More about breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is connecting, automatic bonding, pausing, slowing down, finding a rhythm, love, fear, many questions, always warm, health-promoting.

Breastfeeding the first 24 hours

Breastfeed your baby as often as possible in the first 24 hours, preferably at the first feeding cues such as waking up, searching, smacking, sucking on their hands, or turning their head.

It is normal for a newborn to sometimes still be sleepy and drink small amounts on the first day. The stomach is still small, and the first milk, colostrum, is concentrated and perfectly tailored to your baby.

Plenty of skin-to-skin contact helps your baby wake up, find the breast, and keep their temperature and breathing stable. Take your time and make sure you are lying or sitting comfortably, with sufficient support for your back, arms, and baby.

Pay close attention to your baby's position when latching on. Place your baby tummy-to-tummy against you, or with their tummy turned completely towards your body. Ensure that the hips are also turned along with the tummy, so that your baby does not have to turn their head to reach the breast. Your baby lies flat against you, close to the breast, with their nose level with the nipple and the nipple between the nose and the upper lip. Wait until your baby opens their mouth wide, and then gently bring your baby to the breast. Do not put the nipple in your baby's mouth. This prevents your baby from taking a good, big gulp and they may start pulling on the nipple instead of massaging it properly. A big gulp helps to take the breast properly into the mouth and supports an effective sucking technique.

Ask for help with latching if finding the breast is difficult, if latching remains painful, or if you doubt whether your baby is feeding well. A good latch usually does not feel sharply painful. You will see your baby sucking; during the first three days, you often won't hear swallowing yet, because your baby is mainly ingesting small amounts of colostrum at that time.

Feel free to keep a muslin cloth within reach while feeding. This is handy if your baby spits up a little milk, if milk runs down their mouth, or if your other breast suddenly starts leaking. You can also use the cloth to gently pat their chin dry, protect your clothes, or hold your baby quietly against you for a moment after feeding. This way, you don't have to get up during feeding, and the moment remains as relaxed as possible for you and your baby.

In the first 24 hours, breastfeeding is mainly about practicing, getting acquainted, and drinking small amounts frequently. Your baby does not need to consume large quantities yet. By keeping your baby close often and breastfeeding regularly, you help get milk production off to a good start.

Pay close attention to early feeding cues: waking up, searching with the mouth, smacking, sucking on hands, or turning the head. Try to latch your baby on right then; crying is often a later signal, which sometimes makes latching on more difficult.

Is your baby sleepy? Then place him or her skin-to-skin with you or your partner, change the diaper if necessary, or talk softly to your baby. Sometimes it helps to first express a few drops of colostrum by hand and place them on the lips, so that your baby becomes more alert and wants to search again.

A feeding may be sensitive at first, but it should not remain sharply painful. If it persists, gently remove your baby from the breast by placing your little finger in the corner of their mouth to break the vacuum, and try latching on again. A calm, wide latch helps your baby drink better and prevents pulling on the nipple.

Switch between breasts if your baby keeps searching or becomes restless, but above all, let your baby set the pace. Sometimes a baby feeds briefly and often, sometimes he or she falls back asleep quickly. That can be normal on the first day. Feel free to ask for help with latching, even if you just want someone to take a look to see if the position is right.