Becoming a new parent often comes with a lot of questions and one of the most common is about breastfeeding. Many parents worry: “Am I doing it right? Is my baby getting enough?” The truth is, breastfeeding is a skill that both you and your baby are learning together, and it usually takes 4–6 weeks to get the hang of it.
What to Expect:
- Frequent feeding: Newborns nurse 8-12x/24 hours, don't let the baby go longer than 3 hours from the start of one feed to the start of the next feed.
- Sore nipples at first: Some discomfort is normal (first 20ish seconds can be uncomfortable!) while your baby learns a proper latch. It should feel like a tugging sensation after the initial 20 second latch.
- Trial and error: Positions, latching, and timing will improve over a few weeks.
Tips for Success:
- Watch your baby for hunger cues (eating hands, licking lips, rooting around) rather than the clock.
- Have baby's tummy facing mummy and aim your nipple to baby's nose, which will help facilitate a deeper latch.
- Ask for help from a lactation consultant if things feel painful or confusing.
Remember: You’re learning a new skill. Just like learning to walk, practice makes progress. By week 4–6, most parents find breastfeeding becomes smoother and more comfortable.
