Breastfeeding the very first time

Right after birth, your newborn often has a period of alertness lasting about two hours. This is usually when the very first feeding takes place – an important and special moment for both you and your baby.

Ingela Ågren

Read time: 2 m

Verified by Ingela Ågren

Certified Midwife

Breastfeeding the very first timePhoto: Preggers

Skin-to-skin – the start of everything

During these first hours, it’s best for your baby to lie skin-to-skin with you. Your warmth, scent, and heartbeat help them feel secure and begin to search for the breast.

Your baby’s natural reflexes

If you watch closely, you may see your baby moving their mouth, licking their lips, or sucking on their hand. This is called the rooting reflex, your baby’s way of showing they want to feed. Many newborns actually find the breast on their own if allowed to move at their own pace.

When feeding takes time

For some, it happens quickly; for others, it can take longer – both are completely normal. Be patient. If your baby doesn’t latch immediately, let them continue lying skin-to-skin. Sometimes your partner can hold the baby against their skin if you need a rest.
If the feeding is delayed, you can gently hand express a few drops of milk to stimulate production.

Benefits of skin-to-skin

Babies who are close in the early hours:

  • Maintain body temperature better
  • Cry less
  • Have more stable blood sugar
  • Show clearer signals that they want to feed

The first feeding is about more than nutrition – it’s about closeness, security, and the start of your bond together.

Ingela Ågren

Verified by Ingela Ågren

Certified Midwife

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