The first week of breastfeeding is one of the most important parts of your feeding journey, but it can also be one of the most overwhelming. You’re getting to know your baby, learning how to latch, healing from birth, and running on very little sleep.
If you're feeling unsure, you’re not alone. The truth is: breastfeeding is a skill which takes time, practice, and support. Understanding what’s normal and what’s not can help you feel calmer, more confident, and better equipped to ride out the early days.
Day 1–2: Colostrum and Frequent Feeding
Your baby is born with a tiny stomach, about the size of a cherry, so in the first 24–48 hours, they only need small amounts of colostrum. This is the thick, golden milk your body produces before your full milk supply comes in.
Colostrum is:
- Packed with antibodies
- Easy to digest
- Designed for newborn tummies
- Often produced in small but sufficient amounts
What’s normal:
- Baby wants to feed often—8–12 times or more in 24 hours
- Feeds may be short, irregular, or seemingly non-stop
- Baby falls asleep mid-feed or suckles for comfort
- Breasts still feel soft as your milk hasn’t “come in” yet
This is baby’s way of stimulating milk production and learning to feed. It might be hard, but remember, frequent feeds are normal and necessary.
Day 3–4: Milk Comes In
Typically around day 3, your mature milk starts to transition from colostrum. You might notice:
- Fuller, warmer or tingling breasts
- Baby swallowing more rhythmically
- More frequent nappies (at least 6 wet and 2 dirty by day 6)
- Slight leaking or engorgement
This is a major milestone, but it can also feel uncomfortable. Use Lansinoh Breast Pads to absorb leaks discreetly and keep your skin dry and comfortable.
What’s Normal in the First Week
- Cluster feeding: Baby may want to feed every hour for a stretch - this is typical and helps build supply
- Long feeds at the breast as they learn this new skill
- They don’t want to be put down
- Slight discomfort in your nipples in the early days
- Leaking when baby cries, or from one breast while feeding on the other
- Sleepy baby: It’s normal for babies to doze off mid-feed. However, if your baby is very sleepy and not able to latch for a long period, mention this to your midwife.
What’s Not Normal (and Needs Attention)
While discomfort and soreness is expected, the following signs mean it’s time to seek support:
- Painful latch that doesn’t improve
- Cracked, bleeding or blistered nipples that don’t seem to get better
- Baby making clicking sounds or repeatedly slipping off the breast
- Very few wet or dirty nappies (fewer than 6 wet nappies by day 5)
- Baby not gaining weight or showing signs of jaundice
- Baby that is not waking for feeds, or just manages a few sucks before falling back to sleep
Don’t wait to ask for help. Early intervention can prevent small issues from becoming bigger ones.
Lansinoh Products That Help in Week One
- Soothes and protects sore nipples
- 100% natural and safe to use while feeding
- Use from day one to help prevent damage
Hot & Cold Breast Therapy Pads
- Can be used warm to encourage let-down
- Can be used cold to relieve engorgement
- Works with a pump or during feeding
- Naturally protect and help heal sore nipples
- Reusable, again and again
- Antimicrobial properties of silver are widely recognised
Tips for a Good Latch
Getting the latch right is key to comfortable, effective feeding.
- Start when baby is calm and showing early cues (rooting, hand-to-mouth)
- Bring baby to the breast, not breast to baby
- Wait for a wide open mouth like a yawn
- Baby’s nose and chin should touch your breast
- You should see more of the areola above baby’s top lip than below the bottom
If you’re not sure it’s right, gently detach and try again. Use your finger to break the suction and start over.
Building Your Confidence
Breastfeeding in the first week isn’t always easy, but it is worth it. You’re both learning something new. Keep in mind:
- Your baby isn’t feeding all the time because they’re not getting enough - they’re building supply
- You don’t need to supplement unless advised by your midwife or health visitor
- It’s okay to feel unsure, tired, or emotional; it doesn’t mean you’re failing
You’re doing brilliantly by simply showing up and responding to your baby’s needs.
Midwife’s Top Tips
- Feed frequently and on demand as this builds milk supply
- Do as much skin to skin as you can in the early days/weeks, which will help build your supply and also help calm baby
- Use nipple cream preventatively, not just after soreness appears
- Don’t worry if baby wants to feed again 20 minutes later, that’s normal cluster feeding
- Check for a deep latch: baby’s mouth should cover a good portion of the areola
- If something feels wrong, get help early from your midwife or lactation consultant
Breastfeeding in the first week is intense, emotional, and full of learning but also full of bonding, growth, and moments of calm connection.
There’s no perfect feeding journey. Just your journey. Be kind to yourself and ask for help when you need it.
