Frequently Asked Questions

Colostrum is your body's first milk, made during pregnancy and the early days after birth. Often called "liquid gold," it is thick, protein-rich and perfectly sized for your newborn's tiny stomach — about the size of a marble at birth.

Colostrum helps by: 

• Protecting against infection with a high concentration of antibodies
• Being easy to digest and gentle on your baby's developing gut
• Stabilizing blood sugar in at-risk newborns
• Supporting healthy gut development as a natural probiotic

Colostrum is continuously refreshed and always ready for your baby. It meets all of your newborn's early needs until your milk increases around 3–5 days after delivery — when it shifts to a higher water and carbohydrate content and lightens in color. 

Hand expression is a simple way to collect colostrum for your baby, especially after sleepy feedings.

To hand express: 

1. Wash your hands, then apply a warm cloth to your breast and massage in a circular motion
2. Make a "C-shape" with your thumb and fingers just behind the areola
3. Press gently back toward your chest wall, then compress forward
4. Repeat rhythmically until drops of colostrum appear
5. Collect into a small, clean cup, then draw up into sterile 1–3 mL syringes
6. Cap, then label each syringe with the date and time

Storage guidelines: 

• Refrigerator: up to 4 days
• Freezer: up to 6 months
• Store syringes in a clear zip-lock bag — your nurse will label them and place them in the hospital freezer 

You can give expressed colostrum to your baby after any sleepy feeding as needed. 

The first two days are a time of learning and bonding.

What’s normal:

• Your baby may be sleepy at first
• Feedings may be short and frequent
• You will produce small amounts of colostrum
• Your milk usually increases around day 3-5

Your care team is here to help you learn positions, check the latch and answer questions.

In the first few days, your baby will drink small amounts of colostrum, the thick early milk your body makes. This is normal and healthy.

Signs your baby is getting enough include:

• Your baby feeds at least 8-12 times in 24 hours
• You hear or see swallowing
• Your breasts feel softer after feeding
• Your baby has regular wet and dirty diapers
• Your baby seems calm and satisfied after most feedings

Your care team or lactation consultant can help you check for these signs.

A good latch helps your baby get milk easily and prevents nipple soreness.

Tips for a comfortable latch:

• Hold your baby close, tummy to tummy
• Aim your nipple toward your baby's nose, not the mouth
• Wait for a wide, open mouth
• Bring the baby to your breast, not the other way around
• Your baby's lips should be flanged outward, like "fish lips"

If breastfeeding hurts, ask for help right away. Small adjustments can make a big difference. 

Newborns need to eat often. Most babies breastfeed every 1–3 hours, or 8–12 times a day. Some feed more often, especially during growth spurts. 

Follow your baby’s cues:

• Rooting (turning toward your hand or breast)
• Sucking on hands
• Wiggling or fussing

Crying is a late hunger sign, so try to feed before your baby gets upset. 

Some tenderness is common in the first few days, but breastfeeding should not be painful. Pain usually means the latch needs adjustment.

Ways to reduce soreness:

• Re-latch your baby if it hurts
• Try different breastfeeding positions
• Let your nipples air-dry after feeding
• Use a small amount of expressed breast milk on your nipples

If pain continues, ask for help. Early support can prevent bigger problems later.

Your milk supply grows based on how often and how well your baby feeds. 

To support your supply:

• Breastfeed early and often
• Keep your baby close with skin-to-skin contact
• Avoid long stretches between feedings
• Ask for help if your baby is sleepy or not latching well

If your baby cannot breastfeed yet, your care team may suggest hand-expressing or pumping to protect your supply.

Most parents do not need to pump in the first few days unless:

• Your baby is not latching
• Your baby is in the NICU
• You choose to pump for personal reasons

If pumping is needed, your nurse or lactation consultant will show you how to use the pump and how often to express milk.

Lactation Consultants have tools to size your pumping flanges. Ask for this service if needed. 

Most people can eat their usual foods while breastfeeding. Staying hydrated and eating balanced meals can help you feel your best. 

If you take medications, supplements or herbal products, let your care team know. They can help you check what is safe while breastfeeding. 

Most health insurance plans in the United States are required to cover lactation support as a preventive service, which means you may not have copays, deductibles or out-of-pocket costs when you see a qualified provider such as an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant). These services are covered because they fall under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) preventive care requirements for women's health. We recommend contacting your insurance provider to confirm your specific coverage and benefits. 

Yes, if you have a partner who would like to come with you and learn how to support you and your baby, that is encouraged.