The first week after birth is a time of enormous adjustment, not just for you but also for your baby. Your baby is learning how to feed, your body is beginning to establish milk production, and you are recovering from pregnancy and birth. Breastfeeding may feel natural for some mothers, but it is also a skill that takes time to learn.
There is no single experience that defines “successful” breastfeeding. Some mothers establish feeding quickly, while others need additional support with positioning, latch, milk supply or recovery. What matters most is that you and your baby are supported, and that your baby is receiving the nutrition they need.
At Maxima Women’s Health, we believe breastfeeding support should be practical, compassionate and free from unnecessary pressure.
To start, we will take you through the changes your body will go through during the first few days after birth.
How Your Body Changes To Support Breastfeeding
In the first days after birth, your body begins a series of changes to help your baby feed and to establish your milk supply.
These changes can feel unfamiliar, but most are a normal part of the transition into breastfeeding. The changes that most commonly happen are:
Your Breasts Begin Preparing For Milk Production
During pregnancy, hormonal changes cause the milk-making tissue in your breasts to grow and develop as they are now needed.
After your placenta is delivered, levels of pregnancy hormones fall, allowing prolactin to stimulate milk production.
Your breasts may feel fuller, warmer, heavier or more tender as this process begins.
Your Milk Supply Responds To Feeding
In the early days, your brain, body and supply are learning about your schedule and how much milk your baby needs.
Each time your baby breastfeeds, or you express milk, signals are sent to your breasts to continue producing milk.
Frequent, effective feeding during the first few days helps establish your supply, even when your breasts do not yet feel full.
Your Nipples And Areola May Change
Your nipples may become more sensitive, and the areola may appear darker or larger. These changes can help your baby see and attach to the breast.
Small bumps on the areola, called Montgomery glands, may also become more noticeable. They release oils that help protect the skin and may contribute to the natural scent that guides your baby towards the breast.
Your Uterus Contracts During Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding releases oxytocin, a hormone that helps your uterus contract after birth. You may feel period-like cramps, particularly during feeds in the first few days.
These contractions help the uterus in its process of returning to something as close to its pre-pregnancy size as it can. These contractions also help reduce postpartum bleeding.
Your Body Prioritises Recovery And Nourishment
Producing milk requires energy, fluids and rest. Your body is going through active changes, is in charge of providing nutrients to a new, growing life and is actively supporting your own healing.
You may feel hungrier or thirstier than usual, especially during or after feeds. It is important that you listen to your body and your energy levels.
Eating regularly, drinking helpful fluids and accepting practical support can help you care for yourself while your body recovers from birth.
Your Baby’s First Milk: Colostrum
Colostrum is the thick, concentrated milk your breasts produce during pregnancy and in the first few days after birth. It may be yellow, golden, white or clear, and it is usually produced in small amounts. It may not always be easy to see. These small amounts are appropriate for a newborn’s tiny stomach, as they generally do not require large amounts at this stage.
Colostrum contains nutrients and protective factors that support your baby’s early development. A few to mention – colostrum is rich in antibodies, immune cells and other protective components that help support your baby’s developing immune system. It also provides concentrated nutrition and is easy for newborns to digest. Its gentle laxative effect can help your baby pass meconium, the first dark, sticky stools.
WHO recommends initiating breastfeeding within the first hour after birth where possible, and continuing to support breastfeeding even when that first hour is not possible because of a caesarean birth, anaesthetic, personal or medical circumstances (WHO, 2023).
Your baby may feed frequently, and you may notice only a few drops when expressing in the first few days. This does not necessarily mean your baby is not receiving enough. Read more in this article about the signs of effective feeding.
It is important to remember that small amounts of colostrum do not automatically mean you have low milk supply. Newborn stomach capacity is small, and early feeding is about frequent opportunities to feed, not about producing large volumes immediately.
How Often Should A Newborn Breastfeed?
During the first week, feeding patterns can change from day to day. A healthy newborn may feed frequently, sometimes seeming to want to breastfeed again shortly after a previous feed.
For healthy, full-term newborns, a practical guide is:
- First 24 hours: Some babies feed several times and may have a longer sleep period after the first feed. Others feed more frequently.
