The first week: what to expect

They’re working hard to produce and release milk. The first milk that comes out of your boobs may look thick and even yellow or golden (a.k.a. colostrum). It's packed with proteins, minerals, antibodies and growth factors. Your baby doesn’t need much in the first few days, so a little goes a long way.

Try to nurse at least every 2–3 hours, even if it means waking them. It is very common for brand new babies to have short feeds every 1-2 hours in the first two weeks. Some newborns are extra sleepy as they recover from labor – but a tickle on the feet or undressing them can help wake them enough to feed. Skin-to-skin is so important here, too. Holding your baby bare-chested soothes them, gets them closer to their food source and causes an oxytocin boost.

Did you know exclusive breastfeeding can burn 300-600 calories? That’s why you need to drink water, eat more than usual, and rest whenever you can – which probably won't feel like enough. (But don’t worry, you’ll catch up soon.)

The more often you feed, the more your body learns to make milk. Your "real" milk will likely show up in the next few days. And when it does, you'll know. Think full, firm breasts. They may even feel rock hard. That's engorgement and totally temporary. An ice pack for 15 minutes between feeds helps. Otherwise, just chug along as your baby, well, chugs along.

Your baby’s sucking pattern actually changes once your milk starts flowing (and you may even feel some tingly or warm sensation right beforehand). Babies shift from a quick, fluttering suck to a more rhythmic, slower chug once milk flow is initiated (known as a letdown). You should be able to see or hear them swallowing intermittently for most of a feeding session. It’s normal for them to pause or go between the two as your milk comes in.

If you have a stronger letdown or milk supply, they may also cough and pop on and off. Your supply should adjust to their needs, but if coughing/choking happens frequently, reach out to an LC.

• Feed every 1-3 hours, including overnight–until your doctor says otherwise. It can feel like a lot but you're building your supply based on your baby's needs. 
• Some initial nipple pain and sensitivity is common. Pain through an entire feed is worth a call to your LC or pediatrician.
• Your baby will lose up to 5–10% of their birth weight. This is expected in the first week as they adjust to life outside of the womb. Ideally they will be back to birth weight by week 2.

You just spent nine months building a person from scratch and now have to figure out how to feed them. The more you get to know your baby and your body, the easier things will feel.