The first days and weeks of breastfeeding can feel overwhelming. Your baby is new, your breasts are new to the role, and it is completely normal to feel uncertain. The most important thing to know is that breastfeeding is a skill — one that both you and your baby are learning together.

The WHO and AAP recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months if both mother and baby are doing well. All breastfeeding is valuable, including partial breastfeeding. This guide will help you through the first weeks with evidence-based guidance.

First Feeding After Birth

Ideally, the first feeding happens within the first hour after birth. When a baby is placed skin-to-skin on the mother's chest right after delivery, powerful instincts are activated. Many newborns will start to crawl toward the breast and seek it out on their own — this is called the "breast crawl."

Early skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding right after birth are important for establishing feeding and stimulating milk production. The baby's sucking shortly after birth also helps the uterus contract and reduces postpartum bleeding.

What If It Doesn't Work Right Away?

Not every birth allows for breastfeeding in the first hour. After a cesarean section, complicated delivery, or when mother or baby is unwell, it may take a little longer. This is completely normal and does not mean breastfeeding is compromised.

Ask for help from your nurse or midwife at the hospital. They can guide you in latching your baby when you are both ready.

Colostrum — The First Breast Milk

In the first few days, your breasts produce colostrum. Colostrum is thick and golden-colored, and only small amounts are produced. This is completely normal and sufficient for a newborn.

Why Colostrum Matters

Antibodies — colostrum is rich in immunoglobulins (IgA) that protect the baby's gut
Right-sized portions — a newborn's stomach is the size of a cherry on day one and needs only 5–7 ml per feeding
Laxative effect — helps the baby pass meconium (the dark first stool)
Blood sugar stabilization — important for keeping the baby's blood sugar stable in the first hours

Milk Volume Increases Gradually

Days 1–2: A few milliliters of colostrum per feeding
Days 3–5: Milk "comes in" — breasts can feel full and warm
Weeks 1–2: Mature breast milk gradually replaces colostrum

When milk comes in around days 3–5, the breasts can become noticeably full. This is called engorgement and is normal. Frequent feeding helps the body regulate production.

Don't be misled by the small amounts of colostrum. It is exactly what your baby needs. A newborn's stomach is tiny in the first days and does not need large volumes.

Latch — The Key to Successful Breastfeeding

A good latch is the single most important factor in avoiding pain and ensuring your baby gets enough milk. A poor latch is the most common cause of sore nipples and breastfeeding difficulties.

Signs of a Good Latch

Baby has a large amount of the areola (the dark ring around the nipple) in their mouth, not just the nipple itself
The lower lip is flanged outward (like a fish lip)
The chin touches the breast
The nose has clear airspace
You can hear the baby swallowing
Breastfeeding does not hurt (some tenderness in the first few days is normal)

How to Achieve a Good Latch

Support the breast with a C-hold (thumb above, fingers below) if needed
Aim the nipple toward the baby's nose — the baby should tilt their head slightly back
Wait for a wide gape — like a yawn, with the tongue down
Bring the baby quickly to the breast when the mouth is wide open
Check the result — wide open mouth, flanged lower lip, chin touching the breast

Never push the baby's head against the breast. Instead, bring the baby toward you with the hand supporting their back.

Breastfeeding should not hurt. Some tenderness in the first few days is normal, but sharp pain throughout the feeding means the latch needs to be corrected. Break the latch gently by inserting your little finger into the corner of the baby's mouth, and try again.

Breastfeeding Positions for Newborns

There are several breastfeeding positions, and the best one is whichever works for you and your baby. Here are the most common ones for newborns.

Laid-Back Breastfeeding (Biological Nurturing)

You recline in a semi-lying position and place the baby on your abdomen. The baby uses their reflexes to find the breast. This position is especially good for newborns because it draws on the baby's natural instincts.

Cradle Hold (Classic Sitting)

The most well-known breastfeeding position. The baby lies in the crook of your arm with their face toward the breast. Tummy to tummy — the baby's belly against yours. A nursing pillow is helpful for support.

Football Hold

The baby lies along your side with their legs tucked behind your back. Especially useful after a cesarean section (no weight on the abdomen) and for mothers with larger breasts.

Side-Lying Position

You and the baby lie on your sides, face to face. Good for nighttime nursing and after a cesarean section. Make sure the baby cannot roll away.

How Often Should a Newborn Feed?

Newborns feed frequently. In the first weeks, it is normal to breastfeed 8–12 times per day, or more. Some babies feed every 1.5 hours, others every 3 hours. The AAP recommends feeding on demand — also called self-regulation.

