Hey. Deep breath.

If you just had a baby—or are about to—you’re probably wondering if you’re doing any of this right. Especially feeding. I mean, this little person comes into the world with no manual, and suddenly you’re in charge of keeping them alive. No pressure, right?

Let’s talk about breastfeeding. Honestly. Like, the kind of advice you’d want from a fellow parent who’s been there, tired eyes and all.

👶 Okay, So… When Do I Start?

Right after birth. Like, as soon as you can.

If things go smoothly, ask for skin-to-skin right away. That first hour is magic—they call it the “golden hour” for a reason. Your baby is alert, calm, and ready to latch. Even if they don’t latch perfectly, don’t worry. You’re both new at this.

But hey, if you had a C-section, or things didn’t go as planned? It’s okay. You haven’t missed anything. Babies are built to figure it out. You’ll catch up. Promise.

🍼 How Often Should I Be Feeding?

Short answer? All. The. Time.

Long answer? Anywhere from 8 to 12 times a day. Yes, really. That’s every 2 to 3 hours—day and night.

It sounds exhausting because… it is. But newborn stomachs are tiny. Think: cherry-sized. So they eat a little, then they’re hungry again soon.

You might wonder, “Wait, didn’t we JUST feed you?” Yes. Yes, you did. Welcome to the newborn club.

🔄 Here’s What Feeding Looks Like at First

Feed

Burp

Diaper change

Maybe 5 minutes of sleep

Feed again

And repeat. You’ll start recognizing hunger cues soon. Before the crying starts, they’ll:

Root (turn their head looking for your boob)

Start sucking on their hands

Get a little fussy

Crying is their last resort. So try to catch it before that.

🧺 Dress for the (Feeding) Mess

Let’s talk baby clothes real quick—because when you’re feeding 12 times a day, the last thing you need is complicated snaps or fussy fabrics.

Go for:

Soft newborn clothes that won’t scratch baby’s skin

Easy-to-remove onesies (because blowouts happen mid-feed too, don’t ask how)

Newborn sets that can go from nap to feeding to video call with nani

And if you’re buying clothes? Skip the fancy stuff for now. Get:

Cheap newborn clothes for backups

Sustainable baby clothes if you want to be eco-conscious

A few things in Biocool fabric – it’s soft, breathable, and doesn’t trap sweat. (Seriously, it’s a game changer for humid nights.)

Pro tip? Keep a backup baby outfit next to wherever you usually feed. You’ll thank yourself at 3 a.m.

😵💫 What If It’s Not Working?

Listen—breastfeeding isn’t always easy. It should be natural, but that doesn’t mean it’s automatic.

If your baby won’t latch, or you’re in pain, or you’re just overwhelmed? That’s normal.

Ask for help. From your doctor, a lactation consultant, or even another mom. There’s no shame. You’re learning. So is your baby.

Also—don’t forget yourself in all this. Eat something. Drink water. Sit comfortably. You matter too.

🧡 What I Wish Someone Had Told Me:

Your baby doesn’t need a perfect feeding schedule. They need you.

You won’t always feel like you know what you’re doing. That’s fine.

Clothes matter more than you think. Soft newborn clothes can help your baby settle in faster. Look for breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics (Biocool is legit).

You don’t need 25 outfits. You need 6 good ones… and maybe 3 backups for emergencies.

It gets easier. Not overnight. But it does.

Real-Parent Approved Clothes to Make Feeding Easier:

Newborn summer clothes for hot days

Warm newborn clothes for late-night feeds

Unisex baby clothes if you're planning to pass them on

Cute baby clothes (okay, just one or two for pictures)

Fall newborn clothes for that in-between weather

And don’t forget:

18 months clothes — they grow faster than you think

Cheap baby clothes for blowout duty

Nursery clothes that double as comfy feeding wear

New born set options with a cap, mittens, and all that jazz

Final Word (From One Tired Parent to Another)

You don’t need to have all the answers. Just show up. Feed your baby. Hold them close. Cry if you need to. Laugh when you can.

And when you’re choosing their clothes? Pick comfort. Pick softness. Pick stuff that’ll make those middle-of-the-night moments just a little easier. Because those tiny toes in those soft Biocool newborn outfits? They’re only tiny for so long.

You're doing great—even when it doesn't feel like it.