Breastfeeding can take time to get going, especially in the early days. Learn what to expect in the early days, how feeding works, dealing with common issues, and where to find help if you need it.
You don’t have to work it out on your own. If you’d like support, you’re very welcome to come to a La Leche League (LLL) meeting or contact a Leader (LLL breastfeeding counsellor).
Latching tips
- Holding your baby skin-to-skin after birth helps them breastfeed as soon as they are ready.
- Get comfortable and relaxed — sit or lie with your back well supported.
- Keep your breast at its natural level. Bring baby to breast, not breast to baby.
- Keep your baby’s head and body in line, their tummy against you and their nose opposite your nipple.
- If you support their back and neck, leave their head free to tip back so they can open their mouth wide.
- Help your baby latch on ‘chin first’ with their head tilted back.
- As they latch on, their lower jaw will be well back from your nipple so that they can take in a really big mouthful of breast tissue.
- If your baby is placed tummy-down with hands and feet on your body, they can find the breast and latch themselves.
- Once they latch on, snuggle them in close against you.
- More latching tips.
It’s very common to need some help — breastfeeding can take time to get easier.
Ask your midwife for help, find a local LLL Leader to talk to, or call our National Helpline Callback Service on 0345 120 2918.
Colostrum
- Rich milk made in later pregnancy and the first few days after birth.
- Some people choose to collect colostrum before birth, to be fed to their baby later, if needed.
- Small amounts (usually drops before birth, then teaspoons, not tablespoons).
- Protects against infection.
- Clears meconium (the first black poo) and helps reduce jaundice.
- Satisfies baby’s thirst and hunger.
Is your baby getting enough milk?
Your milk has everything your baby needs, even if you’re not eating well. Here are some signs to look for:
- In the first month, your baby has dirty nappies every day.
- By about day 5, the poo changes to yellow.
- After day 5, your baby has 3 or more dirty nappies every day.
- Your baby is growing and developing. Your midwife or health visiting team will weigh your baby.
One side or two?
- Keep your breasts comfortable — your baby doesn’t mind which side you start on.
- Let your baby drink from the first breast as long as they want.
- Offer the other breast if they want more.
- Babies sometimes take more than two breasts at a feed.
How often?
- Most newborn babies feed at least 8–12 times in 24 hours.
- Holding your baby skin-to-skin encourages them to feed.
- The more you breastfeed, the more milk you make.
- Tips for waking a very sleepy baby.
- Premature, very sleepy, or ill babies may need extra (expressed) milk as well — your midwife can advise.
Engorgement (swollen breasts)
- Breastfeed often.
- Ice, cool packs, and anti-inflammatory pain relief can help.
- If it’s hard for your baby to latch, express some milk to soften the breast.
- More tips for engorgement.
Sore nipples
Sore nipples are common in the first few days, but there are lots of things you can do to help.
- A deep latch (big mouthful of breast) helps prevent sore nipples.
- Try different feeding positions.
- Offer the less sore side first.
- Getting help can make a big difference.
- If breastfeeding is too painful, express your milk while your nipples heal.
- Lots more info about sore nipples.
If you’re worried about yourself or your baby, it’s important to talk to your midwife, health visitor, GP, or NHS 111.
Feeding Patterns
- It’s normal for young babies to feed a lot more in the evening, and at night.
- It’s normal for babies to have days when they feed more often than usual.
- Different babies have different feeding patterns. If your baby is growing well, they are feeding enough.
- Some babies start to feed less often after the first few weeks. You can follow your baby’s lead.
- If your baby suddenly refuses to feed, or can’t feed, contact your GP or NHS 111.
Babies need night feeds
Human milk is easy and quick to digest and babies have tiny tummies — they need to wake at night to eat. Information about how to make night feeds easier.
Sore breast?
If you feel a tender lump in your breast:
- Ice, cool packs, and anti-inflammatory pain relief can help.
- Make sure your baby has a big mouthful of breast.
- Breastfeed as usual.
- If your baby won’t breastfeed, express enough milk to keep your breast soft.
- If no better after 24 hours, contact your GP.
- More information about sore breasts.
Back to work? You can keep breastfeeding
- If you can, get breastfeeding going well before returning to work.
- Ask about facilities at work for expressing and storing your milk.
- Breastfeed often on days at home.
- Express at work if needed, to keep your supply strong and your breasts comfortable.
- If your baby is eating solids when you return to work, they might not need expressed milk.
- LLL meetings are great places to meet other breastfeeding mothers returning to work.
Updated by Jayne Joyce, March 2026
You can find friendly, comprehensive breastfeeding information for all ages and stages in LLL’s handbook The Art of Breastfeeding La Leche League International, 9th edition, 2024.
If this article has helped you, please consider supporting LLLGB with a donation. Every gift, however small, helps keep breastfeeding information and support flowing.