Timeline

First days and weeks

The most important time to breastfeed is immediately after birth so that your baby can benefit from your colostrum. This is also the time that you and your baby are learning this new skill. It may feel like you’re never going to be able to manage to breastfeed at the start but remember how hard trying anything new can be – breastfeeding is no different. Sticking with it is very important as feeding formula can make breastfeeding more difficult subsequently. Use the support of health professionals around you to make sure you get off to a good start, take their advice, and remember that the vast majority of women can breastfeed without any problem once they’ve learned how. Try our troubleshooter for advice on common problems if you're having difficulties.

At first, you may find your baby wants to feed very frequently – 8-10 times in 24 hours is normal and similar to a formula-fed baby. A new baby needs to feed often because his stomach is very small – roughly the size of a walnut – and breastmilk is very easily digested. There may be times when you aren't sure when one feed ends and another begins. But as your baby grows, he will probably need fewer feeds, though there will be occasional days when he wants to feed a lot. Some babies reach the stage of less frequent feeding later than others; just remember all babies are different.

It's normal for your breasts to feel softer and smaller after several weeks of successful breastfeeding. This is fine, and doesn't mean your milk is 'disappearing'. It means your breastmilk production is closely matched to the needs of your baby, without the 'between feeds' build-up that's a feature of the early days and weeks. If your baby wants more milk, he will feed more often or for longer, and your body will respond and make more.

Breastfeeding mothers sometimes feel concerned that their babies do not gain weight as fast as formula-fed babies. Breastfed babies tend to gain weight more quickly in the first few months and then slow down. This is a normal pattern. At one year old, breastfed babies are leaner and healthier than formula fed babies.

3 months

By 3 months you should be into the routine of breastfeeding and any issues from the first weeks with latching or positioning should be resolved. If this is not the case and you are having difficulties of any kind, don't feel that you need to put up with anything. Try our troubleshooter for some guidance and speak to your breastfeeding advisor, health worker or midwife to resolve any concerns.

At 3 months your baby should ideally be breastfeeding exclusively. Breast milk will still meet all of his needs and there is no need to give him additional fluids. If you have had to feed him formula milk as well as breastmilk for any reason, don’t worry, any breast milk you are able to feed will still be beneficial to your baby.

The World Health Organisation recommends breastfeeding exclusively until 6 months old, then solids can be introduced, so there’s no need to rush to give solid foods. Giving your baby solid food too early can cause health problems, so ask your health visitor if you are unsure.

6 months

At 6 months you can start to try your baby with solid foods. It’s still very important that you continue to give milk feeds however as it will take your baby a while to start eating enough to fully supply all the nutrients he needs.

If you’d like more information on weaning, the best approach and what kind of foods to try your baby with, visit Ready Steady Baby! or ask your health visitor or midwife.

1 year

At one year your baby should be eating a range of solid foods and you should feel a real sense of achievement. You’ve given your baby the best start in life and although there is no reason to give up breastfeeding after this point if your baby still wants to continue, you can feel happy if you’d prefer to stop that you have done a wonderful job.

The World Health Organisation encourages women to breastfeed until their child is two years old so if you wish to continue you can be confident that your baby will still benefit.