Newborn Breastfeeding Tips: What to Expect and How to Prepare
Manu Trisoglio, a North London based doula and breastfeeding counsellor discusses her top tips for breastfeeding a newborn.
Breastfeeding a newborn can be both a rewarding and challenging experience. Many new mums are surprised by the reality of life with a newborn—frequent feeds, disrupted sleep, and the learning curve of getting a comfortable latch. Here’s what you need to know to set yourself up for success.
What to Expect in the Early Days
The First 24-48 Hours Are Crucial for Milk Supply
Colostrum, the first milk, is produced in small drops but is highly concentrated with nutrients and antibodies.
It helps to close the baby’s leaky gut lining, providing essential immune protection.
Colostrum also acts as a natural laxative, helping to clear meconium from the baby’s gut.
It’s essential to offer the breast as much as possible in these early hours and avoid going longer than 3 hours without stimulating the breast—either through baby feeding or hand expressing.
Frequent Feeding is Normal
Newborns have tiny stomachs and need to feed often—usually 8-12 times in 24 hours.
Cluster feeding is common, particularly in the evenings. This is your baby’s way of increasing milk supply.
Keep baby close and spend lots of time skin-to-skin—if they are “at the bar,” they can put in an order anytime they want!
Once your milk comes in (usually around day 3, but sometimes later if you've had a c-section or for other reasons), your baby will typically continue feeding at least 8-12 times in 24 hours to maintain and establish a good milk supply.
Night feeds are particularly important because prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk production, is highest at night. Going too long without feeding (more than 4-5 hours) can signal to your body to slow down milk production.
Possible reasons for a delay in milk coming in include:
C-section birth – hormonal changes that trigger milk production can be slightly delayed.
Excessive blood loss during birth – affects hormonal signalling for milk production.
Retained placenta fragments – can interfere with milk supply hormones.
Diabetes or PCOS – some metabolic conditions can impact lactation.
Thyroid disorders – can affect milk production.
Severe swelling (oedema) from IV fluids – can cause temporary engorgement without effective milk transfer.
Insufficient breast stimulation in the early days – infrequent feeding or supplementing with formula can slow milk supply establishment.
Sleep in Short Chunks
Expect to sleep in 1-2 hour slots as your baby feeds frequently around the clock.
Night feeds are normal and essential for maintaining milk production.
Prolactin levels (the hormone that drives milk production) are highest at night, so feeding overnight helps to establish and maintain a good supply.
Many new parents have no idea how demanding life with a newborn can be, and old routines will go out the window.
Getting a full night’s sleep is a thing of the past for a while—you have to make the most of any opportunity to rest.
This will probably look like getting an hour here, maybe 3 hours there if you’re lucky, so prioritise sleep whenever you can.
Fussing at the Breast is Common
Babies might bob on and off the breast, pull away, or fuss during feeds for several reasons:
Discomfort from birth – Some babies may have tension from birth and benefit from seeing an osteopath for gentle corrections.
Fast letdown – If your milk flows too quickly, baby may feel like they’re choking. Try hand-expressing a little before the feed, feeding in a laid-back or side-lying position, or taking short breaks during the feed.
Engorgement or firm breasts – If your breasts are too full, baby may struggle to latch. Hand express a little milk beforehand to soften the breast.
Overstimulation or overtiredness – A calm, dimly lit environment can help create a better feeding atmosphere.
Reflux or wind – If baby is pulling away and seems uncomfortable, they may need more frequent winding during feeds.
Latch Issues Can Happen
A good latch should feel comfortable and not cause pain.
Signs of a poor latch include clicking noises, shallow attachment, and nipple pain.
If baby’s latch is too shallow, they may struggle to remove milk effectively, which can impact milk supply over time.
If you experience pain, try adjusting baby's position so their chin is deeper into the breast and their nose is free.
Some babies may have tongue-tie, which can restrict movement and cause latch difficulties—this is worth assessing if feeding is persistently painful or ineffective.
Seek support from a lactation consultant (IBCLC) or breastfeeding counsellor if needed.
Sore Nipples Aren’t ‘Normal’
Some sensitivity is common in the early days, but pain or damage signals an issue.
Check latch and positioning, use breast compressions, and consider applying expressed breast milk or a lanolin-free balm for healing.
Moist wound healing can help prevent scabs from forming, which can prolong recovery.
Silver nipple cups can promote healing, but they should not be left on for extended periods or allow milk to collect inside, as prolonged moisture can lead to maceration of the nipple tissue, slowing healing.
A combination of a lanolin-free balm with a hydrogel or hydrocolloid dressing can help promote healing while preventing excessive moisture buildup.
If soreness persists, get support early rather than waiting for things to improve on their own.
Your Milk Supply is Regulated by Demand
Your body produces milk in response to frequent feeding.
If milk is not removed regularly, a protein called Feedback Inhibitor of Lactation (FIL) accumulates in the breast. FIL signals the body to slow down milk production, as it assumes the milk is not needed.
Avoid unnecessary top-ups unless medically advised, as they can impact milk supply.
Learning hand expression before birth (see my Get Breastfeeding Off to the Best Start Workshop) can be invaluable. Expressing colostrum in the early days means you have your own milk available if midwives are concerned about baby’s weight or intake, rather than feeling pressured to offer formula top-ups.
Sometimes, parents are told to feed every 2-3 hours but weren’t given guidance on ensuring baby is actually transferring milk, rather than just sucking for comfort. Hand expression can help provide additional milk when needed.
Final Thoughts
The early days of breastfeeding can be intense, but understanding what to expect can help you feel more confident. Frequent feeding, short bursts of sleep, and occasional challenges with latch or fussing are all normal parts of the journey. With the right support and knowledge, you can navigate these early weeks successfully.
If you're preparing for breastfeeding, consider attending my Get Breastfeeding Off to the Best Start Workshop, where you'll learn essential skills like hand expression, positioning, and how to avoid common pitfalls. Support makes all the difference—you're not alone!
