Breastfeeding in the first few days: what to expect

Breastfeeding is a skill you and your baby learn together, and the first days can feel intense. This is what the NHS says to expect, and where to get help. Whatever you choose, a fed baby is what matters.

Getting the latch right

The NHS describes latching as a skill you and your baby learn together. Good attachment also helps prevent sore, cracked nipples. The NHS gives four steps:

Hold your baby’s whole body close, with their nose level with your nipple.
Let their head tip back slightly so their top lip brushes your nipple, which prompts a wide mouth.
When the mouth opens wide, their chin should touch the breast first.
With the chin firmly on the breast and the nose clear, their mouth should be wide open.

Signs of a good latch: more of the darker skin around the nipple shows above the top lip than below the bottom lip, the cheeks look full and rounded, and the chin is firmly against the breast.

How often will my baby feed?

The NHS says newborns typically feed at least 8 times in 24 hours for the first few weeks. Babies often want more and longer feeds at night. Let your baby guide how often and how long, and don’t worry about feeding too often. Hunger cues include sucking fists, licking lips, and wriggling with the mouth open, searching for the breast. See cluster feeding and growth spurts.

Is my baby getting enough?

The NHS lists these signs:

Feeds start with rapid sucks, then long, rhythmic sucks and swallows. You can hear and see swallowing, and cheeks stay rounded.
NHS: about 2 or 3 wet nappies in the first 48 hours, and from day 5, at least 6 in 24 hours.
UNICEF Baby Friendly: on days 3 to 4, at least 3 heavy wet nappies and at least 2 poos that are changing from black to green or brown. On days 5 to 6, at least 5 wet nappies.
Black, tar-like poo (meconium) at first, then after about 5 or 6 days, at least 2 soft yellow poos a day.
Your baby seems calm during feeds, comes off the breast by themselves, and seems content afterwards.

Some weight loss in the first 2 weeks is normal. If you’re worried your baby isn’t getting enough milk, contact your midwife, health visitor or a breastfeeding specialist as soon as possible. A sleepy baby having fewer than 6 feeds in 24 hours needs a call to your midwife or health visitor (UNICEF Baby Friendly).

Vitamin D

The NHS says that from birth, all breastfed babies should be given a daily supplement of vitamin D (8.5 to 10mcg). Formula-fed babies having more than 500ml of first infant formula a day don’t need it.

Colostrum

Your first milk is called colostrum. If you’re curious about expressing it before the birth, read colostrum harvesting.

Getting help

National Breastfeeding Helpline: 0300 100 0212, 24 hours a day, every day.
Your midwife, health visitor or a local peer supporter. Contact details are in your baby’s red book.

The NHS also lists the Association of Breastfeeding Mothers (0300 330 5453), La Leche League (0345 120 2918) and NCT (0300 330 0700).

If breastfeeding isn’t working for you

It’s okay to use formula, whether on its own or alongside breastfeeding. See formula feeding safely.

Questions people ask

Is it normal for feeding to hurt?

The NHS says some nipple pain is common in the first few days. If it hurts at every feed, or your nipples crack or bleed, get help early. See sore nipples, engorgement and mastitis.

Should I wake my baby for feeds?

The NHS jaundice page says to wake sleepy babies for feeds and aim for about 8 to 12 feeds a day. Ask your midwife if you’re unsure.

Can I give formula top-ups?

The NHS says that if you are planning to top up with formula, it’s best to wait until breastfeeding is well established, because your baby will want to feed less. If your baby needs extra milk for a medical reason, your midwife will advise you, and that is fine.