What to expect during your baby’s first week
THE FIRST 6 DAYS of Breastfeeding
Essential knowledge for a successful breastfeeding journey
The first days of breastfeeding are a period of rapid change for both mother and baby. Feeding patterns, colostrum, milk production and your baby’s behavior can change from one day to the next.
This video series provides practical guidance from the first feed through day six. It explains what new mothers may experience, how breastfeeding develops during the first week and when to ask a midwife, doctor or lactation consultant for additional help.
Every mother and baby will have a different experience. These videos provide general breastfeeding information and do not replace individual medical or lactation advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I expect during the first six days of breastfeeding?
During the first six days, your baby’s feeding behavior and your milk production can change quickly. Your breasts initially produce small amounts of concentrated colostrum. Your baby may feed very frequently, including periods of cluster feeding. As milk production increases, swallowing and wet nappies should become more noticeable. Every mother and baby is different, so ask for professional help if feeding is painful or you are concerned about your baby.
How often should a newborn breastfeed during the first week?
Newborn babies usually breastfeed frequently during the day and night. Feeds may not follow a fixed schedule, and some babies have periods when they want to feed repeatedly within a short time. Respond to early feeding cues such as rooting, opening the mouth, moving the head or sucking the hands. If your baby is unusually sleepy, difficult to wake or regularly misses feeds, contact a healthcare or breastfeeding professional.
Is colostrum enough for my baby during the first days?
Colostrum is the concentrated first milk produced during the early days after birth. It is made in small amounts that correspond with a newborn baby’s small stomach. Frequent feeding helps your baby receive colostrum and stimulates continued milk production. If you are worried about attachment, swallowing, nappies, weight or whether your baby is receiving enough milk, ask a midwife or lactation consultant to assess a complete feed.
When does breast milk normally come in after birth?
Many mothers notice their breasts becoming fuller as milk production increases during the first few days after birth. The timing and experience differ between mothers. Frequent and effective milk removal helps establish milk supply. A delay may occur for several reasons, so seek professional support if your baby is not feeding effectively, you are concerned about milk production or your baby shows signs of not receiving enough milk.
How can I tell whether my newborn is getting enough breast milk?
Useful signs include active sucking and swallowing, the breast feeling softer after feeds, increasing wet and dirty nappies and your baby appearing satisfied after at least some feeds. Nappy patterns change during the first week. From around day five, wet nappies should generally become more frequent. Contact a healthcare professional promptly if your baby is very sleepy, feeding poorly, producing too few wet nappies or causing concern.
Is nipple pain normal during the first week of breastfeeding?
Some tenderness can occur while a mother and baby are learning to breastfeed, but severe, persistent or worsening pain should not be ignored. Pain throughout a feed, cracked or bleeding nipples, or nipples that appear pinched or flattened afterward may indicate an attachment problem. Ask a midwife or lactation consultant to observe a complete feed and help correct the cause of the pain.
When should I get professional breastfeeding help?
Seek help if your baby cannot latch or remain attached, breastfeeding is persistently painful, your nipples are cracked or bleeding, or you are worried about milk supply. You should also contact a healthcare professional if your baby is difficult to wake, feeds poorly, has fewer wet nappies than expected or appears unwell. Obtain urgent medical help if either mother or baby has symptoms requiring immediate attention.
Can Silver Mama nursing cups help during the first days of breastfeeding?
Silver Mama nursing cups are worn between feeds to protect sensitive nipples from rubbing against bras, clothing and breast pads. They are removed before breastfeeding and do not correct an ineffective latch or treat mastitis, thrush or another medical condition. If nipple pain continues, ask a lactation consultant, midwife or doctor to identify and address the underlying cause.