The first breastfeeding after birth

A deep breath, exhale slowly, press:
The unique miracle “the birth of a human life” has been accomplished.
Your baby sees the light of day. You hear its first cry and it is the most wonderful feeling in the world.
Congratulations: you are a mother.

During pregnancy, you have already formed a deep bond with your baby that will last a lifetime. Now this special mother-child bond continues.
Oxytocin (the love hormone) makes you really fall in love with your baby. You could watch it all the time and just love it. Oxytocin levels are particularly high after birth.

Bonding – The feeling of togetherness between mom, dad and baby

Whether you give birth in a hospital or choose a home birth, the first bonding can take place anywhere.
Bonding is the first skin contact with the baby immediately after birth. The child is placed on your upper body immediately after birth. Your newborn intuitively searches for your breast.
In the first few hours after birth, your baby is particularly alert and has a strong need to suckle, which is why this first bonding is so important.

The first breastfeeding

During pregnancy, you will notice that you can squeeze a few drops of breast milk from your nipple. This milk is also called colostrum (first milk). This is how your body prepares itself to provide your baby with optimal nutrition.
During this sensitive phase of first breastfeeding, you need peace and quiet and no pressure.
Your nipples are very sensitive at first. Sucking on the nipple can be uncomfortable or even painful.
Inflammation can be counteracted by practicing different breastfeeding positions, adequate hygienic washing, fresh air and allowing the colostrum to dry on the nipples.

Hormones at full speed – the third day

The third day is usually when your milk comes in. Your breasts get harder and your baby has a huge need to suckle. The mother's hormone production is also at full speed! Don't worry, this hormonal chaos will settle down again.
Most babies prefer to be breastfed around the clock. Meet these needs without having to adhere to feeding schedules or time intervals.
Realistically, your baby will drink 8-12 times in 24 hours in the first few months.
This situation is very exhausting for mothers at first. I therefore recommend breastfeeding while lying down and having small snacks and plenty of liquids ready. Put your feet up, relax and let your partner pamper you as much as possible.

But what if the birth does not go according to plan?

If you gave birth by cesarean section or had other complications, you may still be able to have skin-to-skin contact with your baby and breastfeed for the first few hours.
If you can't hold your baby yourself, the best alternative is skin-to-skin contact with your partner. This will keep your baby warm and feel safe and loved until you are ready to take this step yourself.
This can delay the natural milk coming in. If you are unable to fully breastfeed your baby, it is important to pump milk to stimulate milk production.
Later breastfeeding success is inevitable.

The first weeks with a baby are an adventure

But please remember: even if your baby needs to be bottle fed for various reasons, it is not the end of the world!
There are simply situations in which breastfeeding is not successful.

However, the infinite trust and the bond you have formed together for life will help you to overcome this situation.
Don't forget, you are not alone. With expert support, you will receive the right help in every situation.

The first few weeks with your baby are an adventure. Your baby needs affection and love 24 hours a day.
This time brings with it an incredible change in your usual everyday life.
Becoming a mother begins – the most beautiful feeling and the greatest challenge combined.