Getting a good start with breastfeeding

For some, breastfeeding begins easily; for others, it takes more time and effort. Most parents succeed in establishing breastfeeding within the first month.

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The four key messages for supporting breastfeeding

These four key messages are among the most important foundations for a good breastfeeding start. Swipe to see them. Scroll further down this page to learn about your baby’s most important signals and to find answers to the most common early questions about breastfeeding.

The four key messages are your most important breastfeeding tools

There is a lot to learn and get used to when breastfeeding begins. But by focusing on the four key messages, you are already well on your way:

  • Supporting each other
  • Keep skin-to-skin contact with your baby
  • Find a comfortable breastfeeding position
  • Breastfeed frequently

Danish research shows that if you do these things, your baby is more likely to get the milk it needs and to be breastfed for as long as you wish. Swipe to read more about the four key messages.

Keep skin-to-skin contact with your baby

When your baby lies skin-to-skin with you, it becomes stimulated to suck and will come to the breast more often. Skin contact is therefore especially important for breastfeeding in the early days.

Skin-to-skin contact also has other advantages. It helps your baby calm down and adjust to life outside the womb, and it supports you as parents in forming a close bond with your child


No. Your newborn is used to close physical contact with its mother in the womb. It has felt your warmth and heard your heartbeat and your voices. Separation can therefore make the baby feel insecure or stressed. Keeping your baby skin to skin—whether with the mother, father/co-parent—cannot be done too much.


No. This is not recommended by the Danish Health Authority. If you are going to sleep or are very tired, place your baby on its back in its own bed next to you. Sleeping on the stomach or too close to an adult increases the risk of sudden infant death. Keep your baby skin-to-skin only when you are awake and able to supervise.

If your baby sleeps in your bed, place it between one of you and its own cot. Make sure there is no gap between the beds, and let your baby sleep under its own blanket. A useful rule is that there should be as much space around the baby as if it were lying in its own bed.

See also the Danish Health Authority leaflet Prevent Sudden Infant Death.

 

 

Find a comfortable position and avoid pain

A good position is essential for breastfeeding to work, to avoid pain, and to ensure your baby gets enough milk. Try different positions until you find those that feel right for you. A good position is one where you can relax and your baby can latch effectively.

 

Read more about breastfeeding positions

Breastfeed frequently so your baby gets enough milk

Newborns vary in how often they need to feed. In the first month, 8–12 feeds per day—and sometimes more—is completely normal. The most important thing is to put your baby to the breast whenever it shows signs of hunger. This helps your body produce the amount of milk your baby needs.

Support each other in making breastfeeding work

When the father, partner, or another close person is actively involved alongside the breastfeeding parent, the chances of success increase — both in the short and long term. Learn together what supports good breastfeeding.

Help each other find good positions, and learn to recognize your baby’s hunger and fullness cues. This makes it easier to manage difficulties if challenges arise.

 

Know your newborn’s signals

It is very helpful to understand how your baby expresses hunger, fullness, and other needs. Swipe to read more about the baby’s signals. Scroll further down for answers to common questions about the early breastfeeding period.

Your baby’s signals help you

From birth, your baby can show certain signals that help you understand its needs.

At first, these signals may be subtle. But as the baby grows and you get to know one another, it becomes easier to interpret what your baby is trying to communicate; for example, when it cries, is restless, or puts a hand in its mouth.

Sometimes, you may need to use a trial-and-error approach: Is the baby hungry? Does it need a clean nappy? Is it seeking closeness or skin-to-skin contact? Becoming familiar with the most common signals is a good idea.

How does a newborn show hunger?

From birth, your baby can show certain signals that help you understand its needs. At first, these signals may be subtle. But as the baby grows and you get to know one another, it becomes easier to interpret what your baby is trying to communicate.

Most babies signal when they are ready to feed. These signals can be early or late, and if the baby has waited too long and becomes distressed or restless, it is more difficult to help the baby latch. Therefore, put the baby to the breast as soon as they show early signs of hunger.

Early signs of hunger include:

  • Moving arms and legs
  • Sticking out the tongue or making sucking movements
  • Bringing a hand to the mouth
  • Searching for the breast by turning the head

 

How do we know our baby is getting enough?

Usually, your baby gets enough milk if you breastfeed as often and as long as it wants.

