Those early hours and days of breastfeeding can feel new and overwhelming—but you’re not alone, and you don’t need to be perfect. Breastfeeding is a learning process for you and your baby, and every feed helps you both grow in confidence.
Here’s a gentle guide to help you through those first precious days.
🕰 When to Start Breastfeeding
- Try to offer your breast in the first hour after birth, if possible. This helps kick-start your milk supply and builds a special connection with your baby.
- Babies are usually very alert after birth and often ready to feed.
👶 NHS: The first few days of breastfeeding
💛 Colostrum: Your Baby’s First Superfood
- In the early days, your body produces colostrum—a thick, golden milk rich in antibodies and nutrients.
- It’s small in quantity, but perfectly suited to your baby’s tiny tummy.
💡 You may only see a few drops, and that’s okay—it’s powerful stuff!
📦 What to Expect in the Early Days
- Feeds may be short or long, frequent or spaced out—every baby is different.
- It’s normal for your baby to feed at least 8 to 12 times in 24 hours.
- Cluster feeding (lots of short feeds close together) is normal and helps build your milk supply.
🌼 Breastfeeding Network: Getting Started
🧘 Finding a Comfortable Position
There’s no one “right” position—what matters is that you and baby are both comfortable and relaxed. Try:
- Laid-back or reclined breastfeeding
- Cradle hold or cross-cradle
- Rugby/underarm hold
- Side-lying (great for night feeds!)
Make sure:
- Baby’s head and body are aligned.
- They’re facing your breast with mouth wide open.
- Chin touches your breast and nose is clear.
🧷 Breastfeeding Support: Positioning and Attachment
⏳ When Will My Milk “Come In”?
- Around day 2 to 4, you may notice your breasts feel fuller as your milk changes from colostrum to more mature milk.
- This may come with engorgement—a firm or tight feeling. Frequent feeding and cool pack application will usually help ease it.
🧭 How Do I Know It’s Going Well?
Here are some signs your baby is feeding effectively:
- You see regular sucking and swallowing.
- Baby comes off the breast looking content.
- Your breasts feel softer after feeds.
- Baby has plenty of wet and dirty nappies:
- By day 5: at least 6 heavy wet nappies and 2 soft yellow poos every day.
- On day 5: under 10% weight loss, restored to birthweight circa day 14.
🔗 NHS: Breastfeeding and nappies
❤️ Tips for the Early Days
- Skin-to-skin contact helps calm both you and baby, boosts milk supply, and encourages feeding cues.
- Rest when you can—feeding can be tiring, and your body is healing.
- Reach out for support—you’re not alone. If something feels off, ask for help early.
🌼 Remember, You’re Learning Together
Every baby—and every feeding journey—is unique. You don’t have to get it “right” straight away. Be kind to yourself. You’re doing something incredible, and support is always here when you need it.
- Find a Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)
- National Breastfeeding Helpline – 0300 100 0212, 9.30am–9.30pm daily
- La Leche League – (Open 24 hours) Tel: 0845 120 2918
- National Childbirth Trust – (08:00am until Midnight) Tel: 0300 330 0771
