How to Get Off to a Great Start with Breastfeeding
The first few days of breastfeeding are all about learning - both for you and your baby. While every feeding journey is unique, there are a few simple things you can do to help encourage a successful start.
Remember, breastfeeding doesn't have to be perfect from day one, and it's okay if your experience looks different than someone else's.
Keep Your Baby Close
Room-in with your baby after birth. Keeping your little one nearby allows you to recognize early hunger cues and respond before they become overly hungry or upset. Frequent opportunities to feed also help establish your milk supply.
Prioritize Skin-to-Skin Contact
Skin-to-skin time offers incredible benefits for both you and your baby, especially in those first hours and days after birth.
Skin-to-skin contact can help:
Regulate your baby's body temperature
Stabilize blood sugar levels
Support healthy breathing and heart rate
Reduce stress hormones for both mom and baby
Encourage natural feeding instincts
When practicing skin-to-skin, always make sure your baby's head is turned to the side and their airway remains clear so they can breathe comfortably.
Aim for an Early First Feeding
If possible, try to latch your baby within the first hour after birth - or within the first six hours of life. Early feeding helps stimulate milk production and takes advantage of your baby's natural alertness after delivery.
That said, birth doesn't always go according to plan. Unexpected complications, a long labor, a Cesarean birth, or time in the NICU may delay your first feeding. If that's your story, give yourself grace. There are many paths to a successful breastfeeding journey.
Feed Early and Often
Offer the breast as soon as your baby begins showing early hunger cues rather than waiting until they're crying.
A general goal is to feed:
Every 2–3 hours during the day
Every 3–4 hours overnight
In the early weeks, it's often necessary to wake your baby for feedings (even if they aren't waking on their own) especially during the daytime.
Learn Your Baby’s Hunger Cues
Your baby will usually let you know they're ready to eat before they cry. Watch for these early feeding cues:
Opening their mouth
Licking their lips
Rooting (turning their head from side to side searching for the breast)
Bringing their hands to their mouth
Making sucking motions or sucking noises
Becoming more alert or fidgety
Crying is actually a late hunger cue. If your baby is already upset, try placing them skin-to-skin on your chest and calming them before attempting to latch.
Don’t Forget Hand Expression
Learning how to hand express colostrum can be incredibly helpful in the first few days after birth. Hand expression gently stimulates your breasts while allowing you to collect those nutrient-rich first drops of milk.
This can be especially beneficial if:
Your baby is sleepy and not feeding well
Your baby needs additional colostrum
Your baby's blood sugar is being monitored
You're working to encourage your milk supply
Even a few drops of colostrum can make a big difference during those early days.
Give Yourself Grace
Breastfeeding is a learned skill for both you and your baby. Some families find their rhythm quickly, while others need a little extra support - and that's completely normal.
Don't hesitate to reach out to a lactation consultant or your healthcare provider if you have questions or concerns. With encouragement, education, and the right support, you can build a breastfeeding relationship that works for your family.
You Deserve Support That’s Accessible and Affordable
At Choose Joy Nursing, we’re passionate about making breastfeeding support something all moms can access, no matter where they live or what their budget looks like. Here’s what we offer to help you along your journey:
Lactation Consultations (Pre- and Postnatal)
– In-person (Nashville only)
– Virtual (available anywhere!)
Get personalized, one-on-one support from our very own IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) who understands your goals and your baby’s needs.
Lactation Quick Guide –a freebie just for you!
A simple, easy-to-follow download filled with bite-sized tips from our full Lactation Guide to boost your confidence and answer your most common questions. Sign up for our emails and receive instant access!
Full Lactation Guide
Our 16-page guide (which includes this info and SO much more) is packed with education, graphics, milk storage guidelines, positioning/latching tips, and gentle encouragement - perfect for new moms or those needing a refresher. Grab it for only $4.99!
Whether you're nursing for the first time, exclusively pumping, combo feeding, or figuring it out day by day, we’re here to meet you with grace, knowledge, and lots of loving support!
Celebrating every feed, every ounce, and every mama!
