MEDICALLY REVIEWED BY
Melissa Kotlen, BA, BSN, RN, IBCLC
Melissa Kotlen has spent more than 22 years helping mothers navigate breastfeeding, pumping, nipple pain and soreness, latch questions, milk supply concerns, and the emotional side of feeding a baby. She is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), a Registered Nurse (RN), and a former Labor and Delivery Nurse at The Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. Over the years, Melissa has supported thousands of mothers in private practice, hospital settings, classrooms, support groups, and volunteer spaces. She has also been there personally as a mom of three. That mix of clinical experience and real motherhood is why her guidance feels so practical. She understands that postpartum care is not about doing everything perfectly. It is about getting the support, tools, and reassurance you need to move through each day with a little more comfort.
You've watched videos and practiced holding a doll in your childbirth class. Now, your newborn is in your arms, and getting comfortable feels different than you imagined. You adjust your pillow, offer your breast, and wonder whether your baby knows what to do.
You might wonder how to position your baby's head, tell whether they are swallowing, or know how to respond when breastfeeding hurts.
Breastfeeding takes practice for both of you. In the early days, you may have questions at every feed.
This guide offers practical advice for getting comfortable and helping your baby latch, alongside reassurance about common newborn feeding patterns. We also highlight some signs that feeding is going well, and when difficulties warrant extra support.For guidance beyond the newborn stage, explore our breastfeeding resource center.
This information is for healthy, full-term newborns and does not replace individualized care. Premature babies and babies with other medical concerns may need a different feeding plan.
Breastfeeding in the first 24 hours: what to expect
A lot can happen in the first 24 hours of your newborn's life. Here's what to expect when it comes to breastfeeding.
1. When should you breastfeed your newborn for the first time?
If you and your baby are medically stable, aim to begin breastfeeding within the first hour after birth. Skin-to-skin contact gives your baby an opportunity to find the breast while your care team helps you get comfortable. Your care team can help you stay safely positioned.
Your care team can also help with recognition of hunger cues. Watch for your baby turning toward your chest or opening their mouth. Hands moving toward the mouth can also signal hunger. Offering the breast before crying begins may make attachment easier.
The first feeding experience varies among newborns. Some newborns latch readily, while others may lick, nuzzle, or need several attempts. You do not have to work this out alone. A nurse, midwife, and/or lactation consultant can assess attachment and milk transfer by watching your newborn feed.
2. Is colostrum enough for a newborn?
Colostrum, often called your "first milk," is produced in small amounts.¹ Milk production typically increases over the following days. For many healthy, full-term newborns, colostrum meets their early needs when feeding is effective.
However, the amount you express, on its own, cannot confirm whether your infant is adequately nourished. In addition to feeding, your care team will be assessing diaper output and your baby's weight to make sure things align with what they expect.
If your baby needs additional milk for a medical reason, it may be helpful to ask your care team how to meet that need while continuing to support breastfeeding.
3. Who to ask for help in the hospital or birth center
If you find yourself needing assistance with early breastfeeding, your bedside nurse or midwife is a good starting point. You can also request an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, or IBCLC.
Before discharge, ask a member of your care team to observe a complete feeding and show you how to express milk. They can point out signs of effective feeding and help identify any difficulties early.If you plan to use a breast pump, you can also ask for guidance on flange fit and comfortable use.
4. Shallow latch or sleepy newborn: Why does my baby fall asleep while breastfeeding?
Newborns can become sleepy at the breast, but falling asleep does not necessarily mean that they have had enough milk. Sometimes, difficulty maintaining a deep latch makes feeding less effective.
A shallow latch (or "lazy latch") and sleepiness can occur together, so watch for suckling and swallowing before your baby drifts off.
Swallowing can be subtle during colostrum feeds. If you are unsure, ask your nurse or lactation consultant to watch a full feeding. Repeatedly falling asleep before active drinking deserves attention, especially if diaper output is low. If your newborn is difficult to wake or cannot stay awake long enough to feed, contact their clinician promptly.
5. Should I wake my newborn up to feed them?
Yes, you may need to wake your newborn up to make sure they're getting enough feeds. Most newborns breastfeed 8-12 times in 24 hours, sometimes more. Offer the breast when early hunger cues appear, even if the previous feed was recent. In the early days, sleepy babies may need waking so they feed often enough; follow your care team's advice about the longest interval appropriate for your baby.",³. Measure the interval from the start of one feed to the start of the next.
Skin-to-skin contact or a diaper change may help your baby wake up. If they remain too sleepy to suck effectively, contact a licensed professional immediately.
6. Feeling overwhelmed after birth: What to know about baby blues
The first day can feel different from what you imagined. You are recovering from birth, and even familiar instructions may be hard to remember. Ask your care team to explain one thing at a time.
