If you're planning to breastfeed, you may have spent months imagining that first feed.
Perhaps you've pictured your baby being placed on your chest and instinctively knowing exactly what to do.
Sometimes it really can feel that simple.
But for many mums, breastfeeding takes a little time to get the hang of. You and your baby are both learning a completely new skill, and the first few days can be a mixture of lovely moments, tiredness, questions and quite a lot of feeding.
So, what can you actually expect?
Your first feed
If you're able to, having some skin-to-skin contact with your baby after birth can be a lovely way to start.
Skin-to-skin can help keep your baby warm and calm and can support your baby's natural feeding instincts. It can also be a lovely opportunity to have that first breastfeed.
Your midwife can help you with positioning and attachment, so don't be afraid to ask for help.
And if your first feed doesn't happen immediately, don't panic. Sometimes circumstances mean feeding or skin-to-skin needs to be delayed. That doesn't mean you've missed your chance to breastfeed.
Your first milk is colostrum
For the first few days, your breasts produce colostrum, your baby's first milk.
It's usually thick and yellowish or golden in colour and is produced in relatively small amounts.
That can be surprising when you've spent your pregnancy imagining bottles full of milk!
But your newborn's stomach is tiny, and colostrum is concentrated, so those small amounts are perfectly normal in the early days.
You can read more about this in our guide:
What Is Colostrum and Why Is It Important?
You might feel like you're feeding constantly
One of the biggest surprises for new mums is just how often newborns want to breastfeed.
There isn't necessarily going to be a neat three-hourly schedule.
Your baby may want to feed every couple of hours, sometimes more frequently, and there may be periods of cluster feeding where it feels as though your baby wants to feed again almost as soon as they've finished.
In the first few weeks, a very rough guide is at least 8–12 feeds in 24 hours, although some babies will feed more often.
This doesn't automatically mean you're not producing enough milk.
Frequent feeding is a normal part of those early days and helps your body respond to your baby's needs.
Breastfeeding shouldn't feel like something you have to endure
It's normal for breastfeeding to feel unfamiliar at first, and you may experience some tenderness while you and your baby get used to it.
But ongoing or significant pain isn't something you should simply put up with.
If you're experiencing pain, cracked or bleeding nipples, or your baby is struggling to attach, ask your midwife, health visitor or breastfeeding support team to check your baby's positioning and attachment.
A small adjustment can sometimes make a huge difference.
Your baby may have their own ideas!
You might have imagined your baby feeding for a certain amount of time and then settling happily.
Real life doesn't always work that way.
Some feeds may be short. Others may be longer. Your baby may want to feed again soon afterwards, or may simply want to be close to you.
Rather than watching the clock, try to pay attention to your baby's feeding cues.
Early hunger cues can include:
- Becoming restless
- Sucking their hands or fingers
- Making little murmuring sounds
- Turning their head and opening their mouth
- Rooting towards your breast
Responding to these cues is known as responsive feeding.
When will my milk come in?
Your breasts will continue producing colostrum during the first few days.
Around 2–4 days after birth, you may notice that your breasts become fuller as your milk production increases. Exactly when this happens can vary.
You may suddenly become very aware of your breasts!
They can feel fuller, heavier or firmer, and you may notice milk leaking too.
Breast pads can be useful at this stage, particularly if you're worried about leaking onto your clothes.
What if it isn't going smoothly?
This is probably the most important thing to remember:
You don't have to figure breastfeeding out on your own.
If you're in hospital, ask your midwife for help.
They can watch a feed, help with positioning and attachment and talk through any concerns you have.
If you're at home, your health visitor or breastfeeding support service can help too.
And if breastfeeding isn't going exactly how you'd imagined, that doesn't mean you've failed.
Every mum and baby is different, and sometimes you need a little extra support to find what works for you.
Give yourself time
Those first few days can be a lot.
You're recovering from birth, you're probably exhausted, you're getting to know your baby and you're learning how to breastfeed — all at the same time.
You don't need to be an expert on day one.
Take it one feed at a time.
Get comfortable, keep some snacks and water nearby, accept help when it's offered and don't be afraid to ask questions.
Breastfeeding is a skill, and like any new skill, it can take a little practice.
Looking for more breastfeeding advice?
If you're preparing for your baby's arrival, our Hospital Bag & Birth Guides include practical advice about what to pack, what to wear and what to expect during those first days.
You can also read:
What Is Colostrum and Why Is It Important?
for more information about your baby's first milk.
And if you're looking for a comfortable nursing bra for those early days, take a look at our Nursing Bras collection.
SHOP NURSING BRAS →