The First Hours: Colostrum and the Power of Skin to Skin Contact

The first weeks of breastfeeding can feel overwhelming. Your body is doing something remarkable, your baby is learning a brand new skill, and the two of you are figuring it out together, often in the middle of the night, on very little sleep. If you have ever wondered whether your baby is getting enough milk, whether a painful latch is normal, or why your newborn seems to want to feed constantly, you are not alone. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about breastfeeding in the early weeks, from colostrum and milk supply to positions, cluster feeding, and what to do when things get hard.

Colostrum is the first milk your body produces, and it is far more powerful than its small volume suggests. This thick, sticky, golden yellow fluid is present in your breasts from around the middle of pregnancy and is available to your newborn from the moment of birth. Colostrum is packed with antibodies, immune factors, and protein, and it acts as your baby's first layer of protection against illness. Research shows that colostrum feeding is associated with a reduced risk of gastroenteritis, respiratory illness, and other infections in the early months of life.

Most midwives and paediatricians recommend placing your baby skin to skin immediately after birth. This simple act triggers your baby's natural rooting reflex and encourages that all important first feed. It also releases oxytocin in both of you, supporting bonding and helping your uterus contract. Even if your birth did not go as planned, skin to skin contact in the hours after delivery can make a significant difference to how breastfeeding begins. Having soft, gentle clothing ready for those early feeds makes everything easier. The HelloLoomi JOY Gift Set, a merino wool essentials set including a soft blanket, romper, and bonnet, is designed for exactly these tender first days when warmth and comfort are everything for a new baby.

How Milk Supply Works: The Supply and Demand System

Between two and five days after birth, you will notice a significant change as your milk transitions from colostrum to transitional milk, and eventually to mature breast milk. Many mothers describe this as their milk coming in, and it often brings a surge of fullness and, for some, significant engorgement. Here is the most important thing to understand about breast milk supply: it is almost entirely driven by demand. The more frequently and effectively your baby empties your breasts, the more milk your body produces.

This is why breastfeeding frequently in the early weeks is so crucial for establishing a long term supply. Most lactation consultants and health organisations recommend feeding 8 to 12 times in every 24 hour period in the first weeks, which works out to roughly every 2 to 3 hours. Research from lactation specialists at Milky Mama suggests it takes approximately four weeks to fully establish your milk supply, though by 12 weeks your body has usually become very efficient at producing exactly the right amount. In those early weeks, the single best thing you can do for your supply is to respond to your baby's hunger cues promptly and feed as often as they need.

Reading Your Baby's Hunger Cues

Learning to spot early hunger cues saves both you and your baby a great deal of distress. Rooting, which means turning the head side to side and opening the mouth, along with sucking on hands, bringing the fist to the mouth, lip smacking, and stirring from sleep are all early signs that your baby is ready to feed. Crying is a late hunger cue. By the time your baby is crying, they are already quite distressed, which can make latching harder for both of you. Feeding on demand rather than by the clock is the most effective approach to meeting your baby's needs in these early weeks and supporting a healthy milk supply.

Getting the Latch Right

A good latch is the single most important factor in comfortable, effective breastfeeding. When your baby is latched well, your nipple sits far back in their mouth and they take in a large portion of your areola rather than just the nipple itself. This ensures milk transfers effectively, stimulates production, and protects your nipple from pain and damage. Signs of a good latch include your baby's mouth being wide open with lips flanged outward, their chin and the tip of their nose touching or very close to the breast, and you being able to hear or see your baby swallowing rhythmically. There should be no pinching or sharp pain once the feed is properly underway.

A shallow latch, where the baby is only latching onto the nipple itself, is the most common cause of nipple soreness. If you feel significant pain throughout the feed, gently insert a clean finger into the corner of your baby's mouth to break the suction and try again from the beginning. It is worth repeating this as many times as necessary in the early days, because getting the latch right from the start makes a profound difference to your overall breastfeeding experience.

Breastfeeding Positions Worth Trying

There is no single correct position, and many mothers find that experimenting with different holds helps them discover what works best. The cradle hold is the classic position most people imagine. The cross cradle hold gives you more control over your baby's head in the early weeks. The side lying position is popular for night feeds and can be a wonderful relief for mothers recovering from a caesarean section. The laid back position, also called biological nurturing, has growing research support: a meta analysis published in BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth found that this position reduced nipple pain and nipple trauma compared to more traditional positions. In the laid back position, you recline at a comfortable angle and place your baby on your chest with their belly toward you, allowing gravity and their natural instincts to guide the latch.

