Establishing breastfeeding takes time.

When is breastfeeding established? Many people mistakenly believe that breastfeeding is well-established when the baby has latched on to the breast and fed for the first time.

It doesn't happen quite that quickly.

Baby must learn to breastfeed

Breastfeeding is only truly well-established when the baby thrives and gains weight based solely on breastfeeding and without lying more or less constantly at the breast.

When baby shows hunger, reports as it is called, eats a regular meal at the breast, swallows audibly (sometimes you have to listen carefully) and is clearly finished, satisfied and full afterwards.

The Danish Health Authority's 'Check the diaper' reflects breastfeeding

In addition, the number of wet and dirty diapers also reflects well-established breastfeeding. Please see the Danish National Board of Health's excellent leaflet 'Check the diaper' ( https://www.sst.dk/-/media/Udgivelser/2022/Boernesundhed/TjekBleen_web.ashx ).

It takes more than a few feedings or a few days to get there. First, the milk has to come in, which it does between 2-5 days after birth. From there, it's supply and demand, that controls milk production. That is, the baby's hunger and needs. It is a prerequisite for well-established breastfeeding that there is enough milk in the breasts. Enough milk is based on several basic and important factors than 'just' the baby's hunger. You can read about these factors in the following article “ prepare for breastfeeding before birth ”

It is also a prerequisite that the baby has the correct sucking technique. This is seen, among other things, by the fact that you, as a breastfeeding mother, do not get sores and cracks on your nipples.

Breastfeeding requires practice

In general, in life, practice makes perfect - or at least practice is needed. Whether it's learning to ride a bike or breastfeeding. Even if you've breastfed before. With each breastfeeding session, there's a new experience to be had.

Baby needs to practice, and so do you as a mother. And practice takes time. It is completely normal that it can take a month to establish a well-functioning breastfeeding. This comes as a surprise to many. For some, it is a deeply frustrating statement, for others it is a relief. That is the reality, and reality is important to deal with.

Mother must learn to breastfeed

In addition to the baby's well-being and weight gain being signs of well-established breastfeeding, your security as a breastfeeding woman is also important for breastfeeding to be called well-established.

It's not enough for your baby to gain weight if you, as a breastfeeding mother, are insecure about breastfeeding, feel ashamed about breastfeeding when you're out and about, or something else.

In that case, you need to work on that part of breastfeeding - for example, by having a conversation or two with a private midwife like me. For your Well-being as a breastfeeding mother is important - both for you, for the baby, the family and... for the breastfeeding process.

In addition, well-established breastfeeding is painless and without sores and cracks on the nipples.

Your partner/relatives can help with breastfeeding

Well-established breastfeeding also requires good support from your partner and/or loved ones.

Be it practical help, for example in the form of food and drinks served during breastfeeding, an extra pillow for your back, or taking the baby after breastfeeding so you can have a baby break.

And then there is the mental and emotional support, which is so important!

Studies show that partners' attitudes towards breastfeeding have a direct impact on whether breastfeeding is successful and on the length of the breastfeeding process.

So dear partner, know that your cheering, support, faith in your woman, and loving hugs and encouraging kisses are worth their weight in gold and have a direct impact on a well-established breastfeeding process.

Grandparents and friends can help with breastfeeding

The same goes for grandparents, friends and others, of course.

If there are people around you who have had difficult or unsuccessful breastfeeding experiences, it is not necessarily rewarding to hear about them. It is perfectly okay to say no to that kind of sharing of experiences and to be firm that every breastfeeding experience is different, which they is.

In other words, there are several factors that influence whether breastfeeding is well-established.

Know that I am cheering you on and wishing you the safest breastfeeding experiences.

Most affectionately

Siff Stephenson, HeartMidwife