Preparing for breastfeeding: tips, myths, what to expect

If you’re wondering how to start breastfeeding without the stress, you’re not alone. A few smart prep steps now can make those first feeds calmer, more comfortable, and more successful.

What breastfeeding actually looks like in the first days

Your body is ready before your baby arrives. Many pregnant people start making colostrum (your baby’s first milk) in the second trimester. This nutrient-dense first milk is exactly what your newborn needs, and your mature milk typically “comes in” 2–5 days after birth.

Expect frequent feeds in those early days. Newborns often feed 8–12 times in 24 hours, which might seem constant, but this pattern helps establish your milk supply through the natural supply-and-demand process.

You’ll likely experience cluster feeding, where your baby bunches feeds together, especially during evenings or growth spurts. Though exhausting, this common pattern actually helps boost your milk production.

The benefits of breastfeeding start immediately. Breast milk contains unique antibodies, hormones, and enzymes that protect against respiratory illnesses, ear infections, gastrointestinal diseases, and allergies—offering protection that formula simply can’t replicate, according to Agape Family Health.

Latch basics: simple steps for a deeper, more comfortable latch

Position yourself first, then focus on the latch. Always bring baby to you, not you to baby. Keep your baby’s ear, shoulder, and hip in a straight line, with their belly facing yours.

The “nose to nipple” technique works wonders. Gently brush your baby’s upper lip with your nipple to encourage a wide, open mouth before latching.

Aim for what lactation consultants call an asymmetric latch. Your baby’s chin should touch your breast first, with mouth wide open, lips flanged outward, and more areola visible above baby’s top lip than below the bottom lip.

 

Good latch signs include rhythmic sucking and swallowing, minimal clicking or smacking sounds, no sharp pain after the initial latch-on, and breasts that feel softer after feeds.

If breastfeeding hurts beyond the first moments, break the seal gently. Slide a clean finger into the corner of your baby’s mouth to release suction, then try again, aiming for a deeper latch.

How to start breastfeeding: your first 48-hour game plan

Practice skin-to-skin contact early and often. This natural approach helps regulate your baby’s temperature and promotes instinctive feeding cues that make latching easier.

Offer both breasts during each feeding session. Switch sides when active swallowing slows, and start the next feed on the breast that felt less drained from the previous session.

Watch your baby, not the clock. Feed on cue by recognizing hunger signals: rooting, hand-to-mouth motions, or stirring are all green lights to offer the breast—before crying starts.

Track wet and dirty diapers to gauge intake. By day 4–5, expect at least 6 wet diapers and 3–4 yellow stools in 24 hours as a reassuring sign that feeding is going well.

Don’t leave the hospital without asking for help. Request a lactation consultation to check your technique before heading home—this professional guidance can prevent problems before they start.

Supply myths you can ignore (and what actually works)

Myth: Taking breaks from breastfeeding boosts milk supply. Reality: Breastfeeding operates on supply and demand; spacing out feeds typically decreases rather than increases your supply, according to CU Medicine OB-GYN East Denver.

Myth: You can’t get pregnant while breastfeeding. Reality: The lactational amenorrhea method can delay ovulation only under very specific conditions—and still has a 0.5%–1.5% failure rate even when followed perfectly.

Myth: Your milk won’t come for days, so your baby will be hungry. Reality: Colostrum is small in volume but incredibly rich in calories and immune factors—precisely what your newborn’s tiny stomach needs in those first days.

The encouraging reality? Most U.S. parents do start out breastfeeding—about 84% of babies are breastfed at some point, according to Children’s Health. Getting informed and supported significantly improves your chances of meeting your breastfeeding goals.

Comfort tips you’ll actually use

Find your go-to position that works for both you and baby. Laid-back nursing works well for newborns and can make milk let-down more comfortable. The cross-cradle hold offers the most control for latch in early days, while the football hold can be helpful after a C-section or for mothers with fuller breasts.

Support your body properly during feeds. Use pillows under your arms and behind your back, keep your shoulders relaxed, and ensure your feet are supported to prevent strain during longer feeding sessions.

Prevent soreness before it starts by achieving a deep latch, varying positions, and expressing a few drops of milk to rub into your nipples after feeds. Let nipples air-dry whenever possible rather than wiping them.

Ease engorgement by feeding often, hand-expressing just enough milk to soften your breast if needed before latching, and alternating cool compresses between feeds with warmth right before nursing.

You can manage uncomfortable let-down sensations with deep breathing, calm music, or a short guided relaxation to reduce tension and minimize pain spikes during milk release.

Protect your sleep by napping when your baby naps and considering side-lying nursing at night once you and your baby are comfortable with latch and positioning.

How partners can help from day one

Partners can be the logistics lead, keeping a water bottle, snacks, burp cloths, and pillows within reach before every feeding session begins.

Master burping and diaper duty. Taking the baby after feeds allows the nursing parent to rest and reset, creating a more sustainable routine for everyone.

Track feeds and diaper counts, especially in the early days. Logging patterns helps catch any potential issues early and reassures everyone that baby is getting enough milk.

Create a calm environment by dimming lights, reducing noise, and cueing up relaxing audio during feeds. Supportive vibes make a real difference in successful breastfeeding.

Learn to recognize your baby’s hunger cues. Not every cry means hunger—partners who can spot early feeding cues help make latching easier and calmer for both baby and nursing parent.

Champion professional help when needed. If pain persists or weight gain lags, encourage consulting with a lactation specialist promptly rather than struggling alone.

A realistic troubleshooting checklist

If you experience pain after the first minute of latch, don’t endure it—re-latch for deeper attachment and try a different hold to find what works best.

Clicking sounds or cheeks dimpling during feeds? These can signal a shallow latch. Break suction gently and readjust for a deeper attachment.

When your baby gets sleepy at the breast, use gentle breast compressions to increase milk flow and lightly rub baby’s feet or back to encourage active feeding.

If you’re concerned about your milk supply, count wet and dirty diapers, offer frequent feeds, and consider arranging a weighted feed with a lactation consultant before adding any supplements.

Prep before baby arrives

Take a breastfeeding class, either live or on-demand, to boost your confidence and learn hands-on techniques before you’re in the moment with a hungry newborn.

Build your support team by identifying a local International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), finding a breastfeeding-friendly pediatrician, and locating a peer support group in your area.

Gather simple gear to get started. You’ll need 2–3 nursing bras, breast pads, a hand pump or knowledge of manual expression techniques, nipple cream, and a couple of supportive pillows.

Plan your feeding spaces in advance. Set up a comfortable chair in your main living area and create a night feeding station with soft lighting, water, and easy-to-reach snacks.

How Beginning can support your breastfeeding journey

Calm your nervous system with the Beginning app’s 3D sound journeys to lower stress, which can make milk let-down easier and feeding sessions more comfortable.

Access expert knowledge through 100+ masterclasses on postpartum recovery, stress management, sleep improvement, and mindset work—all tools that help you stay consistent with breastfeeding even when challenges arise.

Track what matters most to you using personalized monitoring features and an Inspirational Feed tailored to your specific stage, helping you notice patterns and celebrate wins along your breastfeeding journey.

Key takeaways

Breastfeeding works best with a deep, comfortable latch, frequent feeding based on your baby’s cues, and calm support at home. Prepare a simple plan, ignore common supply myths, and seek help early if something doesn’t feel right. Remember that while breastfeeding is natural, it’s also a learned skill for both you and your baby—give yourself grace as you navigate this new experience together.