Breastfeeding: How to Get Started in the First Days

The first days after birth are when breastfeeding is only just beginning, and almost every mother wants to know: is everything going the way it should? Your baby latches for only a short while, it can feel like there's "no milk," and your breasts behave in unfamiliar ways — all of this is a normal part of getting your milk supply going, not a sign that something has gone wrong. In this article we'll calmly walk through how to establish breastfeeding in the first days and weeks: what colostrum is, what a good latch looks like, which breastfeeding positions are comfortable, how to tell your baby is getting enough, and what to do about pain, cracked nipples, and engorgement.

The good news: your body starts preparing to feed while you're still pregnant, and most mothers are able to establish breastfeeding — especially when they know what to expect and reach out for support in time. While you're packing your hospital bag, it's worth adding a comfortable nursing bra and breast pads — you'll use them from the very first day.

How your milk supply starts: colostrum and the milk coming in

In the first days your breasts don't produce "mature" milk but colostrum — a thick, yellowish first food for your baby. There's only a tiny amount, literally drops, and that's normal: a newborn's stomach on day one is about the size of a cherry and holds just 5–7 ml per feed. Nature didn't make a mistake — that small volume of colostrum is enough to nourish and protect your baby. Colostrum is very concentrated, rich in antibodies, and helps your baby's gut start working, which is why it's sometimes called the "first vaccine." One of the biggest benefits of breastfeeding begins right here, with these first drops.

The World Health Organization recommends putting your baby to the breast within the first hour after birth and having skin-to-skin contact. Early latching and skin-to-skin help trigger the hormones responsible for lactation, calm your baby, and help keep them warm.

When your milk "comes in." Transitional milk usually replaces colostrum on days 2–5 after birth. Your breasts may become firmer, heavier, and warmer at this point — this is normal. After a C-section or a difficult birth, milk sometimes comes in a little later — this doesn't mean breastfeeding won't happen. The key in these days is frequent feeding: the more often your baby nurses, the more actively your milk supply is established. Your breasts work on a "supply and demand" principle — and the demand is your baby sucking.

How to get a good latch

A good latch is the foundation of comfortable feeding. Whether your baby gets enough — and whether you develop pain and cracks — depends on the latch. Your baby needs to take in not just the nipple but the nipple together with most of the areola (the darker circle around the nipple).

How to latch your baby:

• Turn your baby toward you, tummy to tummy, so their ear, shoulder, and hip are in a line and their head isn't turned to the side.
• Touch your nipple to their upper lip and wait for your baby to open their mouth wide — as if yawning.
• At that moment, quickly draw them in toward you, aiming the nipple toward the roof of their mouth so they take in the lower part of the areola too.
• Your baby's chin should touch the breast, while their nose stays free to breathe.

How to tell the latch is good

• The mouth is open wide, lips flanged outward (like a little fish), not tucked in.
• Not just the nipple but a visible part of the areola is taken in — you'll see less of it below than above.
• The cheeks are rounded, not drawn in; you hear calm swallows, not clicking or smacking.
• Feeding doesn't cause sharp pain. Mild tenderness in the first few seconds at the start can be normal, but sharp pain throughout the whole feed is a signal that the latch needs adjusting.

If the latch isn't right, gently slip a clean finger into the corner of your baby's mouth to break the suction, and latch again. It's better to re-latch a few times than to endure pain.

Breastfeeding positions

There's no single "correct" position — the comfortable one is whichever leaves both you and your baby relaxed, without tiring your back and arms. It's worth learning a few breastfeeding positions and alternating them: this helps your breasts drain evenly and lowers the risk of milk stasis.

• Cradle hold. The classic sitting position: your baby's head rests on the forearm on the same side as the nursing breast. It helps to tuck a pillow under your arm and under your baby so you don't have to lean toward them.
• Cross-cradle hold. Your baby is supported by the arm opposite the breast — this makes it easier to control their head and the latch, especially while you're both still learning.
• Football (clutch) hold. Your baby lies at your side, feet toward your back. This position is often comfortable when feeding after a C-section, because your baby doesn't press on the incision, and it also suits a larger breast.
• Side-lying. You and your baby lie facing each other. A good side-lying latch is a lifesaver at night and in the first days after birth, when sitting is hard.

In any position, make sure your baby is turned toward you with their whole body, not just their head, and that they don't have to reach for the nipple.

How often to feed and how to tell your baby is getting enough

In the first weeks it's recommended to feed on demand rather than on a schedule — usually 8–12 or more times a day, including at night. Night feeds are especially important: prolactin, the hormone responsible for how much milk you make, is produced more actively at night. Don't stretch out long gaps or hold your baby to a "strict" routine; rigid schemes like the "4-3-4 rule" usually aren't needed while your milk supply is being established.

