A First-Time Mom’s Guide to Breastfeeding a Newborn the Right Way

The first few days of breastfeeding do not always go as expected. Your little one may still be sleepy, have difficulty achieving a proper latch, or you may feel anxious because your milk supply has not increased much yet.

Take a breath, Mama. This phase is a learning process for both of you. Understanding how to breastfeed a newborn, from recognizing hunger cues and finding the right breastfeeding position to preparing the essentials for expressed breast milk (EBM), can help make the breastfeeding journey feel more comfortable and give you greater confidence.

Why Are the First Few Days an Important Foundation for the Breastfeeding Journey?

After giving birth, your body undergoes hormonal changes that trigger milk production. Colostrum, the first milk produced, serves as your baby’s initial source of nutrition. Although the amount may seem small, colostrum is enough to meet your baby’s needs during the first few days because their stomach is still very small.

Breastfeeding is a two-way learning process. Your baby learns how to latch, while you learn to recognize their feeding patterns. Building confidence from the beginning is key to making the breastfeeding journey feel calmer, without comparing yourself to other mothers’ experiences.

Step-by-Step Guide to Breastfeeding a Newborn

Step 1: Start with Early Initiation of Breastfeeding (IMD)

Skin-to-skin contact gives your baby the opportunity to find the breast naturally, and this process can support breastfeeding success in the long term.

Step 2: Recognize Early Hunger Cues Before Your Baby Cries

Early hunger cues include sucking on their hands, opening their mouth, turning their head toward the breast, showing the rooting reflex, and becoming restless while sleeping. Breastfeeding at this stage can make achieving a proper latch easier.

Step 3: Find a Comfortable Breastfeeding Position for Both Mother and Baby

Make sure your baby’s head and body are aligned, their tummy is facing your body, and their mouth is wide open. A deep latch is far more important than simply having the nipple inside your baby’s mouth.

Step 4: Let Your Baby Decide How Long to Feed

There is no need to strictly limit each feeding to a set number of minutes. Allowing your baby to finish feeding from one breast before switching can help them receive the hindmilk, which is important for their growth.

Step 5: Burp Your Baby After Feeding

This simple step can help reduce discomfort in your baby’s tummy after breastfeeding.

How Often Should a Newborn Breastfeed?

Newborns generally breastfeed around 8 to 12 times within 24 hours. Every baby’s feeding pattern can be different, and growth spurts may make your baby seem as though they want to breastfeed constantly during certain periods. If you are unsure about your baby’s feeding pattern, do not hesitate to consult a healthcare professional.

How Can You Tell If Your Baby Is Getting Enough Breast Milk?

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Some signs that can indicate your baby is getting enough breast milk include:

• Frequency of urination

• Age-appropriate bowel movements

• Consistent weight gain

• Your baby appears satisfied after feeding

• Your baby sleeps more peacefully after feeding.

Feeding duration is not the only indicator of successful breastfeeding, so there is no need to compare your experience with that of other mothers.

When Can Expressed Breast Milk (EBM) Be Introduced?

Situations When EBM May Be a Practical Option

Situations such as returning to work, temporary separation from your baby, or having the father or caregiver help with feeding can make EBM a practical solution.

How Can You Introduce EBM Without Disrupting Direct Breastfeeding?

If possible, wait until breastfeeding is well established, maintain a consistent direct breastfeeding routine, and choose a teat that supports your baby’s natural sucking pattern.

Also read: How to Pump Breast Milk Properly: Optimize EBM Output While Staying Comfortable

Choosing a Feeding Bottle That Supports, Rather Than Changes, Your Baby’s Natural Feeding Pattern

An ideal feeding bottle is not simply a container for EBM. It should also help maintain a feeding experience that is as close as possible to direct breastfeeding.

Why Does Teat Design Matter to Your Baby’s Feeding Experience?

Teats designed to resemble the shape of the mother’s breast can help babies achieve a deep latch, support the transition between direct breastfeeding and EBM, and help minimize the risk of nipple confusion.

