Breastfeeding Basics: A Complete Guide to Getting Started

Breastfeeding is often described as "natural," but that doesn't mean it comes naturally to every mother and baby. It's a learned skill for both of you—and like any skill, it takes practice, patience, and often some help to master. The good news is that with the right information and support, most mothers who want to breastfeed can do so successfully. Understanding what to expect and knowing where to get help makes all the difference.

The First Hours and Days: Colostrum and Early Feeding AAP

In the first days after birth, your body produces colostrum—a thick, yellowish "first milk" that's different from the mature milk that comes later. Don't let the small amounts fool you: colostrum is exactly what your newborn needs. It's packed with antibodies, protein, and nutrients in concentrated form, perfectly suited to your baby's tiny stomach (which is only about the size of a cherry at birth). AAP

Colostrum serves several important purposes. It provides passive immunity, passing antibodies from mother to baby that help protect against infections during the vulnerable newborn period. It has a laxative effect that helps baby pass meconium (the first dark, tarry stools) and reduces the risk of jaundice. And it lines the digestive tract, preparing it for the mature milk to come.

Your mature milk typically "comes in" between days 2-5 after birth. You'll know it's happening because your breasts will become noticeably fuller, firmer, and heavier. This transition can be dramatic—some women go up a cup size or more—and your breasts may feel uncomfortably full. Frequent feeding helps relieve this fullness and establishes your milk supply. AAP

The first hour after birth is sometimes called the "golden hour" for breastfeeding. Babies are often alert and ready to feed during this time, and early skin-to-skin contact supports breastfeeding success. If possible, try to put baby to breast within the first hour, though don't worry if circumstances prevent this—successful breastfeeding can begin later too.

How Often to Feed: Understanding Your Baby's Needs AAP

Newborns need to eat frequently—usually 8-12 times in 24 hours, or about every 2-3 hours. This may seem like a lot, but remember that breast milk is quickly and easily digested, and your baby's stomach is small. Frequent feeding is normal and healthy; it doesn't mean you don't have enough milk.

Watch for hunger cues rather than feeding on a strict schedule. Early cues include rooting (turning toward anything that touches their cheek), bringing hands to mouth, lip smacking, and increased alertness or movement. By the time your baby is crying, they're showing late hunger cues and may be too upset to latch well. Catching hunger cues early makes feeding easier for everyone. AAP

Cluster feeding—when baby wants to nurse very frequently for several hours, often in the evening—is completely normal. It doesn't mean your milk supply is low; it's just how babies eat. Cluster feeding may be related to growth spurts, the normal evening fussiness many babies have, or simply a natural feeding pattern.

In the early weeks, you'll probably feel like you're feeding constantly. This intensity does ease as your baby gets bigger and can take in more milk at each feeding. By around 6-8 weeks, feedings often become somewhat less frequent, though this varies widely.

Getting a Good Latch: The Key to Successful Breastfeeding AAP

A proper latch is essential—it determines whether your baby gets milk efficiently and whether breastfeeding is comfortable for you. Painful nipples are usually caused by a shallow latch, not by breastfeeding itself. With a good latch, any initial tenderness should resolve within the first minute of feeding.

For a good latch, start by positioning yourself and your baby comfortably. You should be well-supported, relaxed, and not hunching over. Hold your baby close with their nose at nipple level, their ear, shoulder, and hip in a straight line, and their whole body facing you (not just their head turned).

Wait for a wide-open mouth before latching baby on. Tickle their lip with your nipple and wait—you want their mouth as wide as a yawn, not a little "o." When they open wide, bring baby to breast quickly, aiming your nipple toward the roof of their mouth. AAP

A good latch looks like: baby's lips are flanged out (like fish lips, not tucked in), there's more areola visible above their upper lip than below, their chin is pressed into your breast, you can see their jaw moving rhythmically, and you can hear swallowing. You might feel a strong tugging sensation, but it shouldn't be painful.

Signs of a poor latch include: pain that continues past the first minute, clicking sounds, baby's cheeks dimpling inward, only the nipple in baby's mouth (not the areola), and baby seeming frustrated at the breast. If the latch doesn't feel right, break the suction with your finger and try again.

Comfortable Positions for Breastfeeding AAP

There are several common positions for breastfeeding, and different ones work better in different situations. Try them all to find what works for you.

The cradle hold is the "classic" breastfeeding position. Baby's head rests in the crook of your arm on the same side as the breast you're feeding from, with their body along your forearm. This works well once breastfeeding is established, but can be challenging in the early days when you're still learning.

