A baby is held and breastfed by an adult, with one hand holding a phone.

Breastfeeding My Baby

Breastfeeding can take time to learn, and it’s normal to have questions or find it challenging at first. You may be getting used to feeding your baby, or dealing with discomfort, worry, or changes in routine. You are not alone, and support and advice are available to help you feel more confident.

More about breastfeeding my baby

Breastfeeding is how you feed your baby using milk from your breast. It can take time for both you and your baby to learn how to feed well, including finding a comfortable position and helping your baby latch on (attach to the breast properly). You may also wonder if your baby is getting enough milk, which is a common concern.

There are many reasons why breastfeeding can feel challenging at first. Your baby may be learning how to feed, or you might be adjusting to new routines and feeling tired. Feeding patterns can also change, such as cluster feeding (when your baby feeds more often over a short time) or feeding more when they need comfort.

You might feel unsure, worried, or even frustrated at times, especially if feeding is uncomfortable or not going as expected. You may also feel pressure to get things right. These feelings are normal, and many parents find breastfeeding becomes easier with time and support.

It’s a good idea to seek help if feeding is painful, your baby seems unsettled after feeds, or you are worried they are not getting enough milk. You can also ask for advice if you feel unsure about how breastfeeding is going. You are not alone, and support and guidance are available to help you feel more confident.

Questions and answers

How do I know that my baby is receiving enough breast milk?

Your baby will give you clues that they are receiving enough milk, they will come off the breast looking satisfied after a period of calm and relaxed feeding. When your milk transitions from colostrum to mature milk from day 2-5 you will hear regular swallowing. Your baby from day 5 should have 6+ good heavy wet nappies and a minimum of 2 yellow seedy stools the size of a £2 coin. Your baby will be gaining weight and following their centile lines. If you have any concerns please call one of the listed telephone support lines and or access face to face sessions running in the area to talk it through with a healthcare practitioner.

My nipples are sore and cracked is this normal?

Will my nipples eventually heal?

How many wet and dirty nappies should my baby be having?

From day 6 your baby should be having 6+ heavy wet nappies and a minimum 2 x £2 coin sized stools in 24 hours. Bowel habits in exclusively breastmilk fed babies can change from 4-6 weeks of age and they can go less frequently, even up to a few days without a bowel motion. If the stools are soft and of an appropriate quantity when passed, and your baby is otherwise healthy and growing well, then there is no cause for concern. Always reach out to one of the support lines or visit one of the support clinics to discuss this with a practitioner.

How many times should my baby feed in 24 hours?

We would expect a breastfed baby to typically feed a minimum of 8 times in 24 hours, however some babies can feed more times than this. Babies will go through periods of growth spurts and can often have periods during the day where they cluster feed, feeding more frequently. Breastfeeding your baby is so much more than nutrition for your baby. You can feed your baby responsively for example for comfort, feeding them to sleep, or if your breasts are feeling full. You cannot over feed a breastfed baby.

What does responsive breastfeeding mean?

How long should a breastfeed last for?

Each and every breastfeed can vary in length throughout the day, and from one day to another this will also differ. Feeds should last 5 - 40 minutes, tending to be on the longer side of this figure in the early days and weeks with babies becoming more efficient as they get bigger and more skilled at feeding. If your baby is taking longer to breastfeed or shorter than 5 minutes it could be an indication that your baby is not feeding as efficiently as they should be. Please contact the advice line or access a face to face session to have a skilled health professional assess your feed.

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