Hegen PCTO™ 60ml/2oz Feeding Bottle: A Practical Solution from the Very First Days

One of the challenges during the early days is collecting small amounts of colostrum or supporting premature or low-birth-weight babies who are still learning to coordinate sucking, swallowing, and breathing. Hegen PCTO™ 60ml/2oz Feeding Bottle PPSU is designed to meet these needs.

BUY Hegen PCTO™ 60ml/2oz Feeding Bottle PPSU

This 60ml/2oz bottle can serve a dual purpose as a colostrum collector during the first days of milk production and during the early weeks as you establish your milk supply. It comes with an extra slow flow teat, making it ideal for premature babies, low-birth-weight babies, or babies with certain physical challenges who are still learning to breastfeed.

Over time, you can switch the teat according to your little one’s needs, from slow, medium, and fast flow to thick feed, all available separately. The 2oz size is also ideal for storing and serving a single portion of soft food when your little one is ready to start complementary feeding.

With the separately available breast milk storage lid, this feeding bottle can also be transformed into an airtight storage container simply by changing the lid. The same container can continue to be used as your little one grows, from a snack cup to a container for storing purées, biscuits, fruit, or juice.

🍼 Want to navigate the early days of breastfeeding with greater confidence?Learn more about Hegen PCTO™ Feeding Bottle here and discover solutions that grow with your little one’s needs.

When You Start Storing EBM, the Right Feeding System Makes Your Routine More Practical

Choosing the right bottle is not the only consideration. It is also important to think about your feeding system as a whole. Hegen PCTO™ (Press-to-Close, Twist-to-Open) allows a single container to be used for pumping, storing EBM, and feeding.

This means you do not have to transfer breast milk between multiple containers, making your pumping and feeding routine more practical, especially for busy mothers.

Navigate the Early Days of Breastfeeding with the Hegen Feeding System

Breastfeeding is not about being perfect, but about finding the right rhythm together with your little one. Every mother’s breastfeeding journey is unique, and understanding your baby’s needs from the very beginning, supported by a feeding system that adapts to every stage of their growth and development, can make the breastfeeding experience more comfortable and consistent.

Hegen is not designed to replace direct breastfeeding, but to support your breastfeeding journey, from direct breastfeeding and EBM storage to feeding EBM when needed, with solutions designed around your baby’s natural feeding experience.

🌿 Let’s navigate the early days of breastfeeding with greater confidence.Explore the Hegen PCTO™ Feeding System collection here and find the right companion for your breastfeeding journey.

FAQ About Breastfeeding a Newborn

What is the proper way to breastfeed a newborn?

Start with early initiation of breastfeeding (IMD) immediately after birth, recognize early hunger cues, ensure proper breastfeeding positioning, and allow your baby to determine how long they want to feed.

How many times should a newborn breastfeed each day?

Newborns generally breastfeed 8 to 12 times within 24 hours, although each baby’s feeding pattern can vary.

How can I tell if my baby is getting enough breast milk?

Pay attention to the frequency of urination and bowel movements, weight gain, and whether your baby appears satisfied and calm after feeding.

When can EBM be introduced to a baby?

EBM can be introduced once breastfeeding is well established, particularly if you are returning to work or need assistance from a caregiver.

What are the benefits of a teat with an extra slow flow?

It can help premature or low-birth-weight babies who are still learning to coordinate sucking and swallowing feed comfortably.

Can one bottle be used for pumping, storing, and feeding?

Yes. With the Press-to-Close, Twist-to-Open system and interchangeable lids, a single container can support the entire process.

Reference

• American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). (2022). Breastfeeding Your Newborn. Diakses dari https://www.healthychildren.org

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2023). Breastfeeding: Learning to Breastfeed. Diakses dari https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding

• NHS UK. (2023). Breastfeeding: The First Few Days. Diakses dari https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/breastfeeding-and-bottle-feeding/breastfeeding/

• Mayo Clinic. (2022). Breastfeeding: How to Get Started. Diakses dari https://www.mayoclinic.org

• World Health Organization (WHO). (2023). Infant and Young Child Feeding. Diakses dari https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/infant-and-young-child-feeding