Early Considerations for Infant Feeding

Added: 2026-05-11

[00:00:05][music] >> Those first moments with your baby are monumental in your feeding journey.

[00:00:13]Hopefully by now you've thought about how you'd like to feed your baby.

[00:00:16]Whatever you decide, we always encourage skin-to-skin for that first feed. It's a great [music] start to breastfeeding.

[00:00:22]Right after birth, your baby's instincts kick in.

[00:00:26]They go through nine instinctual stages [music] ending in feeding cues.

[00:00:30]Babies show feeding cues when they're hungry. It's best to respond early before they get upset and [music] feeding becomes difficult.

[00:00:38]If your baby is upset, try soothing them before latching them again. [music] Offer the breast whenever you see these cues. In the first few hours, babies might become very sleepy and [music] reluctant to feed. You can try waking baby by gently undressing them, changing their nappy, doing [music] skin-to-skin, rubbing their head or feet, or even just changing their position.

[00:00:59]For very sleepy babies, we sometimes [music] recommend hand expressing colostrum to finger feed.

[00:01:05]Finger feeding can encourage suckling without using a bottle.

[00:01:09]In the first days of life, your baby is learning to feed just as much as you are.

[00:01:14]After the first day, they'll wake more >> [music] >> and want to be at the breast more frequently. Letting your baby feed often helps build a strong milk supply that's just right for them.

[00:01:23]Newborn tummies are small and only need a small amount of milk.

[00:01:27]Keep an eye on your baby's nappies to make sure [music] they're feeding well.

[00:01:30]In the first days expect day one, one wet and two [music] dirty nappies.

[00:01:36]Day two, two wet and two dirty nappies.

[00:01:39]Day three, three wet and two [music] dirty nappies and so on until day five.

[00:01:47]Newborns have tiny tummies and feed often, at least eight times in 24 [music] hours, sometimes more.

[00:01:54]Watch your baby, not the clock.

[00:01:57]Feed them whenever they show hunger cues.

[00:02:00]You may hear about cluster feeding.

[00:02:02]Babies feed frequently to boost milk supply, often [music] in the evenings.

[00:02:06]Set yourself up with snacks, water, and comfort while you feed.

[00:02:10]Prolactin helps make milk like a chef in the kitchen.

[00:02:14]Oxytocin, the love hormone, [music] helps your milk flow. The more milk removed, the more milk is made.

[00:02:21]Early milk changes can cause fullness or engorgement.

[00:02:25]Keep your feeding frequently.

[00:02:27]Cold compresses and gentle massage can help.

[00:02:30]Seek support if you're in pain.

[00:02:31]>> [music] >> If your breast becomes hot, painful, or develops red patches, could be mastitis.

[00:02:37]Keep feeding and seek medical help if you feel unwell.

[00:02:40]Don't pump extra milk unless your baby isn't feeding well. [music] Pumping too much can worsen the engorgement.

[00:02:47]Breast thrush can cause deep nipple pain. [music] It's rare and often over diagnosed. Get feeding support and medical advice if you're unsure.

[00:02:56]Those early days can be a learning curve for you and your baby. Reach out for support wherever you need it.

[00:03:02]>> [music] >> You're doing great.