By Cindy and Jana, RNs and IBCLCs
You've bought the onesies, created your baby registry, and maybe even practiced your breathing techniques. But are you ready for breastfeeding?
Here's the truth from our 20+ years as lactation consultants: While breastfeeding is natural, it's also a learned skill. Research shows that 92% of mothers with 3-day-old babies experience at least one breastfeeding challenge. We've helped hundreds of families through these early struggles, and we want to share the four things that make the biggest difference in your first week.
Table of Contents
- Learn Your Baby's Hunger Signals
- Survive the "Second Night Marathon"
- Stop Nipple Pain Before It Starts
- Build Your Support Team Now
1. Learn Your Baby's Hunger Signals (Before Baby Cries)
The mistake we see most often? Parents waiting until their baby cries to feed them.
Crying is actually a late hunger cue. By the time your newborn is wailing, they're already frustrated and harder to latch. We've seen this pattern play out in countless home visits – a fussy baby who won't settle at the breast, and exhausted parents who think something is wrong.
What to watch for instead:
- Sucking motions with their mouth
- Turning their head side to side (the rooting reflex)
- Bringing hands to mouth
- Making soft cooing sounds
Think of these early cues as your baby's polite way of saying, "Hey Mom, I'm getting hungry." When you respond to these gentle signals, feeding goes much smoother.
Why this matters: Frequent feeding in the early days signals your body to make milk. The more you nurse in response to hunger cues, the better your supply establishes itself.
2. Survive the "Second Night Marathon"
Here's what happens on nearly every home visit we make: Parents look exhausted and tell us, "The baby nursed ALL NIGHT LONG on night two. I don't think I have enough milk!"
We need to normalize this: Your baby's second night is often a feeding marathon. Your breasts still feel soft. Baby wants to nurse constantly. It feels alarming.
But this is exactly what's supposed to happen.
Your newborn is cluster feeding is nature's way of ramping up your milk supply. This is not a sign you need formula. In fact, giving formula at this critical moment can interfere with your body's natural supply-building process.
What to do instead:
- Check baby's diapers: 2-3 wet diapers and at least one bowel movement in 24 hours means they're getting enough
- Settle in with water, snacks, and something to watch
- Let baby nurse as often as they want
- Rest assured this phase passes quickly
Within a day or two, you'll notice more audible swallowing, your breasts will feel fuller, and baby will settle into longer stretches. We've seen this transformation hundreds of times – trust the process.
3. Stop Nipple Pain Before It Starts
Let's be clear: Toe-curling, shoulder-tensing pain is NOT normal.
Yes, we've all heard breastfeeding horror stories. But after working with countless families, we can tell you that severe nipple pain is a signal something needs adjusting – it's not something you have to endure.
Normal vs. concerning:
- Normal: Mild tenderness in the first week, especially in the first few seconds of latching
- Concerning: Cracking, bleeding, pain that lasts throughout the feeding, or pain that makes you dread nursing
The usual culprit? Baby isn't latched deeply enough. When your nipple stays near the front of baby's mouth instead of way back near the soft palate, too much pressure lands on the sensitive nipple tissue.
Our advice from years in the field:
- Get help early – don't wait until you're injured
- See an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) for positioning help
- Rule out physical issues like tongue-tie, which we've seen derail many breastfeeding journeys
One session with a skilled IBCLC can often fix positioning issues and save you weeks of pain. We've had mothers tell us, "I wish I'd called you after day one instead of day ten."
4. Build Your Support Team Now (Not at 3 AM)
Bringing home a baby turns your world upside down. You're learning to breastfeed while recovering from birth, running on minimal sleep, and navigating a new dynamic with your partner. It's overwhelming – we've lived it ourselves.
Research confirms what we see daily: Support is one of the strongest predictors of breastfeeding success. But support doesn't have to mean a partner. It means having someone in your corner when you're exhausted and doubting yourself at 3 AM.
Build your team before baby arrives:
- Identify 2-3 people who have positive breastfeeding experiences
- Tell them explicitly: "I'm going to need your support and may text you with questions"
- If possible, ask them to help with meals, laundry, or errands so you can focus on baby
- Find your local IBCLC's contact information now
- Join online breastfeeding support groups
When you're struggling in those early days (and you likely will have at least one hard moment), you'll need someone to remind you: "You're doing important work. You've got this."
What Comes Next: Your Breastfeeding Journey
The first week is challenging – there's no sugarcoating it. But armed with these four insights from our years of lactation experience, you'll be better prepared than most new mothers.
Soon, you'll settle into a rhythm. Your milk will always be the perfect temperature, instantly available, and require zero preparation. You'll get to spend those middle-of-the-night moments simply holding your baby close.
Ready for your free breast pump? Many insurance plans cover breast pumps at no cost. Check what your insurance qualifies you for here.
Related reading: New Mom Kits: Breastfeeding Station
Last updated: January 2026
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