Medically reviewed content. Last updated: April 2026.
Medically reviewed content. Last updated: April 2026.
Breastfeeding is a skill that both you and your baby learn together. It can feel natural for some and challenging for others, and both experiences are completely normal. This guide covers how to get started, the most common difficulties, and where to find support in the UK.
Breast milk provides all the nutrition your baby needs for the first six months of life. The NHS and WHO recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, then continuing alongside solid foods for as long as you and your baby choose.
Benefits for your baby include antibodies that protect against infections (particularly gastroenteritis, chest infections, and ear infections), reduced risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), lower risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes later in life, and breast milk that adapts to your baby's changing needs.
Benefits for you include helping your uterus contract back to its pre-pregnancy size, reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancer, natural calorie burning (breastfeeding uses around 500 extra calories per day), and potential benefits for bonding and emotional wellbeing.
However, breastfeeding is a personal choice. If you choose not to breastfeed, or if it does not work out, your baby will be well nourished with formula. The best feeding method is the one that works for you and your family.
Skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth encourages your baby's natural feeding instincts. Newborns placed on their parent's chest often begin rooting (turning their head and opening their mouth) and may latch on within the first hour. This first feed does not need to be rushed, so let your baby find the breast at their own pace.
For the first two to three days, your breasts produce colostrum, a thick, golden liquid rich in antibodies. The amounts are very small (just a few millilitres per feed), but this is exactly what your baby needs. Their stomach is tiny, roughly the size of a cherry on day one.
Around day two to five, your milk "comes in" and your breasts may feel full, heavy, and warm. This is your body transitioning from colostrum to mature milk. Frequent feeding helps relieve any engorgement and establishes your supply.
A good latch is the single most important factor in comfortable, effective breastfeeding. Signs of a good latch include:
If the latch feels painful or your baby seems to be sliding off, gently break the suction by inserting a clean finger into the corner of their mouth and try again. Repositioning is completely normal, especially in the early days.
Newborns feed frequently, typically 8 to 12 times in 24 hours. This is normal and essential for establishing your milk supply, which works on a supply-and-demand basis: the more your baby feeds, the more milk you produce.
Feed your baby whenever they show hunger cues, which include turning their head and opening their mouth (rooting), sucking their hands or fingers, becoming restless or fidgety, and making lip-smacking sounds. Crying is a late hunger cue, so try to feed before your baby gets to this stage.
In the early weeks, cluster feeding (feeding very frequently for several hours, often in the evening) is extremely common and does not mean you do not have enough milk. It is your baby's way of boosting your supply.
This is usually caused by a shallow latch. Improving the latch is the priority. In the meantime, expressing a small amount of breast milk and letting it dry on the nipple can help healing. Purified lanolin cream is safe and soothing. If pain persists despite repositioning, seek help from a breastfeeding specialist to check for issues like tongue-tie.
When your milk comes in, your breasts may become uncomfortably full and hard. Frequent feeding, hand expressing a small amount to soften the breast before latching, warm flannels before feeding, and cold compresses after feeding can all help. Engorgement typically settles within 24 to 48 hours as your supply adjusts.
A firm, tender lump in the breast that does not go away after feeding may be a blocked milk duct. Continue feeding from the affected side (this is safe for your baby), apply warmth before feeding, massage gently towards the nipple during feeds, and ensure your bra is not too tight. Most blocked ducts resolve within a day or two.
If a blocked duct does not clear, it can develop into mastitis, an inflammation of breast tissue that may involve infection. Symptoms include a red, hot, swollen area on the breast, flu-like symptoms (fever, aching, tiredness), and pain. Continue breastfeeding (it is safe and helps clear the blockage). If symptoms do not improve within 12 to 24 hours, or if you develop a fever, see your GP, as you may need antibiotics.
Most parents produce enough milk for their baby. Signs that your baby is getting enough include 6 or more wet nappies per day from day 5 onwards, regular dirty nappies (yellow and soft by day 4 to 5), steady weight gain after the initial post-birth dip, and your baby seeming content after most feeds.
If you are genuinely concerned about supply, speak to your midwife or a breastfeeding specialist rather than supplementing with formula straight away, as reducing breastfeeds can further reduce supply.
Tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) is a condition where the strip of tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth is shorter than usual, restricting tongue movement. It affects around 4 to 11% of newborns and can make it difficult for the baby to latch effectively. Signs include difficulty latching, clicking sounds during feeding, and sore nipples despite good positioning.
If tongue-tie is suspected, your midwife or health visitor can refer you for assessment. Treatment involves a simple procedure called a frenulotomy, where the tie is snipped. It is quick, usually causes minimal distress, and often leads to immediate improvement in feeding.
Breastfeeding support is widely available in the UK:
Breast milk provides all the nutrition your baby needs for the first six months of life. The NHS and WHO recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, then continuing alongside solid foods for as long as you and your baby choose.
A good latch is the single most important factor in comfortable, effective breastfeeding. Signs of a good latch include:
Newborns feed frequently, typically 8 to 12 times in 24 hours. This is normal and essential for establishing your milk supply, which works on a supply-and-demand basis: the more your baby feeds, the more milk you produce.
Milestones, partner sharing, notes, photos, and a curated essentials guide. Free, no app to install.
Get Started Free© 2026 Nuhah. All rights reserved.