Breastfeeding Basics: What to Expect in the First Weeks

The Truth About Breastfeeding

Here is something no one tells you enough: breastfeeding is natural, but it is also a learned skill. For both you and your baby. The cultural narrative suggests that you will place your newborn on your chest and everything will click into place. For some parents, it does. For many others, it takes days or even weeks of practice, tears, and support before it starts to feel comfortable.

Neither experience makes you a better or worse parent. What matters is that you have accurate information and the right support.

The First Hours and Days

Colostrum: Liquid Gold

Before your mature milk comes in (typically between days 2 and 5), your body produces colostrum. This thick, golden liquid is extraordinarily nutrient-dense and packed with antibodies. Your baby only needs tiny amounts, often measured in teaspoons rather than ounces.

It is normal and expected for newborns to feed very frequently during these early days. This frequent nursing is not a sign of low supply. It is your baby's way of signaling your body to ramp up milk production.

The Milk "Coming In"

When your mature milk arrives, you may experience engorgement. Your breasts may feel heavy, warm, and uncomfortably full. This is temporary. Frequent nursing, warm compresses before feeding, and cold compresses after can help. Hand expression in the shower can relieve pressure without overstimulating production.

Latching Fundamentals

A good latch is the foundation of comfortable, effective breastfeeding. Signs of a good latch include:

• Wide mouth. Your baby's mouth should be open wide, like a yawn, before attaching.
• Deep latch. More areola should be visible above your baby's top lip than below the bottom lip.
• Flanged lips. Both lips should be turned outward, not tucked in.
• Audible swallowing. You should hear your baby swallowing after the first few sucks.
• Comfort. Initial tenderness is common, but sharp, pinching, or sustained pain is not normal and usually indicates a latch issue.

Positions to Try

Different positions work for different body types, breast shapes, and baby preferences:

• Laid-back (biological nurturing). Recline comfortably and let your baby find the breast using their natural reflexes. This is often the most intuitive starting point.
• Cross-cradle. Good for early learning because it gives you control of baby's head positioning.
• Football hold. Helpful for cesarean recovery, larger breasts, or small babies.
• Side-lying. A lifesaver for nighttime feeds and for parents recovering from birth.

Common Challenges and Solutions

Sore Nipples

Some tenderness in the first week is normal as your skin adjusts. But persistent pain, cracking, or bleeding is a signal that something needs to change, usually the latch.

• Apply expressed breast milk to nipples after feeding (it has natural healing properties)
• Use medical-grade lanolin or organic nipple balm
• Air-dry nipples when possible
• If pain persists beyond the first week, consult a lactation consultant

Concerns About Supply

Almost every breastfeeding parent worries about supply at some point. Here is how to know your baby is getting enough:

• Wet diapers. By day 5, expect at least 6 wet diapers in 24 hours.
• Weight gain. It is normal for newborns to lose up to 10% of birth weight initially, then regain it by 2 weeks.
• Feeding frequency. Newborns typically nurse 8 to 12 times per day. Cluster feeding (marathon sessions, especially in the evening) is normal and temporary.

If you are genuinely concerned about supply, resist the urge to immediately supplement with formula. Instead, increase skin-to-skin contact, nurse more frequently, and consult with a lactation professional who can assess a full feed and check for underlying issues.

Tongue and Lip Ties

If your baby has difficulty maintaining a latch, makes clicking sounds while nursing, or if you experience pain despite proper positioning, a tongue or lip tie may be contributing. These are structural variations where the tissue connecting the tongue or lip is restrictive. An IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) or pediatric dentist can evaluate and discuss treatment options if needed.

When to Call a Lactation Consultant

There is no "too soon" or "too trivial" reason to seek professional breastfeeding support. Consider reaching out if:

• Latching is painful beyond the first few days
• Your baby is not producing enough wet or dirty diapers
• You see signs of tongue or lip tie
• You are dealing with mastitis, clogged ducts, or recurrent engorgement
• You are feeling overwhelmed, discouraged, or ready to quit

An IBCLC can observe a full feeding, assess latch and transfer, check for oral restrictions, and create a personalized plan. Many offer home visits, which can be far more helpful than office appointments when you are in the thick of early postpartum life.

You can find lactation consultants near you through BAABY's provider directory, including IBCLCs who specialize in home visits, tongue tie assessment, and holistic breastfeeding support.

The Bigger Picture

Breastfeeding is one part of parenting, not the entirety of it. Whether you breastfeed for two weeks, two years, or somewhere in between, what matters most is that your baby is fed and that you are supported. Give yourself grace during the learning curve. Ask for help early and often. And remember that difficulty with breastfeeding is never a reflection of your capability as a parent.