A new mom’s journey through the first days of breastfeeding

Low milk supply can be just one of the challenges a new mom faces in the first few days after birth. Sometimes a mom must heal from a c-section or episiotomy (a surgical cut to widen the vaginal opening). 

Emily says the drop in hormones on day three added to her heightened emotions.

“The day before my milk came in, I felt like I wasn't feeding him enough,” Emily recalls. “His weight had dropped and there seemed to be some concern about him. At that point I felt like breaking down.” 

A good support team can be instrumental during moments of doubt or uncertainty with breastfeeding. It was Emily’s lactation nurse Joanne Juras from the Healthy From the Start Breastfeeding Phone Line that helped her work through those final moments before her milk came in. Luca gained 80 grams the night her milk came in. 

“Everybody needs a bit of help sometimes,” says Anne Hooper-Johnston, Perinatal Program Specialist. “It can take time for you and your baby to get used to breastfeeding—up to six weeks. Don’t give up. Breastfeeding is good for your baby, and good for you. Breastfeeding doesn’t have to be a lonely journey, and it’s never too early to seek support.” 

Health-care professionals—family doctors, public health nurses, midwives and lactation specialists—all have experience helping moms and their babies with breastfeeding. They understand what you’re going through, can help with common breastfeeding questions and challenges, and refer you to resources in your community.

One program that offers support is Healthy From The Start. This free program supports expectant parents during pregnancy, birth and beyond. Public health nurses are available to provide information and resources to help you have a healthy pregnancy and baby, and support breastfeeding.

The program offers a phone support line Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pacific Time. 

“The first time I talked with a Healthy From The Start lactation consultant was in the first week or two. I was crying on the phone, and so upset,” recalls Emily. “Things weren’t going as easily or as well as I thought. And they were just so lovely, reassuring and empathetic.

“It was reassuring to hear that my challenges were normal and what I was doing is enough for my baby and he'll be OK.”

Emily says it was hard work in the beginning. But breastfeeding got easier, and her efforts paid off.

“Luca is feeding great now. Everything's going really well.”

Recognizing that many parents have questions about breastfeeding, these videos were made locally with real nurses, moms, parents and babies.

• How often should my baby eat?
• What is a good latch?
• Is my baby getting enough to eat?

• Breastfeeding support when and where you need it (includes resources for Indigenous families)
• How we can all recognize & support breastfeeding
• 8 benefits of supporting breastfeeding in the workplace
• Helping our most vulnerable babies with donated breast milk
• Penticton celebrates global and national Baby-Friendly Initiative

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The words breastfeeding and breastfed are used throughout this article to describe a baby being fed human milk produced by a parent at the parent’s breast. We recognize that parents may prefer different words, like nursing or chestfeeding. 

National Breastfeeding Week is Oct. 1–7. This year’s theme is Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All