The First 48 Hours:

What to Expect When You Start Breastfeeding

What To Expect

Breastfeeding is natural, but it isn’t always easy. Many new parents face challenges with latching, milk supply, or painful feeding sessions. That’s where a lactation consultant can make all the difference.

At Lotus Lactation Services, Dee Miller, RN, IBCLC, provides both in-home consultations in Pensacola, Milton, Navarre, Gulf Breeze, and Pace, Florida, as well as virtual lactation support available anywhere in the U.S.The first two days after birth are a powerful mix of instinct, learning, bonding, and discovery. Everything is new for you and your baby, and breastfeeding is part of that shared journey. The first 48 hours are not about perfection. They are about learning together, building confidence, and letting your baby guide the rhythm.

The First Milk: Colostrum

In the early hours after birth, your body produces colostrum. This thick, golden milk is often called liquid gold because of its incredible benefits. It is packed with antibodies and immune protection that your baby cannot get anywhere else. Even in tiny amounts, colostrum is exactly what your newborn needs.

Many parents worry that they are not producing enough during these early feeds. The truth is that newborn stomachs are very small. They only need small amounts at first, and colostrum is made perfectly for this stage.

Early Latch Attempts: Practice for Both of You

Newborns instinctively root and search for the breast. Some will latch quickly while others need time to practice. Both are normal. Your baby may lick, nuzzle, or try small sucks before they latch fully. These moments are not failures. They are part of the learning process.

Skin to skin helps most babies latch more easily. Holding your baby against your chest calms their nervous system and boosts your milk producing hormones. If the first latch is not perfect, try again. A lactation consultant can help guide you with positioning and latch technique.

Understanding Newborn Cues

Babies rarely start by crying when they are hungry. Crying is a late hunger cue. Earlier cues include:

Opening their mouth
Turning their head side to side
Bringing hands to their face
Smacking or licking their lips
Restlessness while sleeping

Feeding your baby when they show early cues makes breastfeeding smoother and less stressful. Most newborns feed 8 to 12 times in a 24 hour period. Some will feed even more often in short clusters. This cluster feeding is normal and helps build your milk supply.

How to Know Your Baby Is Getting Enough

In the first 48 hours it is normal for your baby to have small and infrequent diapers. As you transition from colostrum to mature milk, diaper counts will increase.

Reassuring signs include:

Audible or visible swallowing during feeds
A relaxed body after feeding
At least one to two wet diapers in the first day and more on the second
Soft or no stool on day one followed by the beginning of meconium changes
If you have concerns, reach out to a lactation consultant. They can check latch, positioning, and diaper patterns to give you peace of mind.

The Power of Skin to Skin

Spending time skin to skin in the first 48 hours provides benefits for both parent and baby.

Skin to skin helps:

Regulate the baby’s temperature
Stabilize their heart rate and breathing
Encourage natural feeding cues
Reduce stress hormones for both of you
Support milk production

Even short sessions create a big difference. Try holding your baby skin to skin frequently throughout the day and night.

Caring for Yourself While Learning to Feed

While you are learning to breastfeed, you are also recovering physically and emotionally. Be gentle with yourself and prioritize these self care basics.

Drink plenty of water
Eat nourishing meals and snacks
Rest whenever possible
Ask your partner, nurse, or lactation consultant for help
Try comfortable feeding positions that support your body

Breastfeeding is a relationship that develops over time. The first 48 hours set the foundation, but every day adds more confidence and comfort.

You Are Not Alone

Every breastfeeding journey is unique. Some begin smoothly and some start with challenges. Both are normal. What matters most is support and the willingness to learn step by step.

If you ever feel unsure, reach out to a lactation consultant or a trusted breastfeeding support resource. With guidance and reassurance, the early days become a time of connection and growth for both you and your baby.