Your Baby's First Breastfeed
Your Baby's First Breastfeed
Babies have such a strong instinct to breastfeed. Usually in that first hour your baby will start to show signs of being ready to feed. If left, they will move towards your breast and latch on by themselves.
Babies have such a strong instinct to breastfeed. Usually in that first hour, your baby will start to show signs of being ready to feed such as nuzzling, hand sucking or mouthing (opening their mouth and turning their head). If left, they will move towards your breast and latch on by themselves.
Feed whenever your baby wants to feed. Keeping your baby close to you, including sleeping in the same room at night (not in your bed), will help ensure you do not miss the signs that your baby is ready to feed.
The first milk (colostrum) is like gold - it's full of goodness and helps protect your baby from infection. Breastmilk is also full of antibodies. Your baby will feed on colostrum for the first 2 to 3 days until your milk comes in.
Check KidsHealth's breastfeeding section
Check KidsHealth's infant nutrition section
External links and downloads
Advice on coping at night - getting some rest, night feeding, safe sleeping environments and helping baby to settle.
The Mama Aroha app provides information about many aspects of breastfeeding. It includes information on the importance of breastfeeding, support for breastfeeding skin to skin, supply and demand feeding, what to expect, feeding cues, latching and positioning, hand expressing and milk storage. Check out how to use the app (PDF, 1.73 MB).
This app provides information about various aspects of breastfeeding - from how to prepare for breastfeeding during pregnancy, through to the first few days and the early weeks. In provides guidance on common issues such as latching and positioning your baby, hand expressing and breast care. In addition, the app has information on more unusual issues such as breastfeeding twins and early babies (premature), and frequently asked questions around breastfeeding such as medicines, contraception and smoking when breastfeeding.
Check SmartStart to find breastfeeding support services in your area.
Food information for babies and toddlers from birth to 2 years old.
Breastmilk is the perfect food for your baby and breastfeeding is perfect for you too. Find out why.
Food information for breastfeeding women. Includes nutrition, healthy food for mother and baby, dietary variety, drinking plenty of fluids, foods low in fat, salt and sugar, healthy weight, losing weight gained during pregnancy, daily activity or exercise, taking time out, alcohol, and being smokefree.
If you are worried about how your baby is breastfeeding, ask for a breatfeeding assessment. Your midwife or lead maternity carer (LMC) will know who to refer you to in your area. You can also talk to a PlunketLine nurse on 0800 933 922. Calls are free and PlunketLine is available 24/7. They'll do an assessment and can book you an online appointment with one of Whānau Āwhina Plunket's lactation consultants. These breastfeeding consultations are free and available for all breastfeeding women - even if Whānau Āwhina Plunket isn't your WellChild provider.
This page last reviewed 30 May 2022.
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