Breastfeeding in the early days is a special time for both you and your baby — but it’s completely normal for it to come with a few worries too. It helps to remember that babies are programmed to breastfeed, and with a little guidance, most will comfortably and easily find their way to the breast.
Ciara Butler, IBCLC and Vice President of the Association of Lactation Consultants in Ireland, shares her expert advice for newborn breastfeeding during those first few days.
Breastfeeding is the natural way to feed your baby — it’s convenient, free, and helps build a strong bond between you and your new baby.
In this article:
- Why skin-to-skin contact matters
- How often to feed your newborn
- Recognising your baby’s feeding cues
- Getting a good latch
- How long feeds should last
- How to tell your baby is getting enough milk
- Where to get breastfeeding support
Skin-to-Skin Contact Is Important
When your baby is born, try to avoid separation where possible. This can sometimes be difficult in a hospital setting, but you can ask your midwife to place your baby skin-to-skin as soon as possible after birth. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends at least one hour of uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth.
Skin-to-skin has multiple benefits for you and your baby:
- It calms and relaxes both you and your baby
- It regulates your baby’s heart rate, temperature and breathing
- It stimulates your baby’s digestion and feeding behaviour
- It protects your baby from infection by allowing friendly bacteria from your skin to colonise theirs
Skin-to-skin goes far beyond the delivery room. You can use it throughout your breastfeeding journey, and it’s especially helpful in the early days for encouraging a sleepy baby to feed.
How Often Should I Feed My Baby?
Newborn babies need very frequent feeds. One reason for this is that their tummies are still tiny:
- Day 1: Your baby’s tummy is about the size of a small marble and holds roughly 5–7ml per feed.
- Day 3: Your baby’s tummy is about the size of a walnut and holds roughly 20–25ml per feed.
- Day 7: Your baby’s tummy is about the size of an egg and holds roughly 30–60ml per feed.
The other important reason for frequent feeds is that the more your baby feeds, the more milk you will produce. Aim for at least 8–10 feeds in a 24-hour period to support your baby’s growth and your milk supply. Some babies will feed even more often than this — anything from every 1 to 3 hours is normal.
How Will I Know My Newborn Is Hungry?
Recognising your baby’s feeding cues makes a real difference to your newborn breastfeeding experience — crying is actually a late feeding cue. A crying baby can be harder to latch, so try to offer the breast while your baby is still calm.
Early feeding cues to look out for:
1. Hand to mouth
2. Lip smacking
3. Rooting
4. Arm and leg cycling
Any Tips for Latching My Baby?
Getting to grips with a good latch is one of the biggest challenges new mums face.
- Get into a comfortable, supported position first — laid-back positions work well and help stimulate your baby’s natural feeding reflexes (sometimes called biological nurturing).
- Aim for a deep latch. This helps prevent sore nipples and allows your baby to transfer milk effectively.
- Breastfeeding shouldn’t be painful. Some initial discomfort as your baby latches is common, but if pain continues for more than 30 seconds, take your baby off gently and re-latch.
How Long Should My Baby Feed For?
There’s no set time limit on a feed — let your baby decide how long they want to feed on each breast. Every baby is different: some will always feed from both breasts, others from just one at each feed.
You’ll soon get to know your own baby’s rhythm. It’s normal for newborns to cluster feed in the evening, often from around 6 or 7pm — being prepared for this can make things a lot easier.
Night feeds are always a challenge, but they matter for your baby’s growth and for building your milk supply. Night feeding is very normal newborn behaviour, and keeping your baby close to your bed can make it more manageable.
Is My Baby Getting Enough Milk?
Most new mums worry about whether their baby is getting enough milk. As a general rule, what goes in must come out — so wet and dirty nappies are a good indicator of milk transfer.
By around day 5–6, you should expect roughly 3–4 yellow, seedy poos and 6 wet nappies a day.
If you’re at all concerned about your baby’s feeding, ask for help. You can contact your public health nurse, La Leche League, Cuidiú, or an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant).
Where to Get Breastfeeding Support
- ALC Ireland — www.alcireland.ie
- Cuidiú — www.cuidiu-ict.ie
- La Leche League Ireland — www.lalecheleagueireland.com
- Friends of Breastfeeding — www.friendsofbreastfeeding.ie
- Breastfeeding.ie — Ask our Expert
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should a newborn breastfeed?
Most newborns need 8–10 feeds in a 24-hour period, though many feed more often than this. Anything from every 1 to 3 hours is normal in the early weeks.
How do I know my baby is hungry?
Look for early feeding cues rather than waiting for crying — hand to mouth movements, lip smacking, rooting, and arm and leg cycling all signal your baby is ready to feed.
How do I get a good latch?
Start in a comfortable, supported position, aim for a deep latch, and take your baby off and re-latch if pain lasts more than 30 seconds. Breastfeeding shouldn’t hurt once the latch is right.
How can I tell if my baby is getting enough milk?
By day 5–6, expect around 3–4 yellow, seedy poos and 6 wet nappies a day. If you’re unsure, a public health nurse or IBCLC can check feeding and weight gain with you.
Is night feeding normal?
Yes — night feeds are very normal for newborns and help build your milk supply, even though they’re tiring. Keeping your baby close to your bed can make them easier to manage.
You May Also Enjoy
- The Natural Power a Mum Has to Make Baby Calm
- 15 Useful Breastfeeding Tips for Moms to Be
- Where to Get Breastfeeding Help and Support
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