At the birth of your child your body makes colostrum, a rich, thick, yellowish milk and in small amounts. It gives your baby a healthy dose of early protection against diseases. You will be tired and excited and your baby will probably be awake in the first hour after birth. This is as good time as any to begin feeding the baby.

It is normal for both your baby and you to be sleeping heavily in the first 12-24 hours. Some babies like to nuzzle and may be too sleepy to latch well at first. Feedings may be short and disorganized. As your baby wakes up, take advantage of your baby's strong instinct to suck and feed every 1-2 hours. Many babies like to eat or lick, pause, savor, doze, then eat again. Your baby will drink about 1 teaspoon of colostrum at each feeding. You may not see the colostrum, but it has what the baby needs and in the right amount. Ask the nurse not to give your baby any formula or water unless you are informed first or for some reason your doctor has said the baby needs it.

In the next 3-5 days your baby will feed a lot (this helps your breasts make plenty of milk), at least 8-12 times or more in 24 hours. It is normal for your milk to be yellow or golden at first before the white milk comes in. Your breasts will feel full and leak (you may use disposable or cloth pads in your bra to help with leaking). Very young breastfed babies don't eat on a schedule. Since breast milk is more easily digested than formula, breastfed babies eat more often than formula-fed babies. It is okay if your baby eats every 2-3 hours for several hours, then sleeps for 3-4 hours. Expect feedings to take about 15-20 minutes on each side. The baby's sucking rhythm will be slow and long. You might hear gulping.

By the first 4-6 weeks your breast milk will be white and your body will have become used to breastfeeding so your breasts will be softer and the leaking will slow down. Your baby will likely be better at breastfeeding and have a larger stomach to hold more milk. Feedings may take less time and will be farther apart.