The number and appearance of nappies with stools are the best indicators. In the first week, stools should change colour gradually, and there should be several dirty nappies. After that, a daily stool is sufficient until the baby is about one month old, after which it can be normal for several days to pass between stools.

You can use The Check Baby Chart to see all the signs that your baby is getting enough milk during the first four weeks.

Let your baby control the feeding

Once your baby latches onto the breast and begins to suck, allow them to continue for as long as they want. It is important that the baby decides when they are finished.
If you remove your baby from the breast too early, they may not get the milk they need.

Signs that your baby has finished include:

  • Letting go of the breast
  • Sucking very slowly
  • Falling asleep at the breast

If the baby is sucking slowly or falling asleep, you can gently insert a finger into the corner of the baby’s mouth to release the latch and protect the nipples. You can offer the other breast if you are unsure whether the baby has had enough.

Some newborns have difficulty staying awake at the breast and may fall asleep before they are full. If you suspect this is the case, contact your health visitor for advice.

Does our baby always need to burp after a feed?

If your baby becomes restless at the breast, they may need help to burp.

Babies sometimes swallow air while feeding, which can be uncomfortable. How much air a baby swallows varies, so some babies burp more often than others.

In the first few days, when only small amounts of colostrum are present, babies usually swallow little air. After the milk comes in, some babies may need to burp several times during a feed, while others burp once or not at all.

Your baby may release the breast on their own if they need to burp. Others may need help letting go of the breast to burp.

Some babies wake up or sleep restlessly if they do not burp and have air in their stomach. You can wait to put your baby down to sleep until they have burped.

If your baby does not release the breast on their own, gently slide a clean finger into the corner of the mouth to help them let go. Holding your baby upright will often help the burp come naturally. You can also hold your baby on your shoulder with their head resting securely. Gently pat their bottom or stroke their back.

 

Common challenges in early breastfeeding

Does breastfeeding hurt? Can jaundice affect breastfeeding? And what can you do if your baby is unable to latch? Swipe to get answers to some of the most common challenges in early breastfeeding.

How long does it take for breastfeeding to work well?

It can take up to a month for breastfeeding to become well established. Some parents find it easy and quick; others experience challenges along the way. Give yourselves time and be patient.

If you’re unsure or need help, just get in touch with the hospital staff or your health visitor. Asking early makes things easier.


Showing your new baby to friends and family is wonderful, but try to limit visits in the first period to protect yourselves, the baby and make sure that breastfeeding works well.

Too much noise and activity can make the baby unsettled. You may also find it difficult to relax yourself, which can affect breastfeeding.

You can consider planning visits so that only a few guests come at a time, and only for short periods. If you would like coffee, cake, or other refreshments, ask visitors to bring them along.

Is it normal to have full and sore breasts when the milk comes in?

Yes. Two to four days after birth, you may experience tight, full breasts. This is normal and usually settles within a week. The tightness is caused by fluid retention in the tissue surrounding the milk ducts—not by the milk itself.

Feeding frequently can help reduce engorgement.

If your baby has difficulty latching onto a very full breast, try a laid-back breastfeeding position.

You can also press gently on the darker area around the nipple (areola) to move fluid away (known as “Reverse Pressure Softening”).

Is breastfeeding supposed to hurt?

No. Tender nipples are common in the early days of breastfeeding, but breastfeeding should not be painful. You can find guidance on this page, and you may also contact the hospital or your health visitor if you experience pain when breastfeeding.

Afterpains are strong cramps that you may feel, particularly when breastfeeding in the first days after birth. The pain is usually worst during the first few days and gradually eases over the course of about a week. These cramps occur because the uterus is contracting back to its normal size, which is beneficial as it reduces bleeding.

The pain tends to be stronger if you have given birth before, and it may be helpful to take pain relief in connection with breastfeeding to ease the discomfort.

If this is your first baby, pain relief is rarely needed, as many first-time mothers feel little or no after-pains.

Read more about pain during breastfeeding.

 

Do I have too much milk?

It’s completely normal to feel that there is a lot of milk in the breasts during the first couple of weeks after the milk has come in. This is because it takes around 14 days before milk production begins to regulate itself and adapt to your baby’s needs. During this period, it is important not to express milk unnecessarily, as this can interfere with the regulation of supply.

