Breastfeeding timeline: Day 1 to 2 years old

Just like a baby has a developmental timeline, breastfeeding mums also have a specific breastfeeding timeline too. With a breastfeeding timeline like this, the basic milestones are listed to guide and encourage mothers, especially the first timers. This helps to reassure them that they are doing a great job in delivering the much-needed breast milk.

Baby’s Birth

The very first drop of breast milk that the baby will feed on is actually colostrum. This concentrated secretion is chock-full of vitamins and minerals, antibodies, and protein. It is important to note that in this particular breastfeeding timeline, babies don’t require that much milk.

At most, babies will only require several teaspoons of colostrum and milk daily. Every time mummies feed their babies, their body releases oxytocin. This hormone helps prevent excessive bleeding and helps the uterus to shrink and return to their original size before pregnancy.

Day 4

At this point of the breastfeeding timeline, mothers will start to complain about the size of their breasts. This is because the "twins" will become overly engorged and filled with milk. Make sure that the breast is effectively stimulated and emptied by constant pumping to help combat the pain. This will also prevent blocked ducts and mastitis from occurring.

1 week

One week after baby’s birth, a breastfeeding mother’s breast will feel soft even when full. Frequent breast milk leaking is expected at this point. In this breastfeeding timeline, the breast milk will become thinner to accommodate more water apart from the carbohydrates, proteins and fats.

6 weeks

Babies usually have a growth spurt at this stage of the breastfeeding timeline and they will constantly require large volumes of breast milk during each feeding. At this stage a mother’s breasts will become softer even when extremely full of milk. Leaking and letdown reflex are seldom felt at this point.

3 months

At 3 months, babies tend to be more and more demanding on the volume of breast milk that they get. Night feedings will become less frequent but day feedings will be longer and more constant.

5 to 6 months

On this timeline, babies may already be teething. This can cause a lot of pain for mothers but persistence should be the key. Introduction of solid food will be a bit easier if mixed in with a bit of breast milk.

10 months

At this point of the breastfeeding timeline, mothers should not stop giving their babies full feedings of breast milk. However, even if these children have already eaten an array of solid food, milk is still a crucial part of the diet.

1 year

One year old babies need to improve their immune system and the only way to do this is to consistently drink breast milk. At this point of the breastfeeding timeline, the breast milk has more fat content to ensure that the kids have lots of energy.

2 years

In this time of the breastfeeding timeline, breast milk is still the most important source of protein and energy for babies. The constant physical contact that children get from their mothers is deeply comforting.

Are you satisfied with your own breastfeeding timeline? Tell us your most memorable milestone by leaving a comment below. For more information on breastfeeding, watch this video:

Written by

Karen Mira

BreastfeedingBaby