Breastfeeding basics: everything you need to know
Quick answer
Breastfeeding is a natural way to feed your baby, but it can take time for both you and your baby to learn. This guide explains the basics of breastfeeding, including feeding cues, positioning, latching and what to expect during the early days and weeks.
Nobody really explains how strange breastfeeding can feel at the start.
One minute your baby is feeding constantly, the next they’re asleep after two minutes, then suddenly they want feeding again 20 minutes later. It can feel really inconsistent and honestly a bit chaotic in the beginning.
Frequent feeding can sometimes make parents wonder whether they're overfeeding or why their baby spits up afterwards. In most cases this is completely normal, and my guide on Why does my baby spit up? explains why.
A lot of things people worry about in the first few weeks are actually very normal — especially cluster feeding, uneven breasts, soft breasts, or baby constantly wanting to latch.
This is just a simple breakdown of the basics that helped me understand what was going on a bit better.
Latch basics
A good latch usually matters more than how long the feed lasts.
A lot of early breastfeeding pain comes from a shallow latch rather than something being “wrong” with you or your milk.
Some signs baby has a deeper latch:
Mouth opens wide before latching
More of the areola goes into the mouth (not just the nipple)
Chin presses into the breast
Lips flare outward rather than tucking in
If feeding feels pinchy, toe-curling painful, or your nipple comes out flattened afterwards, the latch is often too shallow.
It can also take practice for both you and baby. A lot of people assume breastfeeding should feel natural immediately, but for many people it’s something you both learn together over the first few weeks.
If you’re struggling with positioning, my guide on “how to increase milk supply” also explains why frequent feeding and deeper latching matter together.
If feeding continues to feel painful despite improving your latch, it's worth speaking to your midwife or infant feeding team. You can also read my guide on Breastfeeding basics 2, which covers common breastfeeding challenges in more detail.
What helps: Products I actually used
Lansinoh nipple cream. Helpful early on if things feel sore
Breastfeeding pillow. Made longer feeds much more comfortable and easier to stay in a good position
MomMed wearable breast pump. Really good for a wearable — I got similar output to my wired pump
Spectra wired breast pump. Stronger than most wearables and useful at the start when you’re establishing supply — hospital-grade pumps can also be rented, but over time it can work out similar to just buying one
Feeding & what’s normal early on
One of the biggest shocks for people is how often newborns feed.
In the early weeks, feeding 8–12 times in 24 hours is very normal — and sometimes it feels like even more because feeds are not evenly spaced.
Evenings especially can feel constant. Babies often cluster feed, meaning they feed repeatedly over a few hours with very short breaks in between. It can feel exhausting, but it’s extremely common early on.
If you're worried your baby isn't getting enough despite feeding frequently, my guide on How do I know if my baby is getting enough milk? explains the signs to look for.
A few other things that are usually normal in the beginning:
Baby falling asleep during feeds
One breast producing more than the other
Breasts feeling softer after the first few weeks
Milk not fully “coming in” immediately after birth
Some feeds being very short while others are much longer
A lot of early breastfeeding feels inconsistent before things settle into more of a rhythm.
If your baby keeps falling asleep before finishing a feed, it can also help to understand their Wake windows and Sleepy cues.
Final thought
Breastfeeding can feel very intense at the start, especially when nobody warns you how constant it can be.
A lot of the “is this normal?” moments actually are normal — even if they feel overwhelming at the time.
This isn’t professional advice — just a simple breakdown of what I’ve found helpful.
Most of this is easier to understand visually.
I’ve put all my guides into one place so you can browse them properly.
FAQs
How do I know if my baby has a good latch?
A good latch shouldn't cause sharp pain. Your baby's mouth should cover more than just the nipple, with lips flanged outward and regular swallowing.
How often should a newborn breastfeed?
Most newborns feed 8–12 times in 24 hours, and even more during cluster feeding. Frequent feeding in the early weeks is completely normal.
Is cluster feeding normal?
Yes. Many babies feed repeatedly over several hours, especially in the evenings, to help increase milk supply.
How do I know if my baby is getting enough milk?
Regular wet nappies, steady weight gain and your baby seeming satisfied after feeds are all reassuring signs.
Why does breastfeeding hurt at first?
Mild tenderness is common at first, but ongoing pain or pinching usually means your baby's latch or positioning needs adjusting.
Why does my baby keep falling asleep during feeds?
Newborns often become sleepy while feeding because they're still adjusting to life outside the womb. Gentle stimulation can help them finish a feed.
Why does my baby spit up after breastfeeding?
Small amounts of spit-up are very common and usually harmless. Keeping your baby upright after feeds may help reduce it.
When does breastfeeding get easier?
Many parents find breastfeeding feels much easier after the first few weeks as both mum and baby become more confident.
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