46 Minute(s)
2014 Washington Street
Newton, MA 02462
617-243-6000
Need to talk to us?
What can we help you find?
Call 617-243-6566 or toll free 866-NWH-DOCS to speak to a CareFinder representative.
Open 24 hoursLab Hours and Holiday Hours Vary
307 W Central St
Natick, MA 01760
617-243-5345
159 Wells Ave
Newton Centre, MA 02459
617-243-5777
111 Norfolk Street
Walpole, MA 02081maps
978 Worcester Road (rte 9)
Wellesley, Massachusetts 02482
781-235-5200
Open 24 hours
Lab Hours and Holiday Hours Vary
25 Washington Street
Wellesley, Massachusetts 02481
617-219-1520
9 Hope Ave
Waltham, MA 02453
617-243-5590
Monday through Saturday: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
Sunday: 9:00 am to 2:00 pm
Section Menu
In the first few days after birth, your newborn may not seem to want to vigorously breastfeed. During this time, it is important to encourage at least 10 feedings in 24 hours. This allows for some feedings to go more smoothly than others, while still allowing your baby enough opportunities to learn and enough signals for your breasts to produce more milk. Watch for cues that your baby is hungry, and gently wake your infant to nurse her/him after any three to four hour period of sleep. Avoid using pacifiers in the first weeks so that your baby will use all of his or her sucking energy for feeding. Frequent feedings during the first few days encourage milk production and help minimize breast engorgement. Your newborn’s stomach is very small. Consequently, he or she can only eat a small amount at a time and will need to feed frequently. You’ll know your baby is sucking well when:
During the first few weeks at home, the baby will usually feed 10 to 12 times in a 24-hour period. Your infant may "cluster feed," which means wanting several feedings within a short period of time followed by a longer sleep period. Feedings will average one every two to three hours. Cluster feeding is fine for your baby. It is important to breastfeed whenever your baby is hungry. Your baby will nurse less often as he or she gets older. Take advantage of these early days. Put your feet up, get plenty to eat and drink, and rest while your baby nurses.