Signs That Your Baby Is Hungry

Learn to recognize early hunger cues:

Early cues: Moves head from side to side, sticks out tongue, sucks on hands
Middle cues: Stretches, becomes more active, opens and closes mouth
Late cues: Crying — try to offer the breast before it gets to this point

It is much easier to latch a calm, rooting baby than one who is fully worked up from crying.

Nighttime Feeding Is Important

Newborns need to feed at night. Nighttime feeding contributes significantly to a baby's total milk intake. The hormones that stimulate milk production (prolactin) are at their highest overnight, so nighttime feeding is important for building and maintaining supply.

Cluster Feeding — What Is It?

Cluster feeding means the baby wants to feed very frequently in short bursts, often in the afternoon or evening. It can feel like the baby is never full, but this is completely normal.

Why Babies Cluster Feed

Builds milk supply — frequent sucking signals the body to produce more milk
Growth spurts — common around 2–3 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3 months
Comfort and closeness — breastfeeding is more than food; it is also security

How to Handle Cluster Feeding

Know it is temporary — it usually lasts 2–3 days
Keep drinks and snacks within reach
Let your partner take over other household tasks
Get comfortable — you may be sitting for a while
Remember this does NOT mean you have low milk supply

Signs Your Baby Is Getting Enough Milk

One of the biggest concerns for new mothers is whether their baby is getting enough. Here are the reliable signs:

Wet and Dirty Diapers

Days 1–2: At least 1–2 wet diapers per day
Days 3–4: At least 3–4 wet diapers per day
From day 5 onward: At least 6 wet diapers per day
Stools: From dark meconium to yellow, seedy stools by days 3–5

Weight Gain

It is normal for newborns to lose up to 10 percent of their birth weight in the first few days. They should have regained their birth weight by 10–14 days. Steady weight gain after that is a good sign. Weight is monitored at well-baby checkups.

Other Positive Signs

Baby seems satisfied and calm after most feedings
You can hear the baby swallowing during nursing
Baby has good color and is alert
Baby wakes on their own to feed

Common Challenges in the First Weeks

Sore Nipples

Some tenderness in the first few days is common, but persistent pain is a sign that something needs to be corrected. Check the latch, try different positions, and ask for support from a lactation consultant or your baby's pediatrician.

Engorgement

When milk production starts around days 3–5, the breasts can become very full and firm. Nursing frequently, warm compresses before feeding, and cold compresses between feedings can help.

Baby Falling Asleep at the Breast

Newborns often fall asleep during feeding. Try keeping the baby awake by rubbing the sole of their foot, switching breasts, or removing a layer of clothing. Switching breasts midway through can help the baby continue drinking.

Flat or Inverted Nipples

Nipples that are flat or inverted can make it harder for the baby to latch, but it does not mean you cannot breastfeed. Using a nipple former (such as a Niplette) before feeding, or gently rolling the nipple between your fingers, can help. Laid-back breastfeeding can also make latching easier.

Who Can Help You?

You never have to struggle with breastfeeding alone. There are many places to turn for support:

The hospital — midwives and nurses provide guidance in the first days
Your pediatrician or family doctor — can refer you to a lactation consultant
IBCLC lactation consultant — a certified specialist in breastfeeding difficulties
La Leche League — volunteer-based organization with free peer support (llli.org)
Breastfeeding support hotlines — available in most countries

The WHO and AAP emphasize that timely, effective breastfeeding support can prevent most breastfeeding difficulties. Do not hesitate to ask for help.

Track Your Feedings

It can be hard to remember when you last nursed and on which side, especially in the middle of the night. The breastfeeding tracker on Babysential helps you log feedings and stay organized.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should a newborn breastfeed per session?

It varies. Some babies are done in 10 minutes; others take 40 minutes. Let the baby nurse until they release the breast on their own. The quality of the latch matters more than the duration.

Should I feed from both breasts every time?

Offer both breasts, but the baby does not necessarily need to feed from both. Start with the breast you did not start with last time. You will figure out what works for you as you go.

Is it normal for breastfeeding to hurt at first?

Some tenderness in the first few days is normal as the nipples adjust. But sharp pain throughout the feeding is not normal and usually means the latch needs to be corrected. Ask your midwife or lactation consultant for help.

How do I know if my baby is full?

A full baby releases the breast on their own, looks content, and has relaxed hands. The guidelines for wet diapers and weight gain (see above) are the most reliable signs.

Can I give a pacifier to a newborn?

The AAP recommends waiting to introduce a pacifier until breastfeeding is well established, usually after 4–6 weeks. Early pacifier use can affect the baby's sucking technique and reduce time at the breast.

Sources and References

WHO. "Breastfeeding." who.int/health-topics/breastfeeding
AAP. "Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk." Pediatrics. publications.aap.org
La Leche League International. llli.org