Breastfeeding Basics: How Often to Feed and Common Problems Solved

Breastfeeding is wonderful for your baby — and often trickier than expected in the early days. If it feels hard at first, you're not doing anything wrong. Here's what helps.

How Often Should Newborns Feed?

Newborns feed on demand — often 8–12 times in 24 hours. Feeding frequently in the early weeks is normal and builds your milk supply.

Is My Baby Getting Enough Milk?

Reassuring signs: 6 or more wet nappies a day (after the first week), regular soft stools early on, steady weight gain over the weeks, and your baby settling after most feeds. You don't need to measure millilitres.

Latch Technique Matters

A good latch means less pain for you and better feeding for baby: baby's mouth wide open, taking in a good part of the areola (not just the nipple), chin touching the breast. If feeding is painful throughout, the latch often needs a small adjustment.

Common Breastfeeding Challenges

• Sore nipples: usually a latch issue — worth getting checked.
• Feeling of low supply: frequent feeding usually increases supply; true low supply is less common than feared.
• Engorgement: feed often; warmth before and a cool compress after can ease it.

If problems persist, hands-on help makes a big difference — that's what breastfeeding counselling is for.

It's Okay to Ask for Support

Many mothers benefit from support in the early weeks. There's no prize for struggling alone.

This article is general information for parents, not medical advice. Every child is different — please consult your pediatrician for guidance specific to your child.