Breastfeeding in the First Week: What's Normal and When to Get Help
Relevant during pregnancy weeks
Breastfeeding in the First Week: What's Normal and When to Get Help
Nobody tells you how hard breastfeeding can be. Or rather, people tell you, but it doesn't sink in until you're sitting in a dark room at 3am with cracked nipples and a crying baby, wondering what you're doing wrong.
Here's the truth: the first week of breastfeeding is tough for most women. But knowing what to expect can make a real difference.
Day One: Colostrum Is Enough
Your milk hasn't "come in" yet, and that's completely normal. In the first 24 hours, your body produces colostrum, a thick, yellowish liquid packed with antibodies and nutrients. It comes in tiny amounts, sometimes just a few millilitres per feed.
This is exactly what your baby needs. A newborn's stomach is roughly the size of a marble. They don't need much.
Your baby will want to feed frequently, sometimes every one to two hours. This is normal. It's not a sign that you don't have enough milk. The frequent feeding helps stimulate your supply.
Days Two to Four: The Learning Curve
This is when things get real. Your baby is figuring out how to latch, and you're figuring out how to hold them. It's awkward. It can hurt.
A good latch shouldn't be painful beyond the first few seconds. If you're wincing through entire feeds, the latch probably needs adjusting. Try bringing your baby closer to your body, aiming their nose toward your nipple, and waiting for a wide open mouth before latching them on.
Your nipples may be tender or slightly cracked. Lanolin cream helps. So does expressing a drop of breast milk and letting your nipples air dry after feeds.
Around day two or three, your baby might cluster feed for hours at a stretch. This is normal and helps bring your milk in. It doesn't mean your baby is starving.
Days Three to Five: Your Milk Comes In
You'll know. Your breasts will feel full, heavy, and possibly quite hard. Some women experience engorgement, where the breasts become painfully swollen. This usually settles within 24 to 48 hours as your body adjusts to your baby's demand.
Cold compresses between feeds can help with swelling. Warm compresses or a warm shower before feeds can help with let-down. Hand expressing a small amount before latching can make it easier for your baby to attach to a very full breast.
This is also when many women feel an intense wave of emotion. The "baby blues" are common around day three to five. Hormonal shifts, sleep deprivation, and the sheer intensity of new parenthood all play a part. If these feelings persist beyond two weeks, it's worth talking to your GP or midwife.
The First Week: Warning Signs
While most breastfeeding challenges in the first week are normal, some signs need attention:
- Your baby hasn't had a wet nappy in more than six hours after day two.
- Your baby is very sleepy and hard to wake for feeds.
- You notice a yellow tint to your baby's skin or eyes (jaundice) that's getting worse.
- Feeding is so painful that you dread every session.
- Your baby isn't regaining their birth weight by two weeks.
If any of these apply, please see your midwife, child health nurse, or GP. Early support makes a big difference.
When to Call a Lactation Consultant
A lactation consultant is a health professional who specialises in breastfeeding support. They can assess your baby's latch, check for tongue or lip ties, and help you find positions that work.
You don't need to wait until things are desperate. Many lactation consultants offer early postnatal visits, sometimes within the first few days. Getting help early can prevent small problems from becoming big ones.
In Australia, some lactation consultant visits are covered by private health insurance. Others offer bulk-billed or subsidised sessions through local health services. Find a lactation consultant near you through our directory.
Building Your Support Network
Breastfeeding doesn't happen in isolation. The people around you matter.
Your partner can help by bringing you water, handling nappy changes so you can rest between feeds, and simply being present during those long night sessions.
A postnatal doula can provide hands-on support during the first weeks. They can help with feeding, settling, and looking after older children while you recover. Find a doula who offers postnatal support through Yokefellow.
The Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) runs a free helpline (1800 686 268) staffed by trained volunteers. They also offer local support groups where you can meet other breastfeeding mothers.
It Gets Easier
By the end of the first week, most women start to feel more confident. Feeds get faster. Latching becomes more automatic. The pain eases.
Not every breastfeeding journey looks the same. Some women breastfeed for years. Some switch to formula after a few weeks. Some combination feed from the start. All of these are valid choices.
What matters is that you have the information and support you need to make the choice that's right for you and your baby.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it normal for breastfeeding to hurt in the first week?
Mild tenderness when your baby first latches is common in the early days. Sharp or ongoing pain during feeds is not normal and usually indicates a latch issue that a lactation consultant or midwife can help fix.
How often should a newborn breastfeed?
Newborns typically feed 8 to 12 times in 24 hours, sometimes more during cluster feeding periods. Feeding on demand rather than a schedule helps establish your milk supply in the first week.
When does breast milk come in?
Colostrum is available from birth. Your transitional milk usually arrives between day two and day five. You may notice your breasts feeling fuller and heavier. Frequent feeding in the first days helps bring your milk in sooner.
How do I know if my baby is getting enough milk?
Track wet and dirty nappies. By day five, your baby should have at least five wet nappies and three or more dirty nappies per day. Steady weight gain after the initial loss is another good sign.
Should I use a breast pump in the first week?
Hand expressing is usually preferred over pumping in the first few days to collect colostrum. A pump may be recommended if your baby cannot latch, if you are separated, or if you need to boost supply on medical advice.