Breastfeeding Basics: Tips for First-Time Moms (GET YOUR FREEBIE AT THE END!)
The First Week of Breastfeeding: Beautiful, Overwhelming, and a Little Messy 🤍
Here’s the truth: breastfeeding in the first week can feel like a full-time job, an extreme sport, and a heart-melting bonding experience all at once. One moment, you’re in awe of your baby’s tiny fingers grasping yours, and the next, you’re wondering if you’ll ever sleep again while navigating cluster feeding, latching struggles, and the ever-popular ‘Is my baby getting enough milk?’ spiral. (Did you find this blog googling?!)
If you’re feeling like no one warned you about how intense those first days can be—you’re not alone. There’s so much focus on how natural breastfeeding is, but no one tells you that natural doesn’t always mean easy.
So let’s get real about what you really need to know about breastfeeding before your baby arrives. I’m here to share the unfiltered truth, expert tips, and what can actually make those first few days easier (because, yes, it does get easier!).
1. The First Few Days Are a Learning Curve (And That’s Okay!)
Breastfeeding doesn’t always just click right away. Your baby is learning, you’re learning, and those first few days are a mix of trial, error, and a whole lot of skin-to-skin snuggles.
🗸 What to expect:
Your baby’s tummy is tiny at birth, so they need frequent, small feedings.
It may take a few days for your full, mature milk to come in—colostrum (aka “liquid gold”) is enough in the meantime!
Some latches are awkward at first. Don’t be afraid to reposition or try again! Learning to unlatch is almost just as important in those early dates!
🔹 Pro tip: Instead of stressing, focus on getting a deep latch, doing lots of skin-to-skin, and reaching out for support if needed.
2. A Good Latch Makes ALL the Difference
A shallow latch is like wearing shoes that are too small—uncomfortable at best, painful at worst. The key to comfortable, effective nursing? A deep, asymmetrical latch.
🗸 Signs of a good latch:
Baby’s mouth is wide open, lips flanged out (think fish lips!)
More of the bottom of your areola is in their mouth than the top
It doesn’t feel pinchy or painful (of if it does, it doesn’t last longer than 10 seconds!)
🔹 Try this: Instead of bringing your breast to baby, bring baby to your breast with their nose lined up to your nipple. This helps them open wide for a deeper latch!
3. It Shouldn’t Hurt (Beyond the First Few Seconds)
A little tenderness? Normal. Toe-curling pain? Not normal. If you’re wincing through every feeding, something isn’t right.
🗸 Common causes of pain & solutions:
Shallow latch? Try the deep latch technique mentioned above.
Lip or tongue tie? A lactation consultant can assess for restrictions.
Engorgement? Hand express a little milk before latching to soften the breast.
🔹 Pro tip: Pain isn’t something to push through—it’s a sign to adjust. If something feels off, reach out for lactation support ASAP!
4. Cluster Feeding is a Thing—And It’s Normal!
Your newborn will have times when they want to nurse nonstop, especially in the evening. This is called cluster feeding—and it’s not a sign you aren’t making enough milk.
🗸 Why babies cluster feed:
It helps boost your milk supply to meet their growing needs.
It soothes them during developmental leaps.
It’s nature’s way of making sure they get extra calories before a longer sleep stretch.
🔹 What to do: Get comfy, grab snacks, and binge-watch your favorite show while baby nurses on repeat. This phase doesn’t last forever!
5. Your Milk Supply is Supply-and-Demand
Breastfeeding works on a simple concept: the more milk is removed, the more milk your body makes.
🗸 Ways to maintain a strong supply:
Nurse on demand, not by the clock.
Ensure a deep latch and effective milk removal.
Stay hydrated and well-fed (breastfeeding hunger is real!).
🔹 Pro tip: If you do need to pump, the best time is in the morning when supply is naturally higher!
6. Getting SuPport Early Can Make All the Difference
One of the best things you can do? Line up support BEFORE you need it. Breastfeeding challenges are much easier to solve with expert guidance.
🗸 Ways to get the right support:
Take a prenatal breastfeeding class to start with confidence.
Connect with a lactation consultant for in-person or virtual support.
Join a breastfeeding group to meet other mamas who get it.
🔹 Need help? Looma Birth offers virtual breastfeeding support & in-person lactation consults. Schedule a session today!
Ready to Feel Confident in Your Breastfeeding Journey?
Mama, breastfeeding is a journey—one that comes with learning curves, triumphs, and a whole lot of love. With the right support, knowledge, and a little patience, you’ve got this.
Need expert lactation support? Book a virtual or in-person session with Looma today! Let’s make breastfeeding work for you. 🤍
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Drop a comment below! Are you hoping to meet other first-time mamas? Learn more about birth options? Just find someone to talk to about weird pregnancy cravings? I’d love to hear from you!