Learn to notice early hunger cues without waiting for crying: your baby turns their head and searches for the breast, smacks their lips, brings their hands to their mouth, stirs. Crying is a late signal, and it's harder to latch a crying baby.

A few simple signs help you tell your baby is getting enough milk:

• Wet diapers. By the end of the first week — around 6 or more heavily wet diapers a day.
• Stools. In the first days they change color from dark meconium to yellow; frequent soft stools are a good sign.
• Weight. A small weight loss in the first days is normal; babies usually return to their birth weight by day 10–14 and then gain steadily.
• Behavior. After a feed your baby is relaxed and content, and you hear swallowing during the feed.

You don't need to count the exact amount of milk your baby takes while breastfeeding — go by diapers, weight gain, and your baby's overall wellbeing.

Pain, cracks, and engorgement: what to do

A little discomfort in the first days is common, but severe pain is always a reason to check the latch, not to grit your teeth through it.

• Cracked and sore nipples. Most often the cause is a poor latch. Adjust the latch, and after a feed you can leave a drop of colostrum or milk on the nipple and let it air-dry. For pronounced cracks, talk to your provider about safe care products.
• Breast engorgement. As your milk comes in, your breasts may swell and become firm and painful. Frequent feeding, gentle hand-expressing until you feel relief, warmth right before a feed, and cool compresses afterward all help.
• Blocked ducts (milk stasis). A firm, painful area in the breast is a sign of a blocked duct. Keep latching your baby often, aiming their chin toward the lump, and gently massage the breast during feeding. If you develop a high fever, redness, and chills, this may be mastitis — see your provider as soon as possible.
• Nipple shields. Silicone nipple shields for breastfeeding sometimes help with flat or inverted nipples and marked pain, but they're best chosen together with a lactation consultant: used incorrectly, your baby may empty the breast less well.

Nutrition and wellbeing for a breastfeeding mother

A special strict diet usually isn't needed while breastfeeding. Your meals largely continue your pregnancy diet: varied food, enough protein, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats. Drink to thirst — keep a glass of water nearby while you feed. Caffeine in moderate amounts is usually fine, and for alcohol and any medications while breastfeeding it's worth checking with your provider.

Rest matters just as much. Establishing your milk supply takes energy, so try to sleep when your baby sleeps, accept help from those close to you, and don't face difficulties on your own. A calm, rested mother finds it easier to get breastfeeding going.

When to get help

Asking for help with breastfeeding is normal and right. It's worth reaching out to a lactation consultant or your provider for breastfeeding support if:

• feeding comes with severe pain that you can't relieve by changing the latch;
• you've developed deep cracks or bleeding nipples;
• you have a fever, redness, and a painful lump in the breast (possible mastitis);
• your baby urinates little (fewer than 6 wet diapers a day by the end of the first week), is lethargic, and is hard to wake for feeds;
• by day 10–14 your baby hasn't returned to their birth weight or keeps losing weight;
• yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes is increasing;
• it feels like there isn't enough milk, or feeding leaves you anxious and low.

Many maternity hospitals and clinics offer breastfeeding support — don't hesitate to ask. The sooner a difficulty is addressed, the easier it is to get breastfeeding on track.

If breastfeeding doesn't work out

Sometimes, despite all your efforts, exclusive breastfeeding doesn't work out — because of your or your baby's health, medications, or the particulars of your situation. This doesn't make you a "bad mother." Supplementing with formula in the first days when medically indicated, combination feeding, or fully switching to formula are all options that help feed your baby, and the decision is best made together with your provider, without guilt. A fed and loved baby — that's what truly matters.

Key takeaways

• In the first days your breasts produce colostrum — a small amount, but enough for a newborn.
• Put your baby to the breast within the first hour after birth and hold them skin-to-skin often.
• Mature milk usually comes in on days 2–5; frequent feeding speeds up establishing your milk supply.
• A good latch means a wide-open mouth, taking in the nipple with the areola, and no sharp pain.
• Feed on demand, 8–12 or more times a day including at night; alternate breastfeeding positions.
• Signs of a well-fed baby — wet diapers, stools, weight gain, and calm behavior.
• For pain, cracks, engorgement, or a blocked duct, fix the latch and reach out for help.
• Supplementing with formula when indicated is a normal, safe option; decide together with your provider.

This article is general information and does not replace personalized advice from a professional. For questions about breastfeeding and your and your baby's health, talk to your provider or a lactation consultant.