Your First Few Weeks of Breastfeeding: Tips & Support

Bringing your newborn home is an exciting yet overwhelming time, and for many of us, breastfeeding is a significant part of those early weeks. The Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) offers guidance and reassurance for navigating breastfeeding, which can feel like a “learn-as-you-go” experience. In those early days, both you and your baby are finding your rhythm, and I’m here to share some practical tips to help you get started—along with why our CuboAi Baby Monitor is one of the best tools for staying connected and attuned to your baby’s needs.

Preparing for Your Breastfeeding Journey

Before your little one arrives, understanding a few basics about breastfeeding can make the transition easier. The ABA recommends learning about breastfeeding beforehand, either through antenatal classes, talking with lactation consultants, or exploring ABA resources like their breastfeeding hotline. Having some knowledge under your belt can help you feel more prepared and confident when your baby is finally in your arms.

The Importance of a Safe Sleep Space

In line with SIDS guidelines, we kept our baby close in a bassinet right beside our bed, which made those middle-of-the-night feeds so much simpler. Room-sharing is recommended for the first 6-12 months, but keeping them in their own safe, separate sleep space is essential. With our CuboAi monitor, we were able to keep an eye on our baby without needing to hover right over the bassinet. CuboAi provides a clear picture, even in a pitch-black room, so I could easily check on my baby’s sleep cues and comfort throughout the night.

Recognising Hunger Cues and Breastfeeding On Demand

One of the early challenges is recognising your baby’s hunger cues, which are often subtle at first. According to the ABA, it’s helpful to feed on demand rather than on a strict schedule in those early weeks to establish a healthy supply and to help your baby learn to breastfeed effectively. Newborns will usually feed 8-12 times a day, and you’ll begin to notice signs of hunger that often start with subtle cues like lip-smacking, rooting (turning their head toward your breast), and even soft hand-sucking. Crying is generally a late hunger cue, so watching for these signs can make feeding more relaxing for both of you.

CuboAi has been a fantastic resource for helping me spot these early hunger cues without disturbing my baby’s rest. With its crystal-clear night vision and smart alerts, I could see when my baby was starting to move, stir, or suck on their hands—a clear sign they were getting ready to feed. CuboAi has been like a gentle reminder that helps me stay in tune with my baby, making feeding sessions smoother and more timely.

Establishing Your Milk Supply

Milk supply works on a supply-and-demand basis; the more frequently your baby feeds, the more milk your body will produce. The ABA emphasizes the importance of frequent feeding sessions, which naturally help your body increase supply to match your baby’s needs. Remember, during the first few days, your body will produce colostrum—rich, nourishing “first milk” that’s perfect for your newborn’s tiny tummy. Around day 3 or 4, your milk will come in fully, and you’ll likely notice a difference in both your baby’s feeding patterns and your own body.

CuboAi’s temperature and humidity sensors have also been a huge help during these weeks. Ensuring a comfortable room environment can make a big difference in how your baby settles and feeds. I could quickly check the room conditions from my phone, so if the temperature was off, I’d adjust the room before feeding to help my baby be more comfortable.

Supporting Baby’s Latch and Positioning

Positioning is key to a successful latch and a positive feeding experience. In the first weeks, it’s natural to need help with getting the latch just right, as a shallow latch can lead to discomfort for you and less efficient feeding for your baby. The ABA suggests trying different breastfeeding positions, such as the cross-cradle hold, football hold, or side-lying position, to find what’s most comfortable for both of you. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a lactation consultant if you need guidance—many new parents find they benefit from professional support during these early days.

Rest, Hydration, and Patience

Breastfeeding is often demanding in those early weeks, so making sure you’re resting, staying hydrated, and taking care of yourself is just as important. Hydration is key for milk production, so have water nearby each time you settle in for a feed. I also kept my Franjo’s Kitchen Motherhood Hydration Powder close for a quick, nourishing drink. Remember, it’s normal for breastfeeding to take time and practice to feel natural. Be kind to yourself; both you and your baby are learning together.

Using CuboAi to Support Your Breastfeeding Journey

CuboAi isn’t just a monitor—it’s like having a little helper by your side. Being able to check in and watch my baby’s subtle movements and cues through the app meant I was more aware of their hunger signals, could prepare for feeds before my baby cried, and could even observe my baby’s position after putting them down post-feed. The night light feature on the CuboAi is also a gentle, warm light that lets me see my baby without fully waking them, which has been perfect for those late-night feeds.

This blog is for educational purposes only.