What Is Cluster Feeding and Is It Normal?

Cluster feeding is when your baby spaces several short feeds very close together, often in the evening or at night, and then sleeps for a longer stretch afterward. This pattern typically begins around day two or three and is completely normal. According to the Cleveland Clinic, cluster feeding is linked to your baby's small stomach size, their rapidly rising appetite, and the biological drive to stimulate your milk supply. Cluster feeding can feel relentless, especially when you are exhausted and wondering whether you have enough milk. In almost all cases, you do. The cluster feeding itself is what drives your body to produce more. If your baby is older than one week and is cluster feeding around the clock without any satisfied periods between feeds, speak to your midwife or health visitor to rule out any issues with milk transfer.

Is My Baby Getting Enough Milk?

Without being able to measure how much milk your baby takes during a breastfeed, it is natural to worry. Wet nappies are one of the most reliable indicators. By day five, your baby should have at least five heavy wet nappies in a 24 hour period, according to guidance from the Irish Health Service Executive and the Breastfeeding Network. The urine should be clear or pale yellow. Dark or concentrated urine can suggest your baby needs more milk.

Weight gain is the other key marker. Newborns normally lose up to 7 to 10 percent of their birth weight in the first few days, but should be back to their birth weight by two weeks of age. After that, a gain of 150 to 200 grams per week in the first 12 weeks is a reassuring sign. Other positive indicators include soft, mustard yellow coloured poos in the early weeks, your baby seeming satisfied and relaxed after feeds, and being able to hear or see swallowing during the feed itself. If you have any concerns about your baby's weight or milk intake, contact your midwife or paediatrician promptly. Early support makes all the difference.

Common Breastfeeding Challenges and How to Handle Them

Sore Nipples

Some nipple tenderness in the first days of breastfeeding is common as your body adjusts to the new demands on it. However, significant or persistent pain is not something you simply have to endure. In most cases it points to a latch issue that a lactation consultant or your midwife can help you resolve quickly. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists notes that suboptimal positioning is one of the leading causes of early breastfeeding difficulties. Experimenting with the laid back position has helped many mothers dramatically reduce discomfort. Applying a small amount of expressed breast milk to the nipple after feeds and allowing it to air dry can also promote healing.

Engorgement

As your milk comes in, your breasts may become very full, firm, and uncomfortable. Engorgement usually peaks between days three and five and tends to settle as supply and demand find their balance. Feeding frequently is the best remedy. If your breasts are so full that your baby struggles to latch, gently hand express for a few minutes before feeding to soften the areola. Cool compresses between feeds can ease discomfort. Try to resist pumping large amounts to relieve engorgement, as this signals your body to produce even more milk and can prolong the problem.

Blocked Ducts and Mastitis

A blocked duct feels like a firm, tender lump in the breast. Continuing to feed frequently, applying warm compresses before feeds, and gently massaging the lump toward the nipple can usually help clear it. La Leche League advises changing breastfeeding positions when a duct is blocked, so that different areas of the breast are drained more thoroughly. If the blockage progresses to redness, swelling, fever, or flu like symptoms, you may have mastitis. Contact your GP or midwife promptly if you develop these symptoms, as antibiotics may be needed. Continuing to breastfeed during mastitis is generally recommended and helps clear the blockage more quickly.

Worries About Low Supply

Perceived low milk supply is one of the most common reasons mothers stop breastfeeding before they want to. However, in the majority of cases, supply concerns are unfounded. Frequent feeding, responsive feeding, and skin to skin time are the most effective ways to support and boost supply. Stress, dehydration, and going too long between feeds can all temporarily affect how much milk you produce, so eating well, staying well hydrated, and resting whenever you can all genuinely help. If you have persistent concerns, a lactation consultant can assess your baby's latch and weight gain and offer practical, personalised support.

