The Complete Beginner's Guide to Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is one of the most natural yet challenging experiences for new mothers. Whether you are expecting your first child or have recently welcomed a new baby, understanding the fundamentals of breastfeeding can help you feel more confident and prepared for this incredible journey.

Understanding the First Few Days

The first few days after birth are crucial for establishing breastfeeding. During this time, your body produces colostrum, often called "liquid gold" due to its rich yellow colour and incredible nutritional properties. Colostrum is packed with antibodies, proteins, and essential nutrients that protect your newborn and support their developing immune system.

Your baby's stomach is remarkably small at birth—about the size of a marble—so they only need small amounts of colostrum in these early days. This is perfectly normal and by design. Frequent feeding during this period helps stimulate your milk production and teaches your baby how to latch and suckle effectively.

Achieving a Good Latch

A proper latch is the foundation of successful breastfeeding. When your baby latches correctly, feeding becomes more comfortable for you and more efficient for your baby. Signs of a good latch include:

• Your baby's mouth is wide open, covering most of the areola (not just the nipple)
• Their lips are flanged outward like fish lips
• You can hear swallowing sounds as they feed
• Feeding feels comfortable after the initial 30-60 seconds
• Your baby's chin is touching your breast and their nose is clear

If you experience persistent pain beyond the first minute of feeding, this may indicate a shallow latch. Try breaking the suction gently by inserting your little finger into the corner of your baby's mouth, then reposition and try again.

Tips for Better Latching

Position yourself comfortably with good back support before attempting to latch. Hold your baby close with their nose level with your nipple, and wait for them to open their mouth wide—like a yawn—before bringing them to the breast. Aim your nipple towards the roof of their mouth rather than straight in.

Recognising Hunger Cues

Babies communicate their hunger through various cues before they start crying. Learning to recognise these early signals helps you respond promptly and makes latching easier, as a calm baby feeds more effectively than a distressed one.

Early hunger cues include stirring from sleep, opening and closing their mouth, turning their head from side to side (rooting), and bringing their hands to their mouth. As hunger increases, you may notice increased movement, stretching, and more urgent rooting. Crying is actually a late hunger cue, so try to feed before your baby reaches this point.

How Often Should You Feed?

Newborns typically feed between 8 to 12 times in a 24-hour period, roughly every 2 to 3 hours. However, this varies significantly between babies and even from day to day. Cluster feeding—when your baby wants to feed very frequently for several hours—is completely normal, particularly in the evening and during growth spurts.

Trust your baby's cues rather than watching the clock. Responsive feeding, where you offer the breast whenever your baby shows hunger signs, helps establish your milk supply and ensures your baby gets the nourishment they need.

Building Your Milk Supply

Breast milk production works on a supply and demand basis. The more frequently and effectively your baby removes milk from your breasts, the more milk your body produces. This is why frequent feeding in the early weeks is so important for establishing a robust supply.

Several factors support healthy milk production:

• Feeding on demand, including during the night
• Ensuring effective milk removal through good latch
• Staying well hydrated and eating nutritious foods
• Getting adequate rest when possible
• Minimising stress where you can

Common Early Challenges

Many mothers experience some difficulties in the early days of breastfeeding. Knowing what to expect can help you feel prepared and know when to seek support.

Nipple tenderness is common in the first week but should not persist. If pain continues beyond the initial latch or is severe, this usually indicates a latch issue that can be corrected. Engorgement—when your breasts become overly full and firm—often occurs around day 3-5 when your mature milk comes in. Frequent feeding, gentle massage, and warm compresses before feeds can help relieve discomfort.

When to Seek Help

While breastfeeding is natural, it does not always come naturally. There is no shame in seeking support from lactation consultants, maternal child health nurses, or breastfeeding support groups. Contact a healthcare professional if you experience:

• Persistent pain during or between feeds
• Cracked, bleeding, or damaged nipples
• Signs of mastitis (red, hot, painful areas on breast with flu-like symptoms)
• Concerns about your baby's weight gain or wet nappy output
• Difficulty with latch that does not improve with repositioning

Creating a Supportive Environment

Successful breastfeeding is easier when you have support. Talk to your partner, family, and friends about how they can help—whether that is bringing you water during feeds, handling household tasks, or simply offering encouragement. Many Australian communities have breastfeeding support groups where you can connect with other mothers on similar journeys.

Remember that every breastfeeding journey is unique. What works for one mother-baby pair may not work for another, and that is perfectly okay. The most important thing is that both you and your baby are healthy and thriving.