You’ve just welcomed your baby into the world—congratulations! Now begins the journey of learning to feed your newborn. The early postpartum period is a time of bonding, adjusting, and, you guessed it... plenty of learning. Whether you’re feeling excited, nervous, or a little bit of both, having some basic breastfeeding knowledge can help you feel more confident.
What to Expect in the First Weeks
The first few days after birth are all about getting to know your baby and establishing your breastfeeding relationship. Here’s what you can expect:
Frequent feedings: Newborns usually nurse 8-12 times every 24 hours. This helps stimulate milk production and ensures your baby is getting enough to eat.
Colostrum first: In the early days, your body produces colostrum, a thick, nutrient-rich milk that’s perfect for your newborn’s tiny stomach.
Learning curve: Both you and your baby are learning how to breastfeed. Be patient—it’s normal for this process to take time for both of you.
Recognizing Hunger Cues
One of the best ways to ensure breastfeeding success is to respond to your baby’s hunger cues early, before they start crying. Look for signs such as:
Sucking on hands or fingers
Rooting (turning their head and opening their mouth when touched on the cheek)
Smacking lips or making sucking noises
Crying's actually a late sign of hunger, you may need to calm baby down, soothe them, sush them, sway, swaddle them for a minute before they'll be ready to latch
The Importance of Skin-to-Skin Contact
Skin-to-skin contact is more than just a bonding experience—it helps:
Regulate your baby’s body temperature and heart rate
Stabilize blood sugar levels
Encourage early feeding cues and a better latch
Try to hold your baby skin-to-skin as often as possible, especially right after birth and during feedings.
Getting a Good Latch
A proper latch can prevent discomfort and ensure your baby is getting enough milk. Here’s how to encourage a good latch:
Position your baby: Bring your baby to your breast (not the other way around) with their nose opposite your nipple. Make sure their belly, hips, shoulders are all facing you, no matter which position you are utilizing. Some of my favorite positions in the early days are the cross-cradle, football and laid back nursing positions. Learn more about positioning here: 13 Breastfeeding Positions
Wait for a wide mouth: Gently tickle their upper lip with your nipple and wait for a wide, open mouth.
Bring them close: Quickly bring your baby onto the breast, aiming the nipple toward the roof of their mouth.
Look for the signs of a deep latch: The latch is comfortable and pain free. Infants lips are flanged, mouth is open wide, cheek line is touching the breast. Infant is not just on the nipple or slipping on and off the breast. You see active sucking bursts and see or hear audible swallows.
This is a new experience as a breastfeeding parent, sometimes the initial latch may feel mildly uncomfortable. However, if breastfeeding is painful beyond the first few moments of latching, seek support from a lactation consultant.
Normal Newborn Feeding Patterns
Newborns typically need to nurse at least 8-12 times in a 24-hour period. This frequent feeding helps establish your milk supply and ensures your baby is getting enough nourishment. It’s common for babies to cluster feed—nursing several times in a short period—especially in the evenings. This behavior helps boost your milk supply and is completely normal. Feeding on demand, rather than on a strict schedule, allows your baby to get the nutrients they need and supports your body’s natural milk production rhythms. Trust your baby’s instincts and feed on demand.
Managing Common Challenges
Sore nipples: Make sure the latch is deep and comfortable. Use nipple cream or express a little breast milk to soothe soreness.
Engorgement: Nurse frequently and use cold compresses between feedings to reduce swelling. You can also try the reverse pressure softening technique—this involves gently pressing around the areola with your fingertips to soften the area, making it easier for your baby to latch and relieving discomfort. Another pro tip, add in some lymphatic breast massage a few times a day. LA Lactation has a fantastic video on this on Youtube. See it here: https://youtu.be/fHD90LlCkGc?si=3AnSRWvTC-Uu50y3
Sleepy baby: Gently wake your baby for feedings by undressing them slightly or using skin-to-skin contact.
When to Seek Help
If you’re experiencing pain, your baby isn’t gaining weight, or you have concerns about milk supply, don’t hesitate to reach out for help with your trusted healthcare provider, and a certified lactation consultant. Early support can prevent small issues from becoming bigger challenges.
Ready for Personalized Support?
Every breastfeeding journey is unique, and having expert guidance can make all the difference. A postpartum lactation consultation offers personalized tips, hands-on assistance with latch and positioning, and solutions for any challenges you may face. Not quite ready? Join Strong as a Mother's Free Breastfeeing Support Group every other Tuesday from 10-11 am at the Trinity Episcopal Church of Newtown, CT.
Convinced? What to do next: Schedule a postpartum consultation with Lauren Cascone today to start your breastfeeding journey with confidence and support! Visit www.strongasamother.net/lactation to learn more and to get in touch today.
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