The First Days: What’s Normal After Birth
Breastfeeding Is a Learning Process
Breastfeeding right after birth is new for both you and your baby — it’s not instant teamwork. Your baby may latch really well right away, or it might take a few tries before things feel comfortable. Babies often feed 8–12 times in 24 hours, especially in the first few days, crying a bit between feeds — this is normal and helps establish your milk supply.
Colostrum Is Enough at First
Your body makes colostrum in the first 2–4 days after birth — a thick, golden first milk that contains lots of protective antibodies. Even though it’s small in volume, it’s perfect for your baby’s tiny tummy. Once your milk “comes in” (usually around day 3–4), you’ll notice breasts feel fuller and feedings may seem more satisfying.
Frequent Feedings Help Milk Production
Early and frequent breastfeeding tells your body to make more milk. Try to offer the breast every 1½–3 hours during the day and night. This frequent nursing is totally normal and important.
Diaper Clues
In the first 24 hours, expect only a couple of wet diapers, but by days 3–5, your baby should be soaking 6 or more diapers a day with clear or pale yellow urine and passing soft, mustard-colored stools frequently.
Before You Leave the Hospital
The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine Protocol #2 (also called the Going Home Protocol) offers recommendations to help set you up for breastfeeding success once you’re home.
Breastfeeding Assessment
Before discharge, a trained clinician should check that breastfeeding is working well. They’ll look at things like:
Baby’s latch and positioning
Whether milk is transferring (like hearing swallowing)
Your comfort and any pain
Baby’s pee and poop patterns
Signs of jaundice (yellow skin)
This assessment helps catch issues early.
Talk About Risks and Concerns
If there are things that could make breastfeeding harder — like sore nipples, baby having trouble latching, or baby losing more weight than expected — those should be talked about beforeyou go home, with a plan for follow-up support.
Written Information and Support
Hospitals should give you information about common issues that can arise — like how often to feed, signs of dehydration or jaundice, and when to seek help — along with contacts for lactation support groups or lactation consultants.
After You Get Home: What to Expect
Milk Supply and Baby’s Weight
It’s normal for breast milk to not come in fully for 2–4 days after birth. During this time, babies may lose some weight — this is expected as long as they are feeding frequently and producing enough wet & dirty diapers. Most babies regain their birth weight within the first 1–2 weeks.
Follow-Up Visits Are Important
According to ABM guidelines, babies discharged before 48 hours should be seen by a provider (doctor, nurse, lactation specialist, or home visitor) within 24–48 hours after leaving the hospital — to check weight, hydration, breastfeeding, and jaundice signs. All babies should have follow-up within 48–72 hours of discharge.
Get Support When You Need It
Breastfeeding support isn’t one-and-done. Families should be connected with community or professional resources — like lactation consultants, support groups, or telehealth counseling — to help if challenges arise after discharge.
Signs You Should Reach Out for Help
Contact your healthcare provider or lactation support if you notice:
Baby isn’t making urine or has very few wet diapers
Baby’s stools don’t change by day 4–5
You’re in a lot of pain while nursing
Baby seems very sleepy and hard to wake for feeds
You’re worried your milk hasn’t come in after a few days
Your care team wants to help you succeed — you’re not alone!
Final Thoughts
The first week of breastfeeding is a learning journey full of big feelings and milestones — from watching your milk come in to seeing those diaper changes increase. Hospital support and early follow-up care make a big difference in helping you and your baby feel confident and fed. With frequent feeds, lots of skin-to-skin time, and good follow-up care, most breastfeeding challenges can be worked through — one day at a time.