Breastfeeding in the early days: Tips from a Midwife & a mum

Firstly, congratulations on your little one! If you're reading this with a newborn in your arms (or nearby), you're probably wondering about this whole breastfeeding thing. Whether it’s your first time or your fourth, those early breastfeeding days can come with a rollercoaster of emotions—excitement, uncertainty, love, doubt, and everything in between. So, maybe it's going smoothly, maybe it feels overwhelming, or maybe you're somewhere in between. Whatever your experience so far, know that you're doing great just by caring enough to learn more.

The early days of breastfeeding can feel like a beautiful mess - and that's completely normal. Let's talk about what to expect and how to give yourself and your baby the best start on this journey together. As a midwife, nurse, and soon-to-be lactation consultant (and as a mum who’s been there myself), I want you to know this: breastfeeding is a learned skill—for both you and your baby. It’s okay if it doesn’t feel easy straight away. You’re not failing—you’re learning together.

What's Actually Normal in Those First Few Days

First things first: breastfeeding might not feel "natural" right away, even though it is. You and your baby are both learning, and like any new skill, it takes practice. Here's what's totally normal:

• Your baby will want to feed frequently - we're talking every 1-3 hours, sometimes more. This isn't because you're not making enough milk; it's because newborn tummies are tiny (about the size of a marble on day one!) and breast milk digests quickly. Plus, all that frequent feeding is actually helping establish your milk supply.

• Those first few days, your breasts are making colostrum - that liquid gold is perfectly designed for your newborn. It might not look like much, but it's incredibly concentrated with antibodies and nutrients. Your "mature" milk usually comes in around days 3-5, and you'll definitely notice when it does.

• You might feel cramping in your uterus while nursing, especially in the first week - these are called afterbirth pains. This is your body's way of helping your uterus to shrink back to size - uncomfortable but totally normal and actually a good sign. These afterbirth pains tend to happen more if you've had a baby before.

Setting yourself up for success

Start with skin-to-skin early on and often - Those first golden hours after birth are magical for bonding and getting breastfeeding off to a good start. If possible, let your baby rest on your chest and follow their instincts to find your breast. Skin to skin also helps regulate your baby’s temperature, breathing, and blood sugar, while also encouraging your milk to begin flowing. Don’t worry if things don’t go perfectly at first—this time together is still valuable.

🍼 Tip: Skin-to-skin isn’t just for the delivery room. Keep offering it in the hours and days that follow—it’s calming and helps with feeding cues.

Focus on positioning and latch - A good latch makes all the difference between comfortable feeding and sore nipples. Your baby's mouth should cover not just your nipple but a good portion of your areola too.

Try these basics:

• Baby’s nose is in line with your nipple

• Their mouth opens wide and they take in a big mouthful of breast/areola (not just the nipple)

• Chin is tucked in and their head is slightly tilted back

• Their body is facing yours—chest to chest, not turning their head to feed

  
  

If it feels pinchy or painful, gently break the latch with your finger and try again.

Feed on demand, not by the clock - Your newborn knows when they need to eat, and following their cues helps establish your supply perfectly for them. Look for early hunger signs like rooting, sucking motions, or bringing hands to mouth - crying is actually a late hunger cue. Forget rigid feeding schedules. In the early days, babies feed frequently—often 8–12 times in 24 hours or more. This is normal and important for building your milk supply.

Stay comfortable and hydrated - Set up a cozy feeding station with everything you need within reach: water, snacks, your phone, maybe a good book or tablet. You'll be spending a lot of time there in the beginning.

Practical Tips That Actually Help

Switch sides, but don't stress about timing - Let your baby finish one side first (you'll notice their sucking slow down and become more fluttery), then offer the other side. Some feeds they'll want both sides, sometimes just one. Start the next feed on whichever side you ended with.

Trust your body and your baby - If your baby is having wet and dirty diapers (at least 6 wet diapers after day 5), seems content between feeds, and is gaining weight, you're doing great. Their stomach will make little noises, they might cluster feed in the evenings, and growth spurts will temporarily make them extra hungry - all normal.

Get help with positioning - Those first few weeks, don't hesitate to ask for help getting comfortable. Many people find the cross-cradle hold or football hold easier to manage than the traditional cradle hold when starting out.

Take care of your nipples - A little bit of your own milk rubbed on your nipples after feeding can help prevent soreness. If you do get sore, check the latch first and consider seeing a lactation consultant.

When to Reach Out for Support

You don't have to figure this out alone. Consider getting help if you're experiencing persistent pain during feeding, if your baby seems frustrated at the breast, or if you're feeling anxious about whether they're getting enough milk.

Lactation consultants are worth their weight in gold and can often solve issues quickly that might otherwise take weeks to figure out. Many hospitals have them on staff, and you can also find them in private practice.

Your paediatrician/GP or Child & Family Health Nurse are also all great resources, especially for questions about your baby's weight gain, output, or general feeding patterns.

A Gentle Reminder

There’s no one "perfect" way to feed your baby. Breastfeeding can be beautiful and hard all at once. What matters most is that you feel supported, empowered, and never alone.

Here's some other important things to remember:

• You and your baby are learning this dance together. Your baby has never breastfed before either, and it's okay if it takes a little time to get the hang of it.

• Some days will feel easier than others. Some feeds will go smoothly, others might feel challenging. This doesn't mean you're doing anything wrong - it means you're human, and so is your baby.

• Be patient with yourself. Rest when you can. Accept help when it's offered.

• The early days are intense, but they're also fleeting. Before you know it, you and your little one will have this figured out, and breastfeeding will become just another part of your rhythm together. Until then, take it one feed at a time, trust the process, and remember - you've got this.

  
  

Remember, every breastfeeding journey is unique. If you have concerns about your baby's health, weight gain, or your own wellbeing, don't hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider.

You’re doing an incredible job—even on the days when it doesn’t feel like it.