The First Week Breastfeeding: What to Expect and How to Prepare

Hey Mumma-To-Be! 👋🏻 Did you know that the first week breastfeeding your newborn can feel like the longest week ever? If you’re thinking, “How hard can breastfeeding really be?”—you’re not alone. Lots of mums expect breastfeeding to just click straight away (myself included before I had my first baby! 🙋‍♀️), but the truth is, it doesn’t always work that way. The early days can be tough. That’s why it’s super important to know what to expect and how to get ready so you’re not surprised when things don’t go as planned. I’m here to help you figure out what’s normal and what’s not during the first week of breastfeeding, and how to prepare for it. I’ll share what to expect, why that first week can be hard, and give you six tips to help you get through it.

What’s Normal in the First Week Breastfeeding?

Riding the Feelings Rollercoaster

For lots of mums, the first week breastfeeding is the hardest. It’s a time when you’re both getting used to each other, and it’s when doubts and tiredness can hit hardest. But don’t worry—it gets better with time. The first week breastfeeding can be like a rollercoaster of feelings. One minute you might feel joy, and the next you might feel frustrated, emotional, and a whole lot of exhaustion. It’s so normal to feel all these things—this is a huge change in your life! Lots of mums worry they aren’t making enough milk or that their baby isn’t feeding well. But guess what? It’s okay for breastfeeding to feel hard at first. You and your baby are learning together, and that can take some time.

Normal Newborn Breastfeeding Patterns 

In the early days, expect lots of feeding sessions, even at night. Don’t be surprised if your baby wants to breastfeed constantly at times. Their tummy is tiny, and they’re working on helping you make more milk. Some feeds might be quick, while others could last 40 minutes or more. Some babies eat fast, while others like to take their time. Just let your baby decide how long to feed and try not to worry about the clock.

When Your Milk Comes In

Around day 3-5 your milk will “come in” – meaning you’ll start making lots of milk! Your breasts will get bigger and fuller and can even feel hot and heavy. For some mums the fullness can be a bit painful. Read this blog post to find out what to expect when your milk comes in. You’ll find tips on how to avoid problems and make your breasts feel better. It’s also normal to feel some tenderness in your nipples when your baby first latches on to your breast for feeds, but pain that feels worse than just tenderness is NOT normal, especially if it lasts the whole time you’re feeding. It’s important to get help from an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). They can help you figure out what’s going on and make a plan to fix it so you can enjoy a happy and beautiful bonding breastfeeding journey with your baby.

Why the First Week Breastfeeding Feels Hard

So, why does the first week of breastfeeding feel so hard? First, your baby is getting used to being outside the womb, and breastfeeding is their way of feeling safe and close to you. They want to feed a lot, not just because they’re hungry but also because it makes them feel secure. This can make you feel like all you do is feed your baby, which can be really tiring.

Also, your milk might not come in until the third or fourth day after birth (this is normal!). This can make you worry about whether your baby is getting enough milk. It’s easy to doubt yourself, especially when you’re tired and sore. But remember, breastfeeding often is how your body knows to make more milk—it’s all part of how it works.

In life, we don’t usually expect to do something new for the first time and do it perfectly. But for some reason, we expect this with breastfeeding! Be kind to yourself as you learn about breastfeeding and being a mum.

How to Get Through the First Week Breastfeeding

I won’t lie to you: the first week of breastfeeding can be hard. But with the right mindset, support, and some helpful tips, you can make it through. Here are six strategies to help you keep going:

1. Take a breastfeeding class before your baby’s born

Learning about breastfeeding BEFORE your baby arrives can make a big difference to how breastfeeding goes for you and bub! A breastfeeding class will show you the basics, like how to breastfeed, how to avoid common problems, and help you feel more confident to handle any challenges that come up.

2. Focus on the latch

A good latch is really important for making breastfeeding pain-free for you, and helping your baby get enough milk. If breastfeeding hurts, change how your baby is positioned and how they are latching on. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from an IBCLC . Sometimes, a small change can make a big difference to how your nipples feel! Take a look at my free “How to Get a Good Latch” guide. It has tips to help you latch your baby correctly so you can avoid sore and cracked nipples.

3. Feed on demand

In the first week, your baby will probably want to feed A LOT, and that’s totally okay! Feeding them on demand (whenever they want) helps your milk come in and boost up to be enough for them. It also makes your baby feel calm and comforted. 

4. Sleep when baby sleeps

The first week (and beyond!) can be exhausting, so try to rest when you can. Take naps when your baby is sleeping, even if it’s just for a little while. Every bit helps! I know what you’re going to say…“Oh and fold the washing when baby folds the washing, right?”. I say… does the washing really need to be folded? Could you survive without that being done just for now? Taking time to rest is important for you and helps you be the best Mumma for your baby. Push the housework down the to-do list and get to it when you can (or rally the troops and have family and friends help with these things 👇).

5. Rely on your partner and support network

Don’t try to do it all yourself! Let your partner or family help with taking care of the baby (other than feeding – like changing nappies and bath time), doing chores around the house, and making sure you’re getting enough food and water. Breastfeeding uses a lot of energy, and you need support, too! For more tips on how to set up your support network and who should be part of it, check out my free “Preparing for Breastfeeding” guide.

6. Take it one day at a time

This is probably the most important tip. The first week is all about survival mode. Rest when you can, ask your partner, friends, and family for help, and remember that each day you get through is one step closer to breastfeeding being easier. It won’t be this hard forever—just for now.

You’ve Got This, Mumma!

The first week of breastfeeding can be hard, but it’s also the start of a beautiful and special bond between you and your baby. Remember, it’s normal to have good days and tough days, and you don’t have to do it all by yourself. If you’re worried about how the first week will go, DM me on Instagram and tell me what’s worrying you—I’d love to hear from you and help you feel more reassured and ready!