The first 72 hours of breastfeeding: what's normal

Day one: tiny volumes are correct

Colostrum is produced in small amounts, often measured in teaspoons rather than ounces, and healthy newborns normally feed frequently. Aim for skin-to-skin as soon as possible and offer 8–12 feeds in 24 hours, responding to early feeding cues rather than waiting for crying. Individual needs vary, especially after a preterm or medically complicated birth.

A comfortable latch

• Baby's body turned fully towards you, ear-shoulder-hip in a line.
• Nose to nipple, head tipped slightly back, chin leading into the breast.
• Wide open mouth taking in more of the underside of the areola than the top.
• Rounded cheeks, rhythmic suck-swallow, and no pinching pain after the first few seconds.

Nights two and three: cluster feeding

Many babies feed almost continuously on the second night. It's not a sign of low supply — it's how your baby signals your body to bring in a full milk supply. Get horizontal, keep water and snacks within reach, and take turns with your partner.

When to ask for help

• Pain that continues throughout the feed, or cracked and bleeding nipples.
• Fewer wet or dirty nappies than expected for the day of life.
• Weight loss that your baby's care team considers outside the expected range, or a baby who is too sleepy to feed. The percentage must be interpreted alongside age, birth circumstances, nappies and feeding effectiveness; do not wait for a single threshold if something feels wrong.
• A baby who cannot stay latched, or who clicks and slides off repeatedly.

You don't have to figure it out alone

As a trained lactation peer counsellor, I include a postpartum meet with all birth doula clients to debrief your birth and work through early feeding questions.