Breastfeeding for beginners: The start of every parent’s journey

6 min. read

The breastfeeding basics

While every baby is different, newborns generally eat every two to three hours for a total of eight to 12 times every 24 hours. In the first day or two after birth, babies typically consume 30ml to 60ml milk per feeding. This amount will gradually increase to 60ml to 90ml once the baby reaches about two weeks of age.

How long do nursing sessions take? Again, every baby is different so there is no set time frame that every newborn is required to follow. But generally, breastfeeding newborns lasts anywhere from five minutes to one hour in duration. This timing will depend on the newborn’s size, age and feeding frequency. 

How to start breastfeeding

After giving birth, parents should try to take advantage of these first moments by laying the baby on their chest skin-to-skin. This time is known as ‘The Golden Hour’ and it’s a moment for the parent and baby to bond, as well as kick-start the newborn’s natural feeding instincts. 

Once the baby starts showing signs that he or she is hungry, it’s time to breastfeed. When first learning how to breastfeed a newborn, mothers should remember: 

• Comfort is key. One of the best ways to help make breastfeeding successful is to ensure that the mother is comfortable and relaxed. She can start by positioning herself on a couch, bed or armchair with pillows for support. Breastfeeding mothers can also get creative with their breastfeeding techniques through lighting preferences, soothing music or whatever relaxes them best. 
  
  
• Hold the baby close. Want a simple tip for how to start breastfeeding? Rather than leaning forward, mothers should bring their baby up close to their breasts. The baby’s mouth should be opposite the nipple with his or her head extended and shoulders and hips in line. The mother can also try gently brushing her nipple against her baby’s nose and mouth to encourage an easier latch. 
  
  
• Support the breast. While one hand supports the newborn, the mother can use her other hand to support just under the breast. When learning how to breastfeed, some mothers may prefer their hand to be free, in which case they can use a rolled towel instead. 

There are many different breastfeeding positions that mothers can experiment with to figure out which is most effective for nursing their newborn. Below are some of the most common techniques for how to breast feed: