How to get breastfeeding off to a good start.
Breastfeeding doesn’t have to look one particular way. There is no single “right” way to breastfeed—how you get there is up to you and your baby. Your feeding journey will be uniquely yours, with its own rhythms, challenges, and beautiful moments.
That said, there are a few simple things you can keep in mind to help you and your baby get off to a good start.
Breastfeeding Early and Often
When your baby begins to feed, your body gets the signal to make milk. Those first few weeks are an important time for establishing your milk supply, so frequent breastfeeding can help your body learn how much milk your baby needs.
Aim to Breastfeed 8–12 Times a Day
Newborns typically breastfeed frequently—often 8–12 times in a 24-hour period. Nursing often helps ensure your baby is getting what they need while also providing your body with the stimulation it needs to build your milk supply.
Remember, every baby is different. Frequent feeding is normal, especially in those early days and weeks.
Watch Your Baby, Not the Clock
It can be tempting to follow a strict schedule, such as feeding every two hours. But babies don't always follow the clock—and that's okay!
It is completely normal for your baby to want to nurse more frequently at times. There may also be periods when they go closer to three hours between feeds.
Instead of focusing solely on the clock, watch your baby and respond to their cues. If you ever have concerns about how often your baby is feeding, reach out to your healthcare provider or a lactation specialist.
Learn Your Baby’s Hunger Cues
Catching hunger cues early can make breastfeeding easier for both you and your baby.
Some early hunger cues include:
Sucking on their fist or hands
Turning their head and looking for the breast
Making mouthing movements
Smacking or licking their lips
Crying is a late hunger cue. Once a baby becomes very upset or distressed, it can sometimes be more difficult for them to settle and latch effectively.
Learning to recognize those early cues can help you get baby to the breast before they become overly frustrated.
Let Baby Take the Lead
Allow your baby to nurse for as long as they wish on each breast. You don't have to stop a feeding after a certain number of minutes simply because the clock says it's time to switch.
Allowing baby to finish on one breast before offering the other can help them receive the milk available throughout the feeding, including the higher-fat milk that becomes available as the breast is emptied.
This is something I love to talk about in more depth during lactation sessions because understanding how milk changes throughout a feed can help take some of the guesswork out of breastfeeding.
Consider Limiting Artificial Nipples in the Beginning
In order to get breastfeeding off to a good start, if possible, consider limiting bottles, pacifiers, and other artificial nipples during the first few weeks while you and your baby are working on establishing a comfortable, effective latch.
Of course, there are many circumstances where bottles or supplementation maybe necessary or appropriate. There is no shame in using them when needed. If you're unsure about what is right for your baby, your healthcare provider or lactation specialist can help you create a plan that supports your feeding goals.
There’s More to a Good Start
These tips are just the beginning. There are so many other pieces of the breastfeeding puzzle that can help you feel more confident, including:
Skin-to-skin contact
Comfortable breastfeeding positions
Achieving an effective latch
Understanding newborn weight expectations
Knowing what to expect with diapers and output
Understanding normal newborn feeding patterns
Recognizing when to ask for help
Breastfeeding is a learned skill—for both mama and baby. It's okay if it doesn't feel natural right away. It's okay to have questions. And it's okay to need support.
My Own Breastfeeding Journey
I personally breastfed my babies for 14 months each. Both experiences were different.
There were ups and downs, moments of exhaustion, and moments of absolute bliss. Breastfeeding wasn't always easy, but having support and understanding made such a difference.
And that's exactly why I love working with mamas during their breastfeeding journeys.
Your breastfeeding journey is yours. Your goals are yours. And my role is to support you as you work toward what feels right for you and your baby. Whether you're preparing for your first baby, navigating breastfeeding with a new little one, or simply looking for reassurance and guidance, I'm here to help you feel more confident and supported along the way.
You don't have to figure it all out alone.
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