- Days 2–3: Feeding often becomes more frequent, with many babies feeding around 8–12 times or more in 24 hours.
- After day 3: As milk production increases, some babies begin to have slightly longer intervals between feeds, although frequent feeding remains normal.
These are patterns, not strict schedules. A baby’s feeding behaviour can vary, and the number of feeds alone does not tell us whether breastfeeding is going well.
What matters is the combination of feeding cues, latch, milk transfer, wet nappies, stools and weight changes.
Recognising Your Baby’s Feeding Cues
Newborns often show early signs that they are ready to feed before they cry. Responding to these cues can make feeding easier and may help you avoid waiting until your baby is very distressed.
Look for signs such as:
- Becoming more alert or moving around
- Turning their head towards the breast
- Bringing their hands to their mouth
- Opening and closing their mouth
- Making sucking movements
Crying is a later feeding cue. If your baby is already crying, it may help to calm them with skin-to-skin contact before attempting to latch.
Keeping your baby close, including rooming-in with your baby in the same room day and night when possible, allows you to notice these early cues more easily.
When Does General Milk “Come In”?
Milk production usually begins increasing during the first few days after birth. Many mothers notice their breasts becoming fuller, warmer or firmer around day 3, although the timing varies for every woman, and can be different for different births.
This transition is influenced by hormonal changes and frequent milk removal. When a baby suckles, it sends signals that help stimulate ongoing milk production. Frequent feeding in the early days is therefore not simply about satisfying your baby—it is also part of establishing your milk supply for the weeks ahead.
However, breast fullness is not a reliable measure of milk supply. Some mothers may feel very full, while others may have softer breasts and still produce enough milk.
The more useful signs are effective feeding, swallowing, your baby’s output and weight assessment.
What Does A Good Latch Feel Like?
A comfortable, effective latch helps your baby transfer milk and reduces the risk of nipple damage.
A good latch generally involves:
- Your baby’s mouth opening wide before attaching
- More of the areola being taken into the mouth from below than above
- Your baby’s chin touching the breast
- Your baby’s lips being flanged outward
- Rhythmic sucking and swallowing
- Little or no ongoing nipple pain
It is normal for the first few seconds of a feed to feel like a strong tugging sensation. Persistent pain, pinching, cracked nipples or bleeding are reasons to ask for help.
Positioning can also make a significant difference. Mothers recovering from a caesarean section may need help finding a comfortable position that avoids pressure on the incision. A healthcare professional can assist with positioning and attachment, and assess whether milk transfer is effective.
If your baby is having difficulty latching, is unusually sleepy, has fewer wet nappies than expected or you are concerned about feeding, ask a midwife, health visitor, lactation consultant or other qualified healthcare professional for support.
From The Consultation Room
The first week of breastfeeding can bring a mixture of joy, uncertainty and exhaustion. You may find yourself wondering whether your baby is feeding enough, what kind of discomfort is normal, or whether you are doing something wrong.
Here are five common questions we hear in the consulting room, along with what your healthcare team may look at and when it is worth asking for support.
“How Do I Know My Baby Is Getting Enough Milk?”
In the first week, it is normal to have questions about whether your baby is receiving enough milk. Rather than relying on how much you can express or how full your breasts feel, healthcare providers assess several signs together.
These include:
- Feeding frequency and behaviour
- Effective latch and swallowing
- Wet nappies and stools
- Your baby’s weight and any weight changes
- Your baby’s alertness and overall wellbeing
A baby who is breastfeeding effectively should be assessed during the early postpartum period, with follow-up around 3–5 days of life or within 48–72 hours after discharge, depending on the healthcare setting and your baby’s needs.
If you are unsure, ask your midwife, doctor or lactation professional to observe a feed. Sometimes a small adjustment to positioning or attachment can make a meaningful difference.
“Is Breastfeeding Supposed To Hurt?”
Breastfeeding may feel unfamiliar at first, but ongoing pain is not something you should have to endure. Sore or cracked nipples can be associated with positioning or attachment difficulties, and a small adjustment may make feeding more comfortable.
