Breastfeeding is a very personal journey - one filled with joy, hurdles, precious bonding moments, and moments of despair. Most breastfeeding mums share similar questions: How often should baby feed? Will I make enough milk? Why are my nipples sore?
1. Frequent Feeds Are Normal (8–12 Times a Day)
Your newborn might want to feed every 1–3 hours, which adds up to 8–12 sessions in 24 hours. Though frequent, it won’t last forever; growth spurts come and go.
Look out for hunger cues:
- Rooting, sucking on fingers, lip smacking
- Fussiness is often a late cue - don’t wait until baby is crying
Tip: Track feeds in your phone or notebook to spot patterns.
2. No Need to Time Feeds - Follow Your Baby’s Lead
Timing feed length can cause worry but remember - breastfeeding is baby-led, not clock-driven.
- A feed might just be a few minutes, or one feed could last up to half an hour or more!
- Babies often pause mid-feed or fall asleep due to oxytocin’s soothing effect.
- If baby drifts off, and you don’t feel like they have softened your breasts or had a ‘full’ feed, you could gently rouse them - unlatch, burp, re-latch - even remove a layer to keep them engaged. However, sometimes your baby might just want some comfort or a quick drink.
Tip: Offer your breast every time they show signs of hunger - even if they fed recently.
3. Switching Sides: Yes - or Let Them Guide You
You don’t always need to switch breasts mid-feed. If baby seems satisfied, allow the feed to end naturally.
- Next time, start with the opposite side to balance supply.
- Some mums mark bras with a pin or track it in their feed log.
4. Breastfeeding Feels Constant - But It Changes
New breastfeeding mums often feel they’re always feeding, but as baby gets more efficient, feeds space out and become more predictable.
Take comfort in the unpredictable rhythm - it passes sooner than you think.
5. Worried About Milk Supply? Supply and Demand Is Real
Your body adapts quickly: the more baby feeds, the more milk you produce - a concept known as supply and demand.
- Frequent feeding helps your supply rise to meet baby's needs.
- Even after 12 feeds, if baby looks for more, go for it - it might be a growth spurt.
Having regular support from your midwife or breastfeeding worker can reassure you if you're still concerned.
6. Expect Leaks - They Are a Sign Supply Is Working
Leaking is simply a sign of an active milk supply as your body adjusts. However, if you don’t leak, this doesn’t mean you have a low supply.
Lansinoh Disposable Breast Pads help you stay dry and comfortable during leaks.
7. Sore Nipples? We've Got You Covered
Soreness is a common issue - caused by:
- New feeding technique
- Poor latch
- Engorged breasts
- Dermatitis
- Tongue tie
Lansinoh HPA® Lanolin Nipple Cream soothes and protects your sore nipples, with no need to wipe off before feeds. If you’re suffering from really painful nipples, our Silver Nipple Cups help heal damaged nipples in between feeds and provide a physical barrier against clothing to reduce painful friction.
8. Engorgement Can Make Latching Hard
Around day 3/4, “milk comes in” and breasts may feel full, tight, and warm.
- Hand express a bit of milk or use a manual pump to soften breasts to help baby latch. Latching on a full, tight breast can be difficult for your baby.
- Use ‘reverse pressure softening’ to help soften the breast pre-feed.
Use Lansinoh Hot & Cold Breast Therapy Pads warm before feeding to encourage flow, and cool after to reduce swelling.
If swollen boobs are making latch hard, try the LatchAssist® Nipple Everter to help your nipples protrude gently.
9. How to Tell Baby Is Getting Enough
Signs that feeding is going well include:
- At least 4 wet and 4 poo nappies by day 4, rising to 6+ wet and 2+ yellow poos a day by day 6–7 and then staying at 6 wet nappies and 2 dirty going forward
- Steady weight gain
- Hands unclench, arms relax (from fists to open palms)
- Baby seems satisfied after feeds, generally alert and active
If you're unsure, don't hesitate to ask for a check - midwives and health visitors are there to support.
Midwife’s Top Tips
- Feed on baby’s cues, not a schedule
- Lots of skin-to-skin in between feeds
- Every day will be different; don’t expect a routine early on
- Try and establish a support circle around you to help when breastfeeding is hard
Keep breast therapy pads and manual pump handy in the early days to help with engorgement.
Breastfeeding may seem overwhelming at first but it’s not only about feeding. It’s about nourishing, connecting, bonding, and growing together.
Every mum’s experience is different, but most face similar early hurdles. Reach out when you need help, use trusted tools like Lansinoh products, and remember - you’re already doing brilliantly.
