After birth

Breastfeeding for beginners: latch, positions and how much milk

By Nine Moons EditorialMedically reviewed by Professor Dr FarhatUpdated 10 Oct 20269 min read

Quick answer

Start breastfeeding within the first hour after birth if you can, and feed whenever your baby shows hunger cues, usually 8 to 12 times in 24 hours. A deep latch prevents sore nipples. Your baby's stomach is tiny at first, about the size of a cherry, so small, frequent feeds of colostrum are all they need. The World Health Organization recommends breast milk only for the first 6 months, then continuing alongside food to 2 years or beyond.

Key facts

First feed	Within 1 hour of birth
How often	8 to 12 times in 24 hours
Breast milk only	For 6 months (WHO)
Wet nappies	6 or more a day from day 5
Continue	To 2 years and beyond, with food

Why breastfeed?

Breast milk protects your baby against infections, diarrhoea and pneumonia, and lowers the risk of sudden infant death. For mothers, it lowers the risk of breast and ovarian cancer and type 2 diabetes. Any amount helps.

Your baby's tiny tummy

Your baby's tummy is tiny at first. That's why small, frequent feeds of colostrum are exactly right in the first days.

The first milk, colostrum, is thick and yellow and full of antibodies. It's perfect, even though there isn't much of it. Your milk usually comes in around day 3.

Getting a good latch

Hold your baby close, tummy to tummy, with their head and body in a straight line.
Line their nose up with your nipple.
Wait for a wide-open mouth, like a yawn.
Bring baby to the breast chin first, aiming your nipple at the roof of their mouth.
More of the darker area should be visible above the top lip than below the bottom lip.

A good latch: cheeks rounded, you hear swallowing, and it doesn't hurt after the first few sucks. If it hurts, slide a clean finger into the corner of baby's mouth to break the suction and try again.

Positions

Cradle and cross-cradle: classic holds across your lap.
Football (rugby) hold: baby under your arm. Good after a caesarean or for twins.
Lying on your side: restful for night feeds.

Is my baby getting enough?

6 or more heavy wet nappies a day from day 5, and yellow poo by day 4 or 5
Content after most feeds, with steady swallowing during feeds
Babies lose up to 10% of birth weight at first, then usually regain it by 2 weeks

Common problems

Sore or cracked nipples: usually a latch problem. Ask for help early.
Engorgement: feed often; a warm shower before and a cold compress after can help.
Blocked duct: keep feeding, massage gently towards the nipple.
Mastitis: a red, painful breast with fever needs a doctor; keep breastfeeding.
Tongue tie: can make latching hard. It can be checked and treated.

Traditions to skip

Don't throw away colostrum. It's your baby's first protection.
No ghutti, honey, sugar water or other drinks before or instead of breast milk. Honey can cause botulism in babies under 1.
No water is needed for 6 months, even in hot Gulf or South Asian summers. Breast milk is mostly water.
Breast size doesn't affect how much milk you make.

Looking after yourself

Eat to your hunger and drink to your thirst, keep caffeine moderate, and check medicines with a pharmacist. A partner can help with burping, nappies and bringing water. If you plan to fast in Ramadan while breastfeeding, read our Ramadan guide.

Frequently asked questions

Do babies need water in hot weather?

No. Breast milk gives all the water a baby needs for the first 6 months, even in hot climates.

Can I breastfeed if I'm ill?

Usually yes, and your milk passes on antibodies. Check that any medicine is safe.

Should I give formula top-ups?

Only if there's a medical reason. Talk to a midwife or lactation consultant first, because top-ups can reduce your supply.

Sources

WHO and UNICEF: Infant and young child feeding
NHS Start for Life: Breastfeeding
AAP Policy Statement: Breastfeeding and the use of human milk (2022)

General information, not medical advice. Medical disclaimer · How we review content

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