Baby's First Breastfeeding: When and How to Start Nursing

Getting ready for your baby’s first breastfeeding? Those early feeds help kickstart your milk supply and build a strong bond. In the first few days, your body produces colostrum—a thick, nutrient-rich “pre-milk” that’s perfect for newborns. Many parents wonder, “When does milk come in?” This is typically around days 3 to 4 postpartum, when your breasts may feel fuller and your milk becomes more abundant.

Feeding frequently during this time—about 8 to 12 times per day—helps ensure your baby gets enough and supports your milk production.

Quick overview:

• Days 1–3: Colostrum only

• Days 3–4: Milk “comes in” (breasts feel fuller, milk becomes creamier)

• Feeding frequency: Every 1–3 hours (8–12 times/day)

• Signs of good feeding: 6+ wet diapers, steady weight gain, baby seems content.

If your milk hasn’t come in by day 5 or you have concerns, reach out to your provider or a lactation consultant. Let’s explore what to expect and how to make these first feeds a success.

Preparing to Breastfeed Before Birth

Even before your baby arrives, your body is already beginning to prepare for breastfeeding. Hormonal changes during pregnancy help develop the milk ducts and glands in your breasts, setting the stage for lactation. By taking a few proactive steps in the weeks leading up to birth, you can help make the transition into breastfeeding smoother and more confident.

Here’s how to prepare:

• Learn about breastfeeding. Take a prenatal breastfeeding class or explore reliable online resources to familiarize yourself with latching, positioning, and what to expect in the early days. Consider registering to watch our FREE online Childbirth Classes, led by clinical childbirth experts. Our 10-part series provides in-depth information for new parents on preparing for labor, delivery, and taking your newborn home.

• Meet with a lactation consultant. A prenatal consultation can help you feel more confident and identify potential challenges, such as flat or inverted nipples, in advance.

• Talk with your provider. Ask your healthcare provider about what support is available in your hospital or birth center, including lactation consultants.

• Understand your body. Know that your breasts may begin producing colostrum (the first milk) as early as the third trimester. Some parents consider learning hand expression at the end of pregnancy—this should always be discussed with your healthcare provider first.

• Build your support network. Ask a partner, friend, or family member to learn about breastfeeding with you so they can offer encouragement and practical help once the baby arrives.

If you’re looking for tips to increase breast milk before your baby is born, it’s important to know that your milk supply doesn’t fully come in until after birth. However, if you’re at risk of having a low milk supply, talk to your healthcare provider about trying hand expression to produce colostrum in the weeks before birth. 

Learning how milk production works and what affects it can help you feel prepared to support and increase supply when the time comes.

Getting Started After Birth

Your body was made for breastfeeding, and your baby was made to nurse—but that doesn’t mean you won’t need a little help to get started.

Many new parents wonder when to start breastfeeding. Ideally, your baby should latch on within the first hour after birth. While you're still in the hospital, a nurse or lactation consultant can help your baby latch, offer tips to ensure they're feeding well, and answer your questions.

If you need support after you go home, ask your hospital or birth center for local resources. Lactation consultants, hospital outpatient services, and pediatric offices can all be great support systems. Breastfeeding takes practice, and even experienced parents face challenges sometimes.

"Nursing is a different experience for every mom and baby. It was more challenging than I thought, but I stuck with it, listened to advice from other moms and nurses, and eventually got into a groove that worked for both of us." – Karen, mom of Dominic, 2 months

Skin-to-Skin Contact and Breastfeeding

Skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth and in the days and weeks that follow is one of the best ways to promote successful breastfeeding. It can help:

• Encourage your baby’s natural instinct to breastfeed

• Regulate your baby’s body temperature and heart rate

• Promote bonding

• Stimulate the release of hormones like oxytocin, which support milk production.

Try to spend plenty of time cuddling your baby skin-to-skin, especially during the early days.

When Does Milk Come In?

Parents often wonder, “When does breast milk come in?” In the first few days after birth, your body produces colostrum, a thick, golden milk packed with nutrients and antibodies.

Your mature milk typically “comes in” between two to five days postpartum. You may notice that your breasts feel fuller, warmer, and firmer. If your milk seems delayed beyond five days, check in with your healthcare provider or a lactation consultant.

What Is Colostrum and When Does It Come In?

Colostrum is the first milk your body produces—usually starting in the third trimester, though it becomes more pronounced right after birth. It's rich in protein, low in fat, and packed with immune-boosting properties.

Even small amounts of colostrum are incredibly beneficial for your baby, helping coat their gut and protect against infection. This first milk is produced for the first two to five days before mature milk takes over.