The cross-cradle hold gives you more control over baby's head, making it helpful for newborns and babies learning to latch. Baby lies across your body, but you support their head with the opposite hand from the breast you're using. Your hand cups the back of their neck (not their head), allowing you to guide them to the breast.

The football hold, also called the clutch hold, tucks baby along your side like a football, with their legs extending behind you. This position keeps weight off a cesarean incision, works well for mothers with large breasts, and can help babies who tend to prefer one side.

The side-lying position has you and baby lying on your sides facing each other. This is wonderful for night feedings and for resting while nursing. It's also helpful for mothers recovering from birth. Follow safe sleep guidelines if there's any chance you might fall asleep.

The laid-back or "biological nurturing" position has you semi-reclined with baby lying on your chest, belly-to-belly. Gravity holds baby in place, and this position can trigger baby's natural feeding instincts. Many mothers find this relaxing and effective.

Is Baby Getting Enough? Signs to Watch For AAP

One of the most common worries for breastfeeding mothers is whether their baby is getting enough milk. Since you can't see what's going into baby, you need to look at what's coming out and other signs of thriving.

In the first few days, expect one wet diaper and one stool for each day of life (one of each on day one, two of each on day two, and so on). By day 4 or 5, once your milk is in, you should see 6 or more wet diapers per day. By about day 3-4, stools should transition from dark meconium to greenish, then to yellow, seedy, mustard-colored stools typical of breastfed babies. AAP

Weight gain is the most reliable indicator that baby is getting enough. All babies lose some weight in the first few days—up to 7% of birth weight is normal, and up to 10% may be acceptable with careful monitoring. By about day 10-14, babies should regain their birth weight. After that, expect weight gain of about 5-7 ounces per week for the first few months.

Other reassuring signs include: baby seems satisfied and content after feedings (not constantly hungry), you can hear swallowing during feeds, your breasts feel softer after feeding, baby is alert and active when awake, and skin color is healthy (not yellowing, which can indicate jaundice).

Common Challenges and How to Handle Them AAP

Sore nipples are the most common reason mothers stop breastfeeding earlier than planned. In most cases, soreness is caused by a shallow latch. Working with a lactation consultant to improve latch technique usually resolves the problem. In the meantime, express a little breast milk and rub it on your nipples after feeding—it has healing properties. Pure lanolin can also help. If nipples are cracked or bleeding, seek help promptly—this isn't normal and can usually be fixed. AAP

Engorgement happens when your milk comes in and your breasts become overly full. The discomfort can be significant, and swollen breasts can make it harder for baby to latch. Feed frequently to relieve fullness. Hand express or pump just enough to soften the breast before latching baby. Apply cold compresses or cabbage leaves between feedings to reduce swelling.

Concerns about low milk supply are extremely common but are often unfounded. True insufficient milk supply is rare. If your baby is gaining weight well and producing enough wet and dirty diapers, your supply is fine—even if feedings are frequent or your breasts don't feel full. To increase supply, nurse more often, ensure good latch and milk removal, stay hydrated, and get rest. AAP

Plugged ducts feel like tender, hard lumps in the breast. They happen when a milk duct becomes blocked. Continue nursing (starting feeds on the affected side), massage the lump toward the nipple during feeding, apply warm compresses before feeding, and vary nursing positions to help drain all areas of the breast.

Mastitis is a breast infection that causes flu-like symptoms (fever, body aches) along with a red, painful area on the breast. Don't stop breastfeeding—continued nursing helps clear the infection. You may need antibiotics, so contact your healthcare provider.

Getting Support: You're Not Alone AAP

Breastfeeding challenges are common, but so are solutions. Don't struggle alone—seek help early if things aren't going well. The earlier you get support, the easier problems are to solve.

Lactation consultants (IBCLCs) are specialists in breastfeeding support. Many hospitals have them on staff, and you can find private practice lactation consultants in most communities. Your insurance may cover visits.

La Leche League is an international organization offering free breastfeeding support through local groups and online resources. Many mothers find the peer support invaluable.

Your pediatrician can help assess whether baby is thriving and can refer you to specialists if needed. Many pediatric offices have lactation support available.

WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) provides free breastfeeding support to eligible mothers, including peer counselors and breast pumps.

The Bottom Line

Breastfeeding is a learned skill that gets easier with practice. The first few weeks are often the hardest, but most challenges can be overcome with good support and persistence. Focus on establishing a good latch, feeding frequently, and watching baby's output and weight gain. Seek help early if things aren't going well—most breastfeeding problems have solutions, especially when caught early.

Clara is here to answer your breastfeeding questions and help you find the support you need!