The First 72 Hours: What to Expect and How to Support Your Baby (and Your Milk Supply)

Those first few days after birth? They’re powerful, raw, and unlike any other part of the postpartum journey. There’s so much to take in—learning your baby, healing your body, and figuring out feeding. And while every baby is different, there are some predictable rhythms we see during those first 72 hours that can help guide your care and set you up for a smoother breastfeeding start.

Here’s what to expect in each 24-hour window—and how to support your baby (and your boobs!) every step of the way.

Day One: Sleepy Baby Mode

Most babies are very sleepy during the first 24 hours after birth. It’s their big recovery nap from the wild journey of labor—and it’s totally normal. But even if your baby is snoozing, there’s still a lot you can do to support breastfeeding in this early window.

What to focus on:

In the first 24 hours, your baby will likely be very sleepy—but that doesn’t mean feeding isn’t important. Offer the breast frequently, even if baby is just nuzzling or dozing at the breast. Keep them skin-to-skin as much as possible to encourage feeding cues and help regulate their body. If baby isn’t latching yet, hand expression can help stimulate milk production and provide small drops of colostrum to feed them. Limit visitors during this time so you can rest, bond, and focus on feeding. Keep baby in your room rather than sending them to the nursery (this is called rooming in), and skip the swaddle for now so baby’s natural feeding reflexes are easy to spot and respond to.

Why skin-to-skin matters so much:
Skin-to-skin isn’t just sweet—it’s science. It helps regulate baby’s blood sugar, heart rate, and temperature, reduces crying, and boosts your milk production. Babies who stay skin-to-skin gain weight faster and breastfeed more effectively. It also helps you—lowering stress, promoting healing, and reinforcing that calm, connected feeling you need in this sacred window.

Day Two: Fussy Baby Mode

That second night? Often a rough one. Many babies go from “super chill” to “super alert and SUPER hungry.” This is a huge adjustment day for them—they’ve realized the womb is gone, and the world is bright, loud, and full of new sensations.

What to focus on:

During that second night—when your baby is suddenly wide awake and fussier than before—try to stay one step ahead of their hunger by offering the breast frequently (don’t wait for full-on crying). Keep your baby close with more skin-to-skin contact, and if they’re having a hard time latching or seem extra hungry, use hand expression to offer a little extra milk. Keep your space calm and quiet, with minimal lights and noise, and continue rooming in so you can respond to cues quickly. And while we usually avoid swaddling in the first 24 hours, this is the time when it can actually help—especially if baby is overstimulated and having trouble settling.

Pro tip:
If your baby is frustrated or tired and isn’t latching well, hand express a little colostrum and offer it by spoon, syringe, finger feeding, or a tiny cup. Bottles aren’t your only option—and these tools support oral development and preserve your breastfeeding goals.

Day Three: Cluster Feeding Begins

By day three, your baby’s appetite increases and they know where the milk is—which means they’ll want to nurse a lot.This is called cluster feeding, and while it can feel intense, it’s exactly what helps signal your body to bring in more milk.

What to focus on:

By day three, cluster feeding usually kicks in—and it’s totally normal for your baby to want to nurse every 60 to 90 minutes (yes, really!). Follow their cues and offer the breast often—it’s how your milk supply builds. Skin-to-skin is still your best tool, helping calm baby and stimulate feeding. If your baby’s latch is off or your breasts are starting to feel uncomfortably full, hand expression can offer relief and keep milk flowing. This is the time to settle in—pick one or two cozy spots where you can feed comfortably for long stretches. These days are all about nursing... and nursing... and nursing some more.

If supplementation is needed:
This is still a great time to offer expressed colostrum or small amounts of formula via spoon, cup, syringe, or finger feeding. Babies typically only need 10–20mL per feed at this stage, so don’t feel pressured to offer a full bottle.

Final Thoughts

The first 72 hours are all about learning each other, supporting your body, and staying close. Whether you’re exclusively breastfeeding, needing to supplement, or somewhere in between, these early days are a time for connection, skin-to-skin, and lots of feeding cues.

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💛 Feeling overwhelmed, unsure, or just want to know you’re doing it right? Book a virtual or in-person consult and I’ll walk with you through those early days—so you can feel confident and supported.

👉 Click here to schedule your consult

You’ve got this. One feed, one snuggle, and one moment at a time.