Baby blues commonly begin around two to four days after birth. You might cry more easily or feel unusually anxious. These changes should begin to subside within two weeks.
Contact your maternity care provider sooner if symptoms become intense or interfere with daily care. Symptoms extending beyond two weeks should be evaluated by a licensed professional.
How to get a good latch (with a 5-point self-check)
1. What is a good latch?
A good latch refers to proper attachment of your baby's mouth to your breast during breastfeeding. A good latch allows your baby to take the nipple and surrounding breast tissue deeply into their mouth while feeding comfortably and effectively. How much areola remains visible varies. Assess the latch together with swallowing, your comfort, and your baby's intake and growth.
2. Deep latch vs shallow latch: what changes
A deep latch brings your nipple and surrounding breast tissue into your baby's mouth. With a shallow latch, your nipple may become compressed near the front of the mouth, making feeding painful.
Start with your baby close, facing you. A good measure is making sure your baby does not have to turn to access your breast. Position your nipple opposite their nose, then brush it against their upper lip. Wait for a wide-open mouth before bringing them toward you, chin first.
Support your baby's neck and shoulders while allowing their head to tip back slightly. Avoid pushing the back of their head toward the breast. For a closer look at chin-first attachment, see our guide to an asymmetrical latch.
3. The 5-point latch self-check table
| Check | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Body alignment | Your baby faces you closely without twisting their neck. |
| Wide mouth | The mouth takes in surrounding breast tissue, with lips turned outward. |
| Chin and breathing | The chin touches the breast, and breathing remains unobstructed. |
| Milk transfer | Sucking develops a rhythm with pauses and swallowing. |
| Your comfort | You feel pulling rather than persistent pinching; your nipple is not creased afterward. |
4. What to do if breastfeeding hurts
Persistent pain is a reason to adjust the feed. Gently place a clean finger into the corner of your baby's mouth to release suction, then try again.
Bring your baby closer and wait for a wider mouth. If pain continues, ask for help rather than repeatedly feeding through it. Cracked skin or a flattened nipple after feeding also warrants assessment.
How to position your newborn comfortably
The best breastfeeding position is one that balances comfort with feeding efficiency. The cross-cradle position can be a great initial position because it gives you more control over attachment.
Cradle, cross-cradle, football and side-lying: which one to try first
| Position | How it works |
|---|---|
| Cross-cradle | Support your baby with the arm opposite the feeding breast, with your hand supporting their neck and shoulders. |
| Cradle | Hold your baby across your front with their head supported by the arm on the feeding side. |
| Football | Position your baby beside you, tucked under your arm with their feet pointing behind you. |
| Side-lying | Lie facing your baby, keeping their body close and mouth level with your nipple. |
Ask your care team to demonstrate a position before trying it independently. No matter the position, make sure you are bringing your baby toward your breast, rather than hunching forward to reach them. It's important to remain awake during side-lying feeds. If you feel very sleepy, ask an alert adult to help and plan where your baby will sleep after feeding. Avoid feeding on a sofa or armchair when you might fall asleep. For a step-by-step comparison, explore our guide to breastfeeding positions.
How long and how often to feed
Most newborns breastfeed about 8 to 12 times in 24 hours. As a baseline, feed when you notice hunger cues, and ensure you are feeding no less than every 3 hours for the first 24 hours. There is no required number of minutes per breast. Allow your baby to actively feed on one side, then offer the other side.
First month feeding frequency: at a glance (table)
| Age | Typical pattern | What to remember |
|---|---|---|
| First 24 hours | Offer frequently, aiming for 8 to 12 feeds. | Difficulty waking or attaching deserves support. |
| Days 2 to 7 | Usually 8 to 12 feeds or more daily. | Feeds may occur close together. |
| Weeks 2 to 4 | Frequent feeding continues, commonly 8 to 12 times daily. | Patterns vary as your baby grows. |
Cluster feeding refers to the phenomenon of several feeds happening close together. This most commonly makes its first appearance between days 2 and 7. Feeding patterns will vary as your baby grows. The most important thing to remember is that consistently long feeds with little swallowing warrant evaluation by a professional.
Signs your baby is getting enough milk
1. How to tell if your newborn is getting enough breast milk
During breastfeeding, watch for deeper jaw movements with brief pauses as your baby swallows. After an effective feed, they may relax and release the breast on their own. These are reassuring signs, but falling asleep at the breast does not necessarily mean your newborn has had enough milk.
Diaper output offers another way to track how feeding is going. Expect at least one wet diaper and one dirty diaper in the first 24 hours, with output increasing over the next few days.⁴ By day five, your baby should generally have at least six wet diapers in 24 hours, and their stools should be changing from dark meconium to yellow.
