On this page…

device1.pngIn the first few days your baby will be adjusting to their new surroundings and it is common for babies to be sleepy for the first 24 hours of life. Some babies feed well at the breast soon after birth and others take slightly longer to initiate feeding and adjust to new life. 

The following steps will increase your breastmilk production and will help to protect your future 
supply. These steps will also encourage your baby to feed at the breast and stimulate their digestion.

Continuous skin-to-skin will help your baby adjust to their new surroundings and feel warm and 
secure. Holding your baby in skin to skin contact in a laid back feeding position will help with 
stimulating your baby to feed. 

  • Your baby will communicate with you that they wish to feed by licking lips, rooting, sucking fingers and looking at you. Offer the breast frequently, at least 8-12 times in a 24 hour period, including during the night.
  • If your baby remains reluctant to feed then we will encourage you to hand express colostrum into their mouth or onto the lips (using either a clean finger, spoon, oral syringe or cup). 
  • Your baby will only need small quantities of colostrum initially because they are born with good  food stores from their time in the womb. Aim to give regular small amounts, anything from a few  drops to ½ teaspoon, every 2-3 hours for the first 24 hours.

ddd

Frimley Park Hospital
device1.pngTelephone: 0300 613 6530
Email: fhft.palsfrimleypark@nhs.net
Wexham Park and Heatherwood Hospitals
Telephone: 0300 615 3365
Email: fhft.palswexhampark@nhs.net

Two diagrams showing a person cupping their breast. One shows..
Caption
  1. Holding your baby close or thinking about your baby will help the colostrum flow.
  2. Stimulate your breast with gentle massage for a few minutes.
  3. Cup your breast and place your thumb and forefinger in a C shape 2-3cm back from the base of the nipple.
  4. Compress and release in a steady rhythm (avoid sliding your fingers).
  5. Move round the breast once flow slows and then repeat on the second breast. 
  6. At first only drops may appear but keep going as it will help build your supply. You may not get anything initially, this is normal just repeat in 2 hours or sooner and keep your baby skin to skin

Heading 1

Heading 2

Heading 3

Heading 4

 

About this information

Reference:
JU/678

Approval date:
23 December 2025

Review date:
11 November 2026

MyFrimleyHealth Record (MFHR)
Diabetes

Click ‘show accessibility tools’ at the bottom of the page 

Accesibility tools snip.PNG

Then click ‘select language’  

dropdown menu reading 'Select language'

 

Interpreters for your appointment

Alternative formats 

You can use the accessibility toolbar at the bottom of your screen to: 

  • Change the text size 

  • Adjust the font 

  • Modify the colour contrast 

  • Use the translate function 

If you would like this information in another format, such as Braille, audio, or easy read, please speak to a member of staff. 

You can also print as well as download as PDF using the “Print this page” button at the end of the page.  

Staff will print a copy for you on request 

Important note 

This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.