Breastfeeding in the First Week: What Every New Mom Should Know

The first week of breastfeeding sets the foundation for your entire nursing journey. While it's natural, it's not always easy—and that's okay. Here's what to expect and how to troubleshoot common challenges.

Day by Day: What to Expect

Day 1: Colostrum Is Enough

Your baby needs only drops of colostrum (the thick, yellow "first milk") in the first day. Their stomach is the size of a marble.

What's normal:

• Baby may be sleepy after birth
• Short, frequent nursing sessions
• Only a few wet/dirty diapers

Focus on:

• Skin-to-skin contact
• Letting baby nurse on demand
• Learning to latch

Days 2-3: Frequent Feeding

Babies often "cluster feed" on days 2-3, sometimes nursing constantly. This is exhausting but important.

What's normal:

• Very frequent feeding (every 1-2 hours)
• Baby seems hungry all the time
• Your nipples may be tender
• Baby losing up to 7-10% of birth weight

Focus on:

• Keeping baby skin-to-skin
• Not supplementing unless medically needed
• Resting between feeds
• Staying hydrated

Days 3-5: Milk Coming In

Your milk "comes in" around days 3-5. You'll know because:

• Breasts become fuller, heavier
• You may feel warmth or tingling
• Baby swallows more audibly during feeds
• More wet and dirty diapers

What's normal:

• Breast engorgement (sometimes painful)
• Leaking
• Baby nursing more efficiently
• Possible mood changes (day 3-5 is common for "baby blues")

Focus on:

• Frequent nursing to relieve engorgement
• Cold compresses between feeds for comfort
• Warm compresses before feeds to help milk flow
• Avoiding bottles unless necessary

Days 5-7: Establishing Patterns

By the end of week one, you should see:

• 6+ wet diapers per day
• 3-4+ yellow, seedy stools per day
• Baby regaining birth weight by day 10-14
• Feeding sessions becoming more predictable

Getting a Good Latch

A proper latch is essential for comfort and effective feeding.

Signs of a Good Latch

• Wide mouth around the areola (not just nipple)
• Lips flanged outward (like a fish)
• Chin touching breast
• Nose free or just touching breast
• Rhythmic sucking and swallowing sounds
• No clicking or smacking
• Comfortable (mild discomfort initially is okay; pain is not)

How to Achieve It

1. Position baby tummy-to-tummy with you
2. Support your breast with a C or U hold
3. Wait for baby to open wide (touch lip to nipple)
4. Bring baby to breast quickly when mouth is wide open
5. Aim nipple toward roof of baby's mouth
6. Check for flanged lips and good coverage

If the Latch Hurts

• Break suction with your finger
• Reposition and try again
• Pain should decrease as latch is corrected
• Persistent pain needs professional evaluation

Common First-Week Challenges

Sore Nipples

Mild tenderness is normal; sharp, lasting pain is not.

Prevention:

• Ensure proper latch
• Vary nursing positions
• Let nipples air dry after feeding
• Use lanolin or nipple balm

Relief:

• Express a few drops of milk and let dry on nipples
• Apply warm compresses
• Try hydrogel pads
• Contact a lactation consultant if pain continues

Engorgement

When milk comes in, breasts can become painfully full.

Relief:

• Nurse frequently (every 2-3 hours)
• Hand express a little before latching to soften areola
• Cold cabbage leaves between feeds (yes, really)
• Gentle massage during feeding
• Avoid pumping excessively (signals body to make more milk)

Sleepy Baby

Some babies are too sleepy to eat well in the first days.

How to wake baby:

• Unwrap from blankets
• Change diaper
• Skin-to-skin contact
• Cool washcloth on face
• Stroke feet or back
• Talk to baby

When to worry:

• Fewer than 8 feeds in 24 hours
• Baby impossible to wake
• No wet diapers for 8+ hours
• Signs of jaundice (yellowing)

Low Milk Supply Concerns

Most women make enough milk, but it can be hard to tell at first.

Signs baby is getting enough:

• Adequate wet and dirty diapers
• Weight gain after initial loss
• Audible swallowing during feeds
• Baby satisfied after feeding (at least sometimes!)

True low supply can result from:

• Insufficient glandular tissue
• Previous breast surgery
• Thyroid issues
• PCOS
• Severe postpartum hemorrhage
• Baby not nursing effectively

If you're concerned, see a lactation consultant before supplementing.

Breastfeeding Positions

Try different positions to find what works:

Cradle Hold

Classic position with baby's head in crook of your arm. Great once baby has more head control.

Cross-Cradle Hold

Hold baby with the opposite arm, supporting their head with your hand. Good for newborns and establishing latch.

Football (Clutch) Hold

Baby tucked under your arm like a football. Great for cesarean recovery and large breasts.

Side-Lying

Both you and baby lie on your sides facing each other. Wonderful for night feeds and rest.

Laid-Back (Biological Nurturing)

Recline and let baby lie on your chest, finding their own way to latch. Utilizes baby's natural reflexes.

When to Seek Help

Contact a lactation consultant or your provider if:

• Persistent pain during or after nursing
• Cracked, bleeding, or damaged nipples
• Baby not regaining weight appropriately
• Fewer than 6 wet diapers after day 4
• You feel like something isn't right
• Baby has trouble latching or staying latched
• Signs of thrush or mastitis

Building Your Support System

Before birth:

• Find a lactation consultant (IBCLC is the gold standard)
• Know your insurance coverage for lactation support
• Locate local La Leche League or breastfeeding support groups
• Discuss breastfeeding goals with your partner

After birth:

• Use hospital lactation consultants before discharge
• Schedule a follow-up LC appointment for week one
• Join online breastfeeding communities
• Don't be afraid to ask for help

The Mental Side of Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding comes with complicated feelings:

• Pressure to succeed
• Guilt if it's not going well
• Touch aversion or overwhelm
• Pride and connection

Remember:

• Fed is best
• Breastfeeding doesn't define your worth as a mother
• Combo feeding (breast and bottle) is valid
• Your mental health matters too

The Bottom Line

The first week of breastfeeding is often the hardest. If you can get through these early days with support and patience, it typically gets much easier.

Don't suffer in silence. Help is available, and small adjustments often make a huge difference. Whether you nurse for a week or a year, you're giving your baby a beautiful gift.

Include your feeding preferences in your birth plan so your care team can support your goals from the very first feed.