I’ll never forget the first time I sat beside a brand-new mom, her tiny newborn curled against her chest. She looked at me with tired, hopeful eyes and said, “I thought breastfeeding would be natural… but why does it feel so hard?”
If you’re in your first week of breastfeeding, you might be feeling the same way. You’ve seen the photos—peaceful, glowing parents cradling their babies in a perfect latch. But behind those snapshots is a learning curve, and I want you to know: You’re not doing anything wrong. This is part of the journey.
As an IBCLC, I’ve worked with countless new parents who expected breastfeeding to come naturally, only to find themselves struggling with pain, low milk supply worries, or a fussy baby who just won’t latch. Let’s take a deep breath together. Here’s what I wish every parent knew about their first week of breastfeeding.

Day 1-2: Tiny Tummies, Liquid Gold
Right after birth, your baby’s stomach is tiny—about the size of a cherry. This is why your body produces colostrum, a thick, nutrient-dense first milk packed with antibodies to protect your baby. Many parents panic, thinking they aren’t making enough because they see only drops. But those drops are liquid gold, and they are exactly what your baby needs.
💡 What to Expect:
Your baby will want to nurse very often, sometimes every hour. This is normal and helps stimulate your milk supply.
Latching might feel awkward at first—ask for help early from a lactation consultant or nurse.
Skin-to-skin contact can encourage feeding cues and help regulate your baby’s temperature and heart rate.
Tip: Hand express a few drops of colostrum onto your nipple to entice your baby to latch. If you’re having a hard time with it—reach out for support early!
Day 3-5: Milk Coming In (Engorgement Alert!)
This is when things can get intense. Your breasts will suddenly feel fuller as your milk transitions from colostrum to mature milk. For some, this shift is gradual; for others, it feels like an overnight explosion—hello engorgement!
💡 What to Expect:
Breasts feeling hot, firm, or heavy as milk increases
Baby might struggle to latch if your breasts are too firm. Hand-expressing a little milk before feeding can soften the area and help.
Frequent feeding (every 2-3 hours) is key to maintaining supply and preventing clogged ducts.
Tip: If engorgement becomes painful, apply cold compresses between feeds and use warm compresses before nursing to encourage milk flow.

Day 5-7: Finding a Rhythm (Kind Of)
You’ve made it nearly a week! By now, you’re starting to recognize your baby’s feeding cues—like rooting, sucking on hands, or turning their head. While each day still brings surprises, you might notice a slight rhythm emerging.
💡 What to Expect:
Cluster feeding: Periods where baby wants to nurse constantly, especially in the evenings.
Possible nipple discomfort: Some nipple tenderness is normal, but not cracked, bleeding, or severe pain (if so, get help!)
More diapers: By now, baby should have at least six wet diapers per day, which means they’re getting enough milk.
Poop changes: lighter, mustard-yellow, and seedy (a good sign of milk intake)
Tip: If breastfeeding still feels overwhelming or difficult, don’t wait to reach out. Seeing a lactation consultant early can make a world of difference in just one visit.

The first week of breastfeeding isn’t just about milk—it’s about learning each other. It’s messy, emotional, and exhausting, but also deeply beautiful. Whether your journey is smooth or filled with bumps, know that you are enough, and support is here when you need it.
If you need personalized guidance, I’d love to help. Book a consultation, or follow along for more real, judgment-free breastfeeding support💛
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