What your doctor or nurse may check: How your baby attaches, your feeding position and whether there is a reason for persistent nipple pain.
A helpful question to ask: “Can you help me find a position and latch that feels comfortable?”
“My Breasts Are Very Full and Painful. Is This Normal?”
Breast fullness is common as milk production increases, but painful, tight breasts that make it difficult for your baby to latch may need attention. Your healthcare provider can help you distinguish normal fullness from engorgement and guide you on feeding or expressing milk to relieve discomfort.
What your doctor or nurse may check: Whether your baby is attaching effectively, whether milk is being removed comfortably and whether you have signs of inflammation or infection.
A helpful question to ask: “My breasts feel very full and my baby is struggling to latch. What can I do to make feeding easier?”
“What If I’m Struggling With Breastfeeding Or Need To Use Formula?”
Needing help does not mean you have failed. Some mothers need additional support with latch, milk supply or feeding after birth. This is a common, very normal part of birth for many women.
If you need to supplement, your healthcare provider can help you understand your options and make a plan that supports your baby’s needs and your own feeding goals.
What your doctor or nurse may check: Your baby’s feeding and weight, your milk supply, and whether additional feeding support is needed.
A helpful question to ask: “Can we talk through the options and make a feeding plan that works for me and my baby?”
“How Do I Pump and Store Expressed Breast Milk?”
Expressing breast milk can be useful if your baby is struggling to latch, you need to be away from your baby, or you would like to offer expressed milk at another feed.
You can express by hand or use a manual or electric pump. It may take a little practice, and the amount you collect can vary—especially during the first few days when your body is producing colostrum.
Before expressing, wash your hands and make sure the pump and any containers that come into contact with the milk are clean. If using a pump, choose a comfortable suction setting and check that the breast shield fits well. Pumping should not cause pinching, bruising or significant pain.
Once expressed, place the milk in a clean breast milk storage bag or a clean glass or hard plastic container with a secure lid. Store it in small amounts to reduce waste, label it with the date and time, and use the oldest milk first.These timeframes are for healthy, full-term babies. Your healthcare team may recommend different guidance for premature or unwell babies.
When you are ready to use frozen milk, thaw it slowly in the refrigerator or place the sealed container in warm water. Do not boil breast milk or heat it in a microwave, as this can create hot spots and damage some of its protective properties. Gently swirl the milk if the fat has separated.
A helpful question to ask your nurses: “Can you show me how to express, clean my pump and store the milk safely for my baby?”
Breastfeeding Support Is Part Of Good Postpartum Care
Breastfeeding is not something you should have to figure out alone. Practical support can include help with positioning, attachment, hand expression, managing engorgement and understanding your baby’s feeding patterns.
If you and your baby need to be temporarily separated, expressing breast milk may help maintain milk production. Healthcare professionals can guide you on appropriate expression and feeding methods for your circumstances.
At Maxima Women’s Health, we believe that postpartum care should include both medical assessment and emotional support. Whether breastfeeding is going smoothly or you are finding it difficult, you deserve clear information, respectful care and a plan that works for you and your baby.
The Maxima Takeaway
The first week of breastfeeding is a time to learn, not a test to pass or something you are supposed to automatically know how to do.
Frequent feeds, changing milk supply and uncertainty are common, but you do not need to navigate them alone. You also do not need to wait until a concern becomes overwhelming before asking for help.
With the right support, small adjustments can make feeding more comfortable and help you feel more confident in your care for your baby.
A conversation with your doctor, nurse or lactation professional can help you understand what is happening and what support is available.
Prepare For Your First Week
Knowing what to expect can make the early days feel less overwhelming.
Explore our services or make an appointment to speak to our team about what breastfeeding support will be available after birth.
Ask For Support Early
You deserve practical help before a small concern becomes a bigger one.
If you are pregnant or recently gave birth, discuss your care and the support available to you with the people around you.
Continue Your Women’s Health Journey
Your body is always communicating with you—understanding those signals is the first step towards better health. Read more about your body, your health and your experiences on the Maxima Women’s Health website.
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