Building Your Support Network

Breastfeeding is a skill that both you and your baby are learning at the same time, and getting professional support early makes a real difference. In the Netherlands, your kraamzorg (maternity nurse) is an invaluable resource in the first days at home. In Germany, a Hebamme (midwife) typically provides ongoing postnatal support, including breastfeeding help. In Scandinavia, well baby clinics are a key source of breastfeeding guidance and regular weight checks. La Leche League has active groups across Europe offering peer support in person and online, and most maternity hospitals have lactation consultants available for one to one appointments. You deserve help, and asking for it early is one of the most effective things you can do in those first weeks.

The World Health Organisation recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, followed by continued breastfeeding alongside solid foods for up to two years or beyond. However long your breastfeeding journey lasts, every feed is an act of nourishment and connection.

A Note on Feeding Choices

Breastfeeding is not always possible or the right choice for every family, and that is completely valid. Combination feeding, which means offering both breast milk and formula, is also a loving and legitimate way to nourish your baby. If breastfeeding is not working for you despite support, please know that a well fed baby is always the most important goal, however that feeding looks in your family.

Wrapping Up

The early weeks of breastfeeding are often the hardest, and they are also when you are most in need of kindness toward yourself. Your body is capable of extraordinary things, and so is your baby. With the right information, the right support, and a little patience, breastfeeding tends to become easier and more enjoyable week by week.

At HelloLoomi, we believe the earliest days of your baby's life deserve the softest, most thoughtful care. Our HelloLoomi HAPPINESS Gift Set, a merino wool comfort trio including a blanket, romper, and bonnet, is designed with newborn comfort and the demands of early parenthood in mind. Whether you are feeding through the night or enjoying a quiet morning together, having gentle, high quality essentials close at hand makes every moment a little softer.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I breastfeed my newborn?

In the first weeks, you should aim to breastfeed 8 to 12 times in every 24 hours, which works out to roughly every 2 to 3 hours. Feed on demand whenever your baby shows hunger cues such as rooting, sucking on hands, or lip smacking. Crying is a late hunger cue, so try to respond before your baby reaches that stage for a calmer and easier latch.

How do I know if my baby has a good latch while breastfeeding?

A good latch means your baby has a wide open mouth and has taken in a large portion of your areola, not just the nipple. Their chin and the tip of their nose should be touching or very close to your breast, and you should be able to hear or see them swallowing rhythmically. While there may be some initial tenderness, you should not feel significant pain throughout the feed. If pain is intense or continuous, break the suction with a clean finger and try again.

Why is my baby cluster feeding so much in the evenings?

Cluster feeding is completely normal and very common in the evenings during the newborn period. It is driven by your baby's small stomach size, rising appetite, and the natural drive to boost your milk supply. It is not a sign that you do not have enough milk. Try to rest as much as possible during these periods, stay well hydrated, and trust that your body is responding to your baby's needs.

How can I tell if my breastfed baby is getting enough milk?

The clearest signs that your breastfed baby is getting enough milk are at least five heavy wet nappies per day from around day five onward, pale or clear urine, steady weight gain of 150 to 200 grams per week after the first two weeks, and your baby seeming content and relaxed after feeds. If you are worried, contact your midwife or health visitor for reassurance and a weight check.

What should I do if breastfeeding is painful?

Some initial tenderness is normal in the first days, but significant or persistent pain usually means your baby's latch needs adjusting. Break the suction with a clean finger, reposition your baby so they take in more of the areola, and consider trying the laid back breastfeeding position. If pain continues, ask your midwife or a lactation consultant for hands on support as soon as possible, as latch problems are usually fixable with the right guidance.

What HelloLoomi products can help during the newborn feeding stage?

Comfortable, gentle clothing and accessories make the newborn feeding stage easier for the whole family. The HelloLoomi Cotton Bandana Bibs 3 Pack is a practical and soft option for catching milk dribble and keeping your baby dry and comfortable between feeds. Soft merino wool essentials such as the HelloLoomi JOY and HAPPINESS gift sets are also ideal for keeping newborns at the right temperature during those frequent skin to skin feeding moments.

How long should I breastfeed my baby?

The World Health Organisation recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, followed by continued breastfeeding alongside appropriate solid foods for up to two years or longer. However, any amount of breastfeeding is beneficial. Whether you breastfeed for a few weeks or several years, every feed you give your baby makes a positive difference to their health and your bond.