dance with someone who doubles in size during the six-week class!

I remember with my first, I thought breastfeeding would just happen. I thought it was as natural as breathing. But as I laid there in that hospital bed, feeling the weight of responsibility and the sting of a shallow latch, I realized that while it is natural, it is also a skill, a dance that both mother and baby have to learn together.

If you are in those exhausting early weeks right now, please hear me: You are not alone. Your efforts matter deeply, and the "News about Newborns" during this neonatal period is that every single drop of milk you provide is a blessing, a literal labor of love. A self-gift with life-long benefits.

THE VITAL "NEONATAL WINDOW" 

The first 28 days are referred to as the neonatal period. This is a critical time for establishing your milk supply and training your body’s hormonal pathways. During these weeks, your breasts are "calibrating." They are learning exactly how much milk your specific baby needs. This is why it's so important to lay back and feed your baby as often and for as long as he wants. Frequent nursing ~ aim for 10 to 12 times in a 24-hour period ~ is the best way to tell your body, "Yes, we do need this much!" This isn't just about nutrition; it's about signaling. When you respond to those tiny hunger cues: the rooting, the hand-to-mouth motions, those quiet hunger grunts, you are building not only your milk supply, but a foundation of trust in you.

TIPS FOR A STRONG START IN THE FIRST MONTH

Getting off to a strong start requires some key concepts: a good latch, frequency, and, most importantly, your own care so you can heal and regain your strength and build an abundant milk supply.

1. Focus on the Latch
A good latch shouldn't be agonizing. Yes, there might be some initial "tender" moments as your nipples get used to the sensation and the stretching, but if you feel sharp or "squashing" pain, it’s a sign to gently break the seal and try again. Aim for a "deep" latch where the baby takes in a good portion of the areola, not just the nipple.

2. Embrace the "Ecological" Rhythm
Many families I work with across the globe, and throughout the Twin Cities, St. Paul, Minneapolis, Stillwater, Woodbury, Hudson, and the St. Croix Valley are especially interested in ecological breastfeeding as one of our unique offerings. This isn't just about food; it’s a lifestyle of mother-baby togetherness. By following the "Seven Standards", which include frequent nursing, avoiding artificial nipples (pacifiers/bottles), sharing sleep, babywearing, and avoiding separations from your baby, many mothers find that this "attachment parenting" style of breastfeeding actually helps to avoid common breastfeeding difficulties, like low milk supply and engorgement -- and the plugged ducts and mastitis that often follow. And this natural way of breastfeeding suppresses the reproductive hormones in many women, spacing children naturally. It’s about working with your body’s design.

3. Maternal Care is Not Selfish
You cannot pour from an empty cup. To make milk, you need calories, hydration, and, as much as possible, rest. I know, "sleep when the baby sleeps" feels like a joke when the laundry is staring at you or your toddler is asking you to read The Cat in the Hat for the fiftieth time. But in this first month, give yourself permission to let the house be a bit ~ or a lot! ~ messy and ask for help, including care of any older siblings. Your job is to care for yourself so you can heal from the beautiful but strenuous work of birth and to care for the new little human in your life. Breastfeeding is a full-time job!

Finding Your Village: Support Groups

Breastfeeding is not meant to be done in isolation. Historically, women had sisters, mothers, and aunts surrounding them. Today, we have to be more intentional about creating that circle. At St. Croix Birth & Parenting, we offer two very special spaces for this, both available to families in the Twin Cities metro and St. Croix Valley and around the world who are looking for connection:​

• St. Croix Mamas' Group (for "natural parenting" mommies): A casual, supportive environment where you can bring your baby, share your struggles, and celebrate the wins. Whether you're worried about supply or just need to see another mom going through what you're going through, we are here. And there is no fee to participate!
• Catholic Nursing Mothers' Group: This is one of our especially unique offerings for families seeking Catholic breastfeeding support in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area and beyond. This online group integrates our faith into the journey. We view breastfeeding as a beautiful gift from God, a way to participate in His creative and nurturing love. We talk about the spiritual side of motherhood while troubleshooting the physical side.

• Both our St. Croix Mamas' Group and the Catholic Nursing Mothers' Group will be diving into the same theme for May and June: "Getting Started Breastfeeding: The First Month." It’s the perfect time to drop in, ask your questions, and find your rhythm alongside other moms. Whether you’re looking for practical tips or a little spiritual encouragement, we’d love for you to join us and give it a try—you don't have to navigate these early days alone!

If you're looking at the upcoming schedule and wondering where to begin, the Breastfeeding Matters class is a lovely first step, especially for expectant and newly postpartum families in St. Paul, Minneapolis, and surrounding Twin Cities communities. (But since it's a virtual class, you can join from anywhere!)

When You Need a Little Extra Help

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, challenges arise. Maybe it's a tongue-tie, a slow weight gain, or just a feeling of being overwhelmed. This is where professional support can make all the difference.

If you are struggling, please don't wait until you are at a breaking point. A breastfeeding consultation can provide the technical guidance and emotional reassurance you need. We can meet in person throughout the Twin Cities, including Minneapolis, St. Paul, and nearby communities, or virtually if you're further away.

Additionally, our postpartum doula services are designed to mother the mother. Imagine someone coming into your home to hold the baby so you can shower, or to fix you a nutritious snack while we talk through your breastfeeding goals. It's about providing that "gentle guide" during the transition into parenthood.

A BLESSING FOR YOUR FIRST MONTH

To the mama sitting there right now, perhaps with a sleepy baby on her chest: Your body is doing a miraculous thing. Whether your journey feels like a peaceful stream or a turbulent river right now, know that you are the perfect mother for your child.

In these first 30 days, remember you can SUCCEED when you breastfeed:

• SUpport: Especially from your own mother and the baby's father
• Counselor: A peer breastfeeding counselor is a wonderful asset to help support you on your breastfeeding journey.
• Consultant: International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC) are the most qualified experts in lactation.
• Education: Taking a quality breastfeeding education class before birth helps you understand how breastfeeding works, what to expect, and how to prevent common breastfeeding difficulties.
• Example: The example of other breastfeeding mothers makes a tremendous difference in your confidence and chances of success. Join a local breastfeeding mothers' group or start your own!
• Determination: The decision to breastfeed has to come from your own heart, not due to pressure from anyone else. Breastfeeding has to be right for you because you are needed round the clock!

You’ve got this, mama. And when it feels like you don't, we are right here to hold your hand.

I’d love to hear from you: What has been the most surprising part of your first 30 days? Or, if you’re still waiting for baby’s arrival, what is the one thing you’re most looking forward to (or nervous about) with breastfeeding? Share with us in the comments!