The milk
The breasts
The baby
birthTIPS
The milk. In the first 24 - 48 hours after the birth your baby will receive colostrum through breastfeeding. Colostrum is a high protein fluid that the woman's breasts first produce, before the mature milk 'comes in'. Colostrum contains many substances that your baby needs like
fat-soluble vitamins and anti-infective agents, or 'antibodies'. Antibodies help to provide protection for your baby, until their own immune system matures.
The first couple of days after the birth are typically a time for the mother and her baby to rest and recover. The baby is already well hydrated and nourished from being in the amniotic fluid, and receiving all their sustenance from the placenta. Babies are naturally born with extra fluid and fat stores, and can survive on very little for several days. This is why it is considered normal for a baby to lose up to 10% of their birthweight in the first week after birth. However, babies usually regain this weight (reaching their birthweight again) by the time they are 2 weeks old. The low volume of colostrum is specially designed not to overfill your baby's very small stomach, but contains everything they need.
The breasts. The woman's breasts are 'soft' to touch in these first couple of days, being no different from how they were during the pregnancy. The nipples can be sensitive (as they may have been during the pregnancy) but not generally tender. The initial latching (as the baby draws the nipple into the back of their throat) can be a little uncomfortable, but this sensation is momentary - unless the baby is not latched correctly. (If the feeding continues to feel painful, the baby needs to be taken off the breast and re-latched.) The sensation of feeding can initially feel 'strong' or 'dragging', but it should not be uncomfortable, or painful.