As long as you continue to breastfeed according to your baby’s needs, the milk supply will gradually adjust. If your baby cannot latch onto a very full breast, you may hand-express a small amount first to soften the area.

Can jaundice interfere with breastfeeding?

In the first week after birth, most babies appear slightly yellow without being affected by it. However, some babies may become sufficiently jaundiced that they are sleepy and feed too little at the breast. If your baby seems lethargic and is difficult to get to suck, contact hospital staff or your health visitor.


Jaundice can, to some extent, be prevented through frequent breastfeeding — ideally 10–12 times a day or more. Frequent feeding helps the body excrete the yellow waste substance that causes jaundice.

If your baby spends a lot of time skin to skin, it will naturally ask for the breast more often. The Check Baby chart shows the signs that your baby is getting enough milk during the first four weeks.

Check Baby chart


What do we do if the baby does not want to take the breast?

Some babies need more time than others to get started with breastfeeding after birth. They may sleep more and ask for the breast less often. This can be because the birth was physically demanding for the baby. In this situation, it is important to keep the baby close to the breast and skin to skin as much as possible, helping the baby become ready to breastfeed more quickly.

A useful tip is to hand-express a small amount of milk onto a teaspoon and offer it to the baby. This can help stimulate digestion, which may make the baby wake up more and take the breast.

Contact your maternity ward or health visitor if your baby shows signs of not feeling well or is not interested in feeding.

Check Baby chart

How do we know our baby is getting enough milk?

 

Does your baby have difficulty getting a good latch?

Some babies are eager to suck but still struggle to latch onto the breast. In this situation, you can try placing the baby skin to skin with the mother and “starting over”—that is, laying the baby naked on the mother’s chest and allowing it to find its way to the breast on its own, similar to the first breastfeeding after birth.

You can also try offering the breast while the baby is still lightly asleep. Some babies suck reflexively when they come to the breast in a drowsy state. Using a laid-back breastfeeding position may also help trigger the natural reflexes that the baby uses to find the breast and latch.

Other questions in the early breastfeeding period

May your newborn use a pacifier? And do you need to buy a nursing pillow?
Swipe to find answers to some of the typical questions that may arise during the first period of breastfeeding.

What is useful to know when starting breastfeeding?

Many questions may come up when your newborn begins breastfeeding, and here you will find answers to some of the most common ones. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to speak with the hospital staff or your health visitor.

Is colostrum enough for the baby during the first days?

Yes. If your baby is healthy and born at term, colostrum normally contains everything your baby needs. Colostrum is produced during pregnancy and in the first days after birth, and it offers several important benefits. It contains large amounts of antibodies and other substances that protect against infections, are gentle on the baby’s immature gut, and help the digestive system get started.

How do I know if my milk has come in?

During the first days after birth, the breasts produce only small amounts of colostrum. After 2–4 days, milk production increases—this is known as the milk “coming in.” It is completely normal to be unsure whether this has happened.

Some mothers feel their breasts become heavier or fuller, or notice milk leaking. Others feel little change but may hear more frequent swallowing during feeds or see heavier nappies as the milk supply increases.

Signs that your milk has come in may include:

  • Your baby makes clear swallowing sounds after nursing for a short while
  • Your baby has heavier, wetter nappies and bowel movements
  • The stools begin to change colour and become lighter or more yellow
  • Milk may drip from your breast when you see or hear your baby, or at other times
  • Milk may drip from the other breast during breastfeeding
  • You may experience breast fullness or engorgement

Should the baby feed from one or both breasts at each feed?

In the first few days after birth, it is recommended to breastfeed from both breasts at each feed.

When the milk comes in around day 4, however, it becomes important to offer the same breast more than once during a single feeding. If the baby lets go for a short break—for example, to burp—offer the same breast again when the baby is ready. If the baby still wants to suck once that breast feels softer, offer the other breast. At the next feed, start with the breast that the baby did not start with last time.

Colostrum is produced during pregnancy and is available for the baby immediately after birth. Although only small amounts are produced, it is sufficient to meet the baby’s needs in the first days of life.

Babies are born with good energy reserves from their time in the womb, and colostrum is rich in nutrients and antibodies that protect against infections and support early digestion.

Two to four days after birth, the breasts begin to produce much larger quantities of milk with a different composition. This milk is called mature breast milk, and its composition changes gradually as the baby grows.

When can we give the baby a pacifier?

A good rule of thumb is to introduce a pacifier only once breastfeeding is well established. This means that the baby latches well every time, your milk supply is stable, and you feel confident about breastfeeding.

A pacifier can be useful when the baby needs to settle or fall asleep. However, avoid giving a pacifier when the baby is hungry; offer the breast instead. Otherwise, there is a risk that your milk supply will not fully adjust to your baby’s needs.

 

Is it necessary to use a nursing pillow?

No. Some parents find a nursing pillow helpful, while others prefer to breastfeed without one. Alternatives such as sofa cushions, the baby’s duvet, or similar supports can work just as well.

What matters most is that the mother’s body is well supported so she can relax during feeds. Breastfeeding takes many hours each day, and poor support may lead to tension in the neck, shoulders, or back.

If a nursing pillow works well for you, make sure it allows your baby to stay close to the mother without pulling on the nipple. If the pillow blocks that close contact, it may lead to sore or cracked nipples.

Should you apply creams to your nipples?

Usually not. Most parents don’t need nipple creams while breastfeeding. Breast milk and the baby’s saliva often soothe soreness just as well. Let a little breast milk dry on your nipples after a feed.

If you do use a cream, choose a lanolin ointment or another baby-safe product. Then you won’t have to wash it off before feeding, which can irritate the nipples and lead to soreness or cracks.

Good to do

  • Keep to the four main breastfeeding messages; they give breastfeeding a strong start.
  • Learn to recognise your baby’s hunger and fullness cues.
  • Expect that breastfeeding requires time and calm, especially in the first month.
  • Seek help early if breastfeeding is painful or not working well.
  • Wait to introduce a pacifier until breastfeeding is well established.

The four key messages for supporting breastfeeding

  • Skin-to-skin contact helps your baby latch and feed better.
  • Find a breastfeeding position that works well for both you and your baby.
  • Offer the breast whenever your baby shows feeding cues.
  • Help each other make breastfeeding work. Supporting one another increases your chances of achieving your breastfeeding goals.

Watch videos about the four key messages about breastfeeding and get off to a good start

Who can you contact?

If you experience challenges with breastfeeding – big or small – do not hesitate to seek professional advice. Swipe to see whom you can contact and when.

Who can you contact at the maternity ward?

You can contact the maternity-ward staff both during pregnancy and after birth.

Before birth, your midwife is the person to speak with about the early time with your baby and your thoughts about feeding – whether breastfeeding or bottle-feeding. If you have had previous breastfeeding problems, you can create a plan together.

Most maternity wards also offer antenatal classes, and your midwife can inform you about these.

After giving birth, you can receive help with breastfeeding from staff on the delivery or maternity ward while you are admitted.

All parents can also contact a breastfeeding hotline at their maternity ward within the first week after birth if they need help or guidance.

You can contact your municipal health-visitor service

The health-visitor service is available to all pregnant and new parents in Denmark. After birth, you will be offered free home visits with support and guidance to help you get a good start with your baby. Depending on your municipality and your stage in the process, different services and contact options may be available.

Some municipalities offer prenatal visits from a health visitor, where you can discuss breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, and preparing for life as a new family. Check your municipality’s website to see whether this is available where you live.

If you have special needs, you can contact the service to ask whether prenatal visits are offered to you.

Your health visitor will contact you and offer the first home visit. You can always call your municipal health visitor service for advice or guidance.

You can contact your GP if needed

Always speak with your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding and need medical treatment. In most cases, there is a medication that is safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Contact the on-call doctor or call 112 in an emergency

For sudden illness or worsening symptoms that cannot wait until your GP is available, or for minor injuries, you can contact the on-call doctor – or call 1813 if you live in the Capital Region.

In emergencies, if something is life-threatening or dangerous, call 112.

Contact volunteer breastfeeding counsellors

You can also contact volunteer breastfeeding counsellors if you need advice or guidance. Denmark has two support organisations: Forældre & Fødsel and Ammenet. The volunteers are mothers who have breastfed themselves, and both organisations provide guidance based on the recommendations of the Danish Health Authority.

Get help from Forældre og Fødsel

Get help from Ammenet

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