How Do You Help Your Baby to Latch?

A good latch is the foundation of successful breastfeeding. Here are some steps and tips to help your baby latch effectively:

How to Recognize a Good Latch

• Your baby's lips are flanged outward (not tucked in)

• You hear or see rhythmic sucking and swallowing

• You don't feel pain—there may be tugging, but not pinching or sharp discomfort

• Your baby’s cheeks appear full and not dimpled

• You notice steady milk transfer, and your baby seems satisfied after feeding.

If latching is painful, your nipples are sore or cracked, or your baby seems frustrated or isn't gaining weight well, reach out to a lactation consultant for personalized help.

How Often Should You Feed Your Baby?

Newborns typically nurse every 1 to 3 hours, or 8 to 12 times in a 24-hour period. Some babies may nurse more often, especially during growth spurts or cluster feeding periods.

Feed your baby on demand—whenever they show signs of hunger, such as rooting, sucking on their hands, or smacking their lips. You can check out our infant feeding schedule for more insight throughout your baby’s first year.

How Do You Know If Your Baby Is Getting Enough to Eat?

Look for these signs that breastfeeding is going well:

• Your baby has at least six wet diapers a day by day five

• They have at least three to four yellow, loose/seedy-textured stools per day by the fourth day

• They seem content and satisfied after feeding and release the breast on their own

• You can hear or see swallowing during feeds

• Their cheeks look full and not sucked in during feeding

• Your breasts may feel softer and less full after nursing

• They’re gaining weight steadily after the first few days of expected weight loss.

Keep in mind: it’s normal for newborns to lose some weight in the first 3–5 days after birth, but most regain it by around two weeks of age.

If your baby seems unusually sleepy, fussy, is not producing enough wet or dirty diapers, or you have any concerns, speak with your healthcare provider or a lactation consultant.

To keep track of your baby’s weight gain, try our Baby Growth Chart Calculator below:

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Common Breastfeeding Challenges

Challenges are common during breastfeeding, so remember, you’re not alone. Here are some common challenges you may face on this journey, and how to manage them.

Managing Leaking Breasts

Leaking is common in the early weeks. You can use breast pads to absorb leaks and prevent stains. Expressing a little milk before feeding or applying gentle pressure can help stop leaks.

Building Up Your Milk Supply

To help increase your supply:

• Breastfeed frequently, especially during the night

• Offer both breasts at each feeding

• Pump after nursing sessions if needed

• Stay hydrated and well-nourished.

If supply concerns persist, consult a lactation professional. Check out our dedicated guide on increasing your breast milk supply for more information.

Does Breastfeeding Hurt?

Breastfeeding may cause some tenderness in the beginning, especially as your nipples adjust and your baby learns to latch. But persistent or sharp pain is not normal. Painful nursing is often a sign of latch problems or issues like tongue tie. If you're experiencing discomfort, don’t wait—get support early.

Other common causes of breastfeeding pain include:

• Engorgement. When your breasts become overly full, they can feel hard, swollen, and painful. Regular feeding or expressing milk can help relieve this.

• Cracked or bleeding nipples. Often the result of a poor latch, these can be painful and increase the risk of infection.

• Mastitis. This breast infection causes redness, warmth, pain, and sometimes flu-like symptoms. It typically needs medical treatment.

• Clogged ducts. These can feel like sore lumps in the breast and may lead to mastitis if not addressed.

Pain is a signal that something needs adjusting. Whether it’s positioning, latch, or a possible medical concern, a lactation consultant or healthcare provider can help you find relief and get back on track.

When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider

Reach out to your healthcare provider or lactation consultant if:

• Your baby isn't gaining weight

• You’re in pain during or after nursing

• Your baby has fewer than six wet diapers a day after day five

• Your milk hasn't come in by day five

• You notice cracked or bleeding nipples.

Help is always available—you're not alone on your breastfeeding journey.

The Bottom Line

Breastfeeding is a beautiful and natural way to nourish and bond with your baby, but it’s also a skill that takes time, patience, and support to develop. Whether you’re preparing before birth or navigating challenges in the early weeks, know that you're not alone. Trust your instincts, lean on your support system, and don’t hesitate to reach out for help when you need it. Check out our guide on breastfeeding positions to help you and your baby find the best one for you both.

Don’t forget to celebrate all the little wins along the way! Download the Pampers Rewards App to earn Pampers Cash for every Pampers purchase and turn them into rewards for you and your family. You’ve got this!

_{How We Wrote This Article The information in this article is based on the expert advice found in trusted medical and government sources, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. You can find a full list of sources used for this article below. The content on this page should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult medical professionals for full diagnosis and treatment.}