5 Things Your Pediatrician Wants You to Know About Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is one of the most beneficial things you can do for your baby’s health — and one of the most challenging parts of new parenthood. Here’s what we wish every new parent knew before those first weeks.

1. Colostrum is not ‘not enough milk.’

In the first 2-3 days, your breasts produce colostrum — a thick, nutrient-dense precursor to mature milk. It appears in small amounts that match your newborn’s stomach capacity (about the size of a marble). It is not a supply problem. True milk typically comes in between days 3 and 5.

2. Cluster feeding is normal and doesn’t mean you’re not producing enough.

Evenings of seemingly non-stop feeding in the first weeks are cluster feeding — a normal pattern that helps establish your milk supply through supply-and-demand signaling. It’s exhausting but not a sign that formula supplementation is needed.

3. Pain is not the price of breastfeeding.

Some initial tenderness is normal. Sharp, shooting pain, nipple damage, or significant pain beyond the first few days indicates a latch problem that a lactation consultant can almost always fix. Ask your pediatrician for a referral early — don’t suffer through it.

4. You can breastfeed and need support at the same time.

Postpartum depression, anxiety, and the physical demands of feeding can coexist. If breastfeeding is seriously affecting your mental health, that matters. A decision to supplement or transition to formula is a valid, supported medical choice — not a failure.

5. Breastfed babies still need vitamin D.

Breast milk does not provide adequate vitamin D. The AAP recommends 400 IU of vitamin D drops daily for exclusively breastfed infants beginning in the first few days of life. Ask about this at your first newborn visit.

Breastfeeding concerns? Bring them to your newborn visit. Call (702) 457-5437 or visit our newborn care page.