Breastfeeding your newborn: A guide to the first week

The first week of breastfeeding is a time of learning and adjustment for both you and your baby. While breastfeeding is natural, it is also a skill that takes practice and patience. Understanding what to expect can help you feel more confident and supported during this important time.

The First Feed: Colostrum and Early Cues

Right after birth, holding your baby skin-to-skin helps them feel safe and encourages their natural instincts to find the breast and start feeding. Your first milk, called colostrum, is thick and golden in colour. It is packed with nutrients and antibodies to protect your baby’s health. Even though it may seem like only a small amount, it is exactly what your baby needs in their first day of life.

Your newborn’s stomach is tiny — about the size of a marble (5-7mL) at birth — so they only need small amounts of colostrum at each feed. Over the next few days, their stomach will gradually stretch, allowing them to take in more milk.

Your baby may be alert and eager to feed in the first hour or two, then sleep for longer stretches. Aim to feed your baby at least 8 to 12 times in a 24-hour period. Look for early feeding cues such as stirring, opening their mouth, turning their head towards you, and sucking on their hands. Crying is a late hunger cue, so try to offer the breast before your baby reaches this stage.

Nappy output: On day 1, expect at least 1 wet nappy and 1 or more dirty nappies (black, sticky meconium). By day 2, you should see at least 2 wet nappies and 2 dirty nappies, with stools beginning to lighten in colour.

Days 2-3: Frequent Feeds, Cluster Feeding, and Weight Loss

Your baby’s stomach is still very small — about the size of a cherry (22-27mL) by day 3 — but their appetite is growing. They may want to feed more often, sometimes every hour. This is called cluster feeding, and it is completely normal. It helps your milk supply increase and provides comfort to your baby as they adjust to life outside the womb.

At this stage, your baby might seem unsettled and want to feed more often. This can be tiring, but it is their way of stimulating your milk supply and getting the nourishment they need. Follow their hunger cues and let them feed as often as they need to. Instead of watching the clock, watch your baby’s sucking patterns — long, rhythmic sucks indicate effective milk transfer, while shorter, fluttery sucks often mean they are comfort feeding or finishing up.

It is normal for babies to lose up to 7-10% of their birth weight in the first few days. By the end of the first week, they should start gaining weight again.

Nappy output: By day 3, expect at least 3 wet nappies and 2 or more dirty nappies per day. Stools will transition from dark meconium to a greenish colour.

Days 3-5: Your Milk Comes In

Around day 3 to 5, your milk will begin transitioning from colostrum to mature milk. Your breasts may feel fuller and firmer as your milk supply increases. Feeding your baby often will help prevent discomfort from engorgement (when your breasts feel overly full or swollen) and keep your supply steady.

By this stage, your baby’s stomach is about the size of a walnut (45-60mL), allowing them to take in more milk at each feed. Their nappies will reflect this change — stools will turn greenish, then mustard yellow, showing they are drinking more milk.

Nappy output: By day 4, you should see at least 6 wet nappies and 3 to 4 dirty nappies each day. If your baby is feeding well, they will begin gaining weight again around this time.

Days 5-7: Signs of a Good Feed and Weight Gain

By the end of the first week, you and your baby may start to find a feeding rhythm, although it can still be unpredictable. Your baby will continue to feed frequently — about 8 to 12 times per day — and might start having longer, more settled periods between feeds.

By this time, your baby’s stomach is about the size of an apricot (80-150mL), meaning they can take in more milk per feed.

A well-fed baby will:

Have relaxed hands and body after feeding
Detach from the breast on their own
Have regular swallowing during feeds
Produce at least 6 wet nappies and 3-4 dirty nappies per day (stools should be yellow and soft)

Babies should start gaining weight by the end of the first week. By two weeks, most newborns have regained their birth weight.

When to Get Help

Breastfeeding can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. Reach out to a Lactation Consultant, GP or Maternal Child Health Nurse for help if you experience:

Persistent nipple pain or cracked nipples
Trouble getting your baby to latch or trouble positioning your baby at the breast
Concerns about milk supply or your baby’s weight gain
Fewer than 6 wet nappies per day after day 4
A very sleepy baby who is hard to wake for feeds

Trust Your Baby, Trust Your Body

The first week of breastfeeding is a time of learning for both you and your baby. Trust your instincts, respond to your baby’s cues, and be kind to yourself as you adjust. With time, practice, and support, breastfeeding can become a rewarding and nourishing experience for both of you.