Skin-to-skin contact with your baby in the first hour after birth helps get the first feed off to a good start. Your midwife will help you position your baby safely.
Most babies are alert and keen to breastfeed soon after birth. But every baby is different. Check for signs that your baby is hungry. Your midwife or nurse is there to help and support you.
Signs that your baby is hungry
Breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact
Watch a video explaining the benefits of skin-to-skin contact with your baby in the first hour after birth.
Breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact
Starting your baby's first feed
You and your baby may start the first feed by yourselves. But if you need some guidance, your midwife is there to help and support you.
- Hold your baby close to your breast.
- Stroke your baby’s hands and feet.
- Wait for signs your baby is hungry.
- Let your baby attach to your breast - make adjustments if you need to so that it's easy for your baby to latch.
First days of breastfeeding
Your milk can be yellow, white or clear in the first few days. This is called colostrum.
Your body makes colostrum in small amounts. It is full of antibodies that help your baby fight off infection.
Feeding your baby: the first few days
Mature breast milk
Around 72 hours after the birth, you will notice your breast milk changing. This is commonly described as your 'milk coming in'.
Your breast milk will become lighter in colour, thinner and more watery than colostrum. This is known as mature breast milk. You will also notice an increase in the amount of breast milk you produce and in breast fullness (engorgement).
Breastfeeding works by supply and demand. Frequent feeding and milk removal mean your breasts will make more milk.
The amount of milk will continue to grow and increase in the first 10 to 14 days to meet your baby's needs.
How hospital staff will support you
When you begin breastfeeding, midwives and other staff will show you:
You may need to express breast milk if your baby has difficulty attaching.
They will also teach you how to:
- tell if your baby is getting enough milk
- recognise your baby’s hunger signs
- take care of your breasts and nipples
- use a breast pump
- store breast milk
All hospitals have lactation nurses or midwives. You midwife will organise a referral, if needed.
For example, you may need advice about:
- sore nipples
- how to improve your baby's latch
- a premature baby
- feeding your baby if you or your baby are ill or have a health condition
- feeding a baby with tongue tie
Your midwife can tell you about breastfeeding support you can get when you go home.
Support in hospital and after you go home
Building your milk supply
If you had a caesarean birth (C-section), it may take longer for your milk to come in. This is especially the case if skin-to-skin contact or early feeds are delayed.
There are also other conditions that can delay full milk supply such as gestational diabetes.
You will get support harvesting colostrum if you have a planned C-section, diabetes or any other conditions that may impact your milk supply. You may be referred to a lactation nurse or midwife.
Feeding your baby: the first few days
First weeks of breastfeeding
A newborn can feed 10 to 12 times in 24 hours, during the day and night.
Within a few weeks, your baby may develop a more regular feeding pattern. This will help your body adjust to producing the right amount of milk.
But there may be days when your baby wants to feed a lot. This is normal, however it can be very tiring for you.
Feed your baby as often as they want. This will help you stay comfortable.
Remember to change your breast pads regularly or at every feed, as breast milk may leak from your nipples.
Breast milk meets all your baby's food and drink needs for the first 6 months.
How to tell if your newborn is getting enough breast milk
Midwife Brenda Piper Callan talks about the early stages of breastfeeding (video)
Breastfeeding support
Breastfeeding takes patience and practice.