Mothers start to secrete prolactin directly after birth, and the secretion of this hormone depends on repeated breastfeeding, as it boosts the activity of the hormone and thus the production of milk. More breastfeeding means more milk, and consequently better breastfeeding.
Therefore, you have to make sure that you breastfeed your baby the right way, between 8 – 12 times in 24 hours, during the first six weeks after giving birth, in order to send signals to your milk glands and your body, so they can produce more milk in a way that fits the needs of the newborn. If you cut breastfeeding frequency to less than eight times a day, then you will increase the possibility of baby’s dehydration.
After the sixth week, and after your baby takes enough amount of milk, the number of times and the duration of breastfeeding can decrease, in a way that meets the needs of your baby.
Avoid giving formula to your baby, and stick to breastfeeding in order to guarantee producing enough milk for your baby. We advise writing down the number of times you breastfeed your baby, and remember that the more you breastfeed your baby, the more milk you will have, especially during the first six weeks after delivery.