Breastfeeding: What to Expect in the First 72 Hours

Your Baby’s First Feed

If given the chance, your baby can crawl to the breast in a series of reflexes, feet kneading its mother’s belly like dough, to reach the nipple. This breast crawl proves what we know about infant biology; babies are born with the primal drive to feed.

But just because breastfeeding is evolutionarily ancient doesn’t mean that you’ll know what to do, be able to do it or want to do it. We are mammals but we also have large brains that overthink and get bombarded by conflicting information. Nothing is straightforward when two people are involved.

The Golden Milk: Colostrum

Your body has been quietly preparing. Halfway through pregnancy you started producing colostrum – single droplets of luscious, golden brew that may have been visible at your nipples. This nutrient-dense magic milk, brimming with vitamins, proteins and antibodies, protects your baby in the vulnerable first days and is easily digested so they can pass their sticky first poo.

Your baby’s stomach is tiny:

• Day one: size of a cherry, needs 5-7ml per feed
• Day three: size of a walnut, needs 22-27ml per feed

When Your Milk ‘Comes In’

Has your milk come in yet? You’ll likely be asked this multiple times. For most mothers this happens on day three (also the day most likely to experience the baby blues – which isn’t a coincidence) but for some it can take longer.

You’ll know your milk is coming in when:

• Your breasts feel distinctively full, firm and hard
• You may need to hand express to relieve tension
• Engorgement is most likely between day 2-5

What Feeding Looks Like

Research shows that babies need to feed 8-12 times every 24 hours. Yes, you may be breastfeeding every two hours around the clock. This doesn’t mean something is wrong; feeding frequently is normal because your baby’s belly is so small.

How Do I Know My Baby is Getting Enough?

This is a common concern because we can’t measure breastmilk consumption. Signs your baby is getting what they need:

• They feed 8-12 times in 24 hours
• You can hear them swallowing – a distinct rhythmic sound
• Six wet nappies daily by the end of the first week
• Stools that get looser and yellower each day
• They’re alert and active during wake times
• Their hands move from clenched to relaxed during feeds

Common Early Challenges

Nipple tenderness is really common in the first days, usually caused by an incorrect latch. Remember: breastfeeding shouldn’t hurt.

Engorgement when your milk comes in can make it hard for baby to latch. You may need to hand express a little to soften the area around your nipple.

Before Each Feed

1. Go to the toilet (you might be feeding for 40 minutes)
2. Get comfortable and release tension in your shoulders
3. Focus on how the latch feels, not just how it looks

Essential Breast Care Kit

As you navigate these first 72 hours, having the right products on hand can make a significant difference to your comfort and confidence:

• Nipple balm for sore, cracked nipples that commonly occur with frequent feeding
• Breast pads for when your supply comes in to keep you dry and comfortable
• Soft, stretchy bralette that’s easy for feeding and provides gentle support
• Warm and cold inserts – use warm to help encourage letdown, or frozen to provide relief from engorgement

Remember

It’s very normal for this process to take time. Your long-term breastfeeding journey is not dictated by the ease or difficulty of your first week. Many mothers feel confident by 6-8 weeks, while for others it can take up to three months. It’s different for everyone.

When to seek help: If you have any breastfeeding issues – pain, poor latch, concerns about supply – there’s only one thing you need to do: see a lactation consultant.

The first 72 hours are intense, but they’re the beginning of what may become one of the most profound connections you’ll ever experience. You’re doing beautifully.