Breastfeeding: What's Normal in the First Two Weeks?

The first two weeks of breastfeeding are a learning curve for you and for your little one. Here’s a day-by-day look at what you can expect, so you know what normal looks like. Always consult with a health professional if you have any concerns.

What to Expect in Your First Week of Breastfeeding

Day 1 to 2

• Your baby's stomach is about the size of a marble
• Colostrum explained: colostrum is the first milk your body produces, small in volume but dense in antibodies and perfectly designed for your newborn
• Put your bub to your breast often even if it feels like nothing much is happening
• Your baby will lose a little weight in the first few days (this is expected and normal, but if you are concerned you should always contact your GP)
• Your midwife or MCH nurse will monitor weight closely in these early days.

Day 3 to 5

• This is when your milk comes in, and it may arrive with force
• Engorgement breastfeeding — this is when your breasts may be swollen, hard and a little uncomfortable (very common at this stage)
• Feed frequently to move through it
• If engorgement makes latching difficult, expressing a small amount first can soften the nipple area and make it easier for your bub to latch
• You may notice strong uterine cramping when your milk lets down — this means the milk-ejection reflex is working as it should.

Day 5 to 7

• Feeds are still very frequent and a latch that felt manageable can start to feel uncomfortable as your breasts become fuller
• This is the stage where early breastfeeding challenges like latch issues and nipple tenderness often surface
• If something feels wrong, get help now rather than pushing through
• A lactation consultant, GP, MCH or the ABA helpline (1800 686 268) can make a significant difference at this point.

What to Expect in Your Second Week of Breastfeeding

Day 8 to 10

• Feeds are still frequent, but many parents notice things starting to feel slightly more predictable
• Your baby should be gaining weight steadily and heading back toward their birth weight
• Your breasts are starting to regulate, and they may feel less dramatically full than they did when your milk first came in
• If you have any concerns about your baby’s weight gain, speak to your MCH nurse or GP

Day 10 to 12

• Feeds are still frequent, and your breasts are continuing to learn what your bub needs and your supply is being established with every feed
• Stretching feeds out to try to get more rest can work against this process, so follow your baby's cues rather than the clock
• Cluster feeding in the evenings is often in full swing at this point — more on that below
• Partners matter too — having someone bring water, food and support during these long evenings makes a real difference

Day 12 to 14

• Most babies are back to their birth weight by around day 14
• Feeds may start to feel a little more settled, and your confidence in reading your baby's hunger cues is likely growing
• If latch pain is still persistent at this stage, now is the time to get support rather than hoping it resolves on its own

Things That Are Good to Know About Breastfeeding in the Early Weeks

How Often Should a Newborn Feed?

How often a newborn should feed is one of the most searched questions in the first two weeks. A newborn feeding frequency of 8 to 14 times or more in 24 hours is completely normal. Feed on demand — when your baby shows hunger cues — rather than watching the clock. Frequent feeding is how your supply gets established, and trying to schedule feeds too early can reduce it. 

 

How do I know when my baby is hungry?

Look for early hunger cues. Early signs include rooting (turning their head and opening their mouth), sucking on their fists or fingers, and increased alertness and fussiness. 

 

Is Cluster Feeding Normal?

Yes, completely. Cluster feeding newborn means your baby feeds almost constantly for several hours, usually in the evenings. It is not a sign that your supply has dropped. It is temporary — even when it genuinely does not feel like it will be.

 

Pain Is Information, Not Something to Push Through

Some nipple tenderness in the first days is common. Persistent breastfeeding pain in the early weeks is not normal and usually means something fixable is going on. The most common causes are: 

• Latch — if your nipple looks flattened or wedge-shaped after a feed, your baby likely is not latched deeply enough. See our guide to breastfeeding challenges for more
• Tongue tie breastfeeding — a tight frenulum under the tongue can restrict movement and make feeding painful and difficult
• Thrush — a yeast infection causing you burning or shooting pain. Look for white patches in your baby's mouth and see your GP if you suspect it
• Engorgement breastfeeding — very full breasts can flatten the nipple, making it harder for your baby to latch
• Mastitis symptoms — a breast infection causing pain, redness and flu-like symptoms. See your GP promptly if you suspect mastitis

How Baby Bunting Can Support You in Those First Two Weeks?

 

• Feeding pillows — help you hold a comfortable position during feeds without straining your back
• Nipple care range — quality nipple cream can provide relief in the early weeks, and expressing a few drops of breast milk after a feed and letting it air dry also helps with healing
• Breast pumps and milk storage — if you are expressing, browse our full range in store or online
• A comfortable nursing chair is genuinely useful as it’s somewhere to settle in for the long evening feeds without your body paying the price

When Does Breastfeeding Get Easier?

Most parents find breastfeeding significantly easier by 6 to 8 weeks.  If you are in those weeks right now and it is hard, that is not a sign something is wrong. It won’t always be like this.

 

Low Milk Supply — What's Real and What Isn't?

Low milk supply concerns are one of the most common reasons parents consider stopping in the first two weeks and also one of the most misunderstood. Breasts that feel soft, a baby who feeds constantly and a lack of obvious letdown are not reliable signs of low supply. Genuine signs include your baby not regaining birth weight by two weeks and consistently fewer than six wet nappies in 24 hours. Speak to your MCH nurse or a lactation consultant before making any decisions.

 

Where to Get Help in the First Weeks of Breastfeeding

You do not have to figure this out alone. Here is where to turn for breastfeeding support within Australia: 

• Australian Breastfeeding Association — 1800 686 268, 24 hours a day, staffed by trained counsellors. Also offers LiveChat and the mum2mum app
• Pregnancy, Birth and Baby — 1800 882 436, government-funded, available around the clock
• Your MCH nurse — a consistent resource in the weeks after birth for feeding checks and weight monitoring
• Your GP — important if pain is significant, mastitis symptoms appear, or something does not feel right
• Lactation consultant — for hands-on support with latch, supply concerns or persistent pain

The Final Word

The first two weeks of breastfeeding your newborn are genuinely challenging. This isn’t because something is wrong. It’s because it’s a learned skill and something you and your bub haven’t done before. This learning takes time, and that’s ok.  Ask for help early if you need it and reach out to your support group for all the things that can help you when you need it most.