A simple record of breastfeeding sessions and diaper output can be helpful for tracking changes. Your baby's weight checks will help complete the picture.
Before discharge, arrange your baby's first follow-up visit. Newborn assessment commonly occurs at 3-5 days of age, but babies discharged before 48 hours of life should be evaluated within 24-48 hours after discharge. Earlier or additional checks may be needed for feeding concerns, jaundice, weight loss, or other medical needs. If feeding seems ineffective or your baby has fewer wet diapers than expected, contact their clinician rather than waiting for that appointment.
2. Newborn weight loss: What is normal and when to get help
Some newborn weight loss is expected in the first few days as babies lose excess fluid. To assess whether your baby is getting enough breast milk, their clinician will consider weight changes and diaper output.
Weight loss exceeding 10% of birth weight requires further evaluation.⁵ However, a smaller degree of weight loss warrants attention if your baby is feeding poorly or showing signs of dehydration. Diaper counts are useful, but they do not replace weight checks and a feeding assessment.Many breastfed babies regain their birth weight within 7 to 14 days, and follow-up weight checks help confirm their progress.
If your baby seems unwell, contact their clinician rather than waiting for weight loss to reach a certain percentage. A feeding assessment can help determine whether adjusting the latch may improve milk transfer or whether your baby needs additional milk.
How to Burp Your Baby and Manage Spit-Up
How Long to Keep Your Baby Upright and Follow Safe Sleep Practices
Not every breastfed baby needs to burp after every feeding. If your newborn seems uncomfortable, try holding them upright against your shoulder while gently rubbing or patting their back. Another option is to sit them on your lap, supporting their chest and jaw without putting pressure on the throat.
A couple of minutes is usually enough to try. If your baby does not burp but seems comfortable, you can stop rather than continuing until a burp comes.
You may also wonder how long to keep your newborn upright after breastfeeding. There is no set time that every baby needs. If spit-up seems to bother them, holding them upright while you are fully awake may help.
When it is time for sleep, place your baby on their back in their own crib or bassinet with a firm, flat mattress. Even babies with reflux should sleep flat on their backs. Do not elevate the mattress or use a wedge.
When to seek professional help
You do not have to wait until breastfeeding feels unmanageable to ask for support. You do not have to wait until breastfeeding feels unmanageable to ask for support. Reach out when you notice a concern:
- Breastfeeding pain or latch difficulties: If feeding remains painful or your newborn keeps slipping off the breast, a lactation professional can observe a feed and help you find a more comfortable, effective latch.
- Fewer wet or dirty diapers: Contact your baby's clinician promptly if diaper output is lower than expected.
- New or worsening jaundice: Contact your baby's clinician promptly if you notice increased yellowing of your baby's skin or eyes.
- Ineffective feeding or continued weight loss: Contact your baby's clinician promptly if your newborn is not feeding effectively or continues to lose weight after day five. Do not wait for the next routine appointment.
- Difficulty waking or refusal to feed: Seek urgent medical care if your newborn is difficult to wake, refuses feeds, or appears seriously unwell.
- Postpartum emotional distress: Let a licensed health professional know if your emotional distress is becoming difficult to manage.
- Postpartum mental health emergency: Seek emergency care immediately if you have an urge or plan to harm yourself or your baby, or if you experience hallucinations or severe confusion after birth.
Frequently asked questions about breastfeeding a newborn
How long and how often to feed
There is no set number of minutes that every newborn needs. Let your baby continue on the first breast while actively sucking and swallowing, then offer the other side. Most newborns breastfeed 8 to 12 times in 24 hours, sometimes more. If feeds consistently take a long time with little swallowing, ask a lactation professional to observe a session.
What to do after breastfeeding your newborn
If your baby still shows hunger cues, offer the other breast. Once they finish, try burping if they seem uncomfortable. You do not need to keep trying if they appear settled. When your baby is ready to sleep, place them on their back in their own crib or bassinet on a firm, flat mattress.
Do I always have to hold my breast while breastfeeding?
No. Supporting your breast may make it easier to help your baby latch, particularly in the early days. Once they are attached comfortably, you can release your hold if they continue feeding well. If support helps, keep your fingers behind the areola so your baby has room to take a deep mouthful of breast tissue.
What is the hardest day of breastfeeding a newborn?
There is no single hardest day. You may find the first attempts challenging, or feel more overwhelmed a few days later when your baby feeds frequently and your breasts become fuller. Needing help does not mean breastfeeding is going badly. Persistent pain or concerns about milk intake deserve support at any stage.
How do I choose a breast pump?
Start with how often you expect to pump and look for a comfortable fit. A lactation professional can help you assess flange size and decide what suits your needs.
