Breastfeeding Your Baby

Breastfeeding gives your baby the ideal nutrition during the first months of life and provides many health benefits for both you and your baby. While breastfeeding is natural, it is also a learned skill. It can take time, patience and practice for both mother and baby to become confident.

Don’t worry if breastfeeding doesn’t feel easy straight away. Your midwife, public health nurse and lactation consultant are there to support you.

Getting Started

It is recommended to begin breastfeeding as soon as possible after birth, ideally within the first hour if both you and your baby are well.

Holding your baby skin-to-skin immediately after birth helps:

Keep your baby warm.
Calm your baby.
Encourage your baby’s natural feeding instincts.
Support milk production.
Promote bonding between you and your baby.

Many babies will naturally begin to search for the breast and may self-attach if given the opportunity.

If you have had a caesarean birth or there are medical reasons why feeding is delayed, your healthcare team will help you establish breastfeeding as soon as possible.

Feeding Your Baby Frequently

Newborn babies have very small stomachs and need to feed often.

During the first few weeks:

Feed your baby whenever they show feeding cues.
Aim for at least 8 to 12 feeds every 24 hours.
Allow your baby to feed for as long as they need.
Offer both breasts at each feed if your baby is willing, but don’t worry if they only take one.

It is normal for some babies to feed very frequently, particularly in the evenings or during periods of rapid growth (known as cluster feeding).

Breastfeeding works on a supply-and-demand basis. The more often your baby feeds, the more milk your body will produce.

Early Feeding Cues

Try to feed your baby before they become upset or start crying.

Early feeding cues include:

Stirring from sleep.
Opening their mouth.
Turning their head from side to side (rooting).
Sucking their fingers or fists.
Smacking or licking their lips.
Bringing their hands towards their mouth.

Crying is usually a late sign of hunger. A calm baby often finds it easier to latch on successfully.

Breastfeeding Positions

There is no single “correct” breastfeeding position. The best position is one that feels comfortable for both you and your baby.

Whatever position you choose:

Support your back and shoulders.
Bring your baby to your breast rather than leaning forward.
Hold your baby close.
Keep your baby’s head, shoulders and body in a straight line.
Your baby’s nose should be level with your nipple before latching.

Common breastfeeding positions include:

Cradle Hold

Your baby’s head rests in the bend of your arm on the same side as the breast being used.

Cross-Cradle Hold

You support your baby’s head with the opposite hand. This position often provides more control while learning to breastfeed.

Rugby (Football) Hold

Your baby lies alongside your body under your arm. This position may be particularly comfortable after a caesarean birth or when feeding twins.

Side-Lying Position

Both you and your baby lie on your sides facing one another. This position can be useful for night feeds once breastfeeding is well established.

Helping Your Baby Latch On

A good latch allows your baby to feed effectively while helping to prevent sore nipples.

To help your baby latch:

Hold your baby close with their nose opposite your nipple.
Wait until your baby opens their mouth wide.
Bring your baby quickly onto the breast (rather than moving your breast towards the baby).
Aim your nipple towards the roof of your baby’s mouth.
Your baby’s chin should touch the breast first.
Your baby should take a large mouthful of breast tissue, not just the nipple.

A deep latch allows your baby to remove milk efficiently and helps keep feeding comfortable.

Signs of a Good Latch

When your baby is attached well:

Feeding feels comfortable after the first few sucks.
Your baby’s mouth is wide open.
Their lips are turned outwards.
Their chin is pressed into the breast.
More of the darker area (areola) is visible above the top lip than below the bottom lip.
You can hear or see swallowing.
Your baby’s cheeks remain rounded rather than sucked in.
Your baby appears relaxed during feeding.
Signs Breastfeeding Is Going Well

During the first weeks, signs that your baby is getting enough milk include:

Your baby:
Feeds at least 8 times in 24 hours.
Swallows regularly during feeds.
Appears satisfied after most feeds.
Is alert when awake.
Gains weight appropriately after the normal early weight loss.
Has regular wet and dirty nappies.
Wet nappies

By around day 6, most babies should have:

At least 6 wet nappies every 24 hours.
Pale yellow or almost clear urine.
Dirty nappies

Your baby’s stools change during the first week:

Days 1–2: Black, sticky meconium.
Days 3–4: Green transitional stools.
By Day 5: Yellow, loose, seedy stools in breastfed babies.

These changes are reassuring signs that milk intake is increasing.

Burping Your Baby

Some breastfed babies need to be winded after feeds, while others may not.

You can try burping:

Halfway through a feed.
After feeding.
Whenever your baby seems uncomfortable.

Hold your baby upright against your shoulder or sitting supported on your lap and gently rub or pat their back.

Common Breastfeeding Challenges

Many breastfeeding difficulties can be overcome with early support.

Sore Nipples

Some tenderness during the first few days can be normal, but persistent pain usually suggests that your baby’s attachment could be improved.

To help:

Check your baby’s positioning.
Ensure your baby has a deep latch.
Allow breastmilk to dry naturally on your nipples after feeds.
Change breast pads regularly if using them.

Seek help if nipple pain continues or your nipples become cracked or bleeding.

Engorgement

Around days 3 to 5, your breasts may become full, firm and uncomfortable as your milk comes in.

To ease discomfort:

Feed your baby frequently.
Avoid missing feeds.
Ensure your baby is attached well.
Hand express a small amount of milk before feeding if your breasts are very full.
Blocked Milk Ducts

A blocked duct may feel like a tender lump in the breast.

It often improves by:

Continuing to breastfeed frequently.
Starting feeds on the affected breast.
Gently massaging the area while feeding.
Varying feeding positions.
Mastitis

Mastitis is inflammation of the breast that may be caused by blocked milk ducts or infection.

Symptoms may include:

A painful, red area of the breast.
Flu-like symptoms.
Fever.
Feeling generally unwell.

Continue breastfeeding if possible and seek medical advice promptly, as antibiotics may sometimes be needed.

Sleepy Baby

Some newborn babies are very sleepy during the first few days.

To encourage feeding:

Feed skin-to-skin.
Gently wake your baby by changing their nappy first.
Stroke their feet or back.
Offer feeds frequently.

If your baby is difficult to wake for feeds or is feeding poorly, contact your midwife, maternity hospital or GP.

Cluster Feeding

Many babies feed very frequently for several hours, especially during the evening.

Cluster feeding is normal and helps:

Increase your milk supply.
Meet your baby’s growing nutritional needs.
Comfort your baby.

It does not usually mean that you do not have enough milk.

Looking After Yourself

Breastfeeding mothers should:

Eat a healthy, balanced diet.
Drink according to thirst.
Rest whenever possible.
Accept help from family and friends during the early weeks.

You do not need a special diet while breastfeeding, but a healthy lifestyle supports both your wellbeing and your baby’s.

When to Get Help

Contact your midwife, public health nurse, GP or lactation consultant if:

Breastfeeding is painful throughout feeds.
Your baby is difficult to attach to the breast.
Your baby is very sleepy or refuses feeds.
Your baby has fewer wet or dirty nappies than expected.
You are worried about your milk supply.
Your breasts become very painful, red or swollen.
You develop flu-like symptoms or a fever.

Getting support early can often prevent small feeding difficulties from becoming bigger problems.

Remember

Breastfeeding is a skill that both you and your baby learn together. Every mother and baby are different, and it is normal for breastfeeding to take time to establish. Most early feeding challenges can be resolved with reassurance and practical support.

If you need help, don’t struggle alone. Your maternity hospital team, public health nurse, GP and breastfeeding support services are there to support you every step of the way.