Guides · Feeding · 0–6 months · 3 min read

Breastfeeding Basics

How to get breastfeeding off to a comfortable start, from latch to knowing baby is getting enough.

Breastfeeding is a learned skill for both of you, and the first weeks are the steepest part of the curve. Be patient with yourself — a little practice and the right support make an enormous difference.

Getting a good latch

A deep latch is the single biggest factor in comfortable feeding. Bring your baby to the breast (not the breast to the baby), tummy-to-tummy, with their nose level with your nipple. Wait for a wide-open mouth, then bring them on so they take a big mouthful of breast, not just the nipple.

• Their chin should touch the breast and their lips should be flanged outward.
• You should feel strong tugging, not pinching. Sharp, ongoing pain usually means a shallow latch — break the seal gently with your finger and try again.
• Feed on demand, typically 8–12 times in 24 hours in the early weeks.

How to know baby is getting enough

You can't see the ounces, but you can see the output and the growth:

• By day 5, expect at least 6 wet diapers and 3–4 stools a day.
• Baby seems settled after most feeds and is back to birth weight by around 2 weeks.
• You can hear or see swallowing during feeds.

When to get help

Reach out early rather than pushing through pain. A lactation consultant (IBCLC), your midwife, or your pediatrician's office can assess a latch in minutes. Cracked nipples, a baby who never seems satisfied, fewer wet diapers than expected, or weight-gain concerns all deserve a same-week conversation.

Remember: fed, growing, and thriving is the goal, and asking for support is part of doing it well.

*Always consult your pediatrician for advice specific to your baby.*