Baby's First Breastfeeding: When and How to Start Nursing

Wondering how soon after birth your baby needs to eat? Within the first hour after birth, your little one will be ready to feed. So, what does your baby eat right after birth? Your breasts produce your baby's first food, a special substance called colostrum. It's a yellowish-orange fluid full of protein and immunity-boosting antibodies. A few days after birth, your breast milk will come in.

Getting Started

Your body was made for breastfeeding, and your baby was made to nurse, but that doesn't mean you won't need a little help to get started. Many parents wonder how soon they should feed their baby after birth. While you're still in the hospital, a nurse or lactation consultant can help you get your baby nursing right away, assist with latching, and show you how to recognize when they're feeding well. Ideally, breastfeeding right after delivery helps get things started.

If you still need help after you go home, ask the hospital staff if they can recommend any resources. Lactation services, the hospital itself, and healthcare offices are good sources of help. Everyone needs some help, and even very experienced moms will encounter special issues.

"Nursing is a different experience for every mom and baby. It was more challenging than I thought, but I stuck with it, listened to advice from other moms and nurses, and eventually got into a groove that worked for both of us." Karen, Mom of Dominic, 2 months

Mom-to-Mom Nursing Tips

• A good latch is key. Wait until your baby's mouth is open wide and then help them latch.

• The areola should be in the baby's mouth.

• The squeezing action on the areola is what releases the milk.

• If it doesn't feel right, use your finger to break the suction and try again.

For more tips and information about breastfeeding, including how soon should you feed a baby after birth, read our article about breastfeeding tips and positions.