Babies are usually quiet and alert one - two hours after birth, then get sleepy for up to three days, getting more awake about the time the mother's breasts feel full. Babies who nurse in this first quiet, alert time generally have an easier time learning to breastfeed than those who wait until later. They do not have to cry first. Rooming-in during your hospital stay helps you to learn and respond to your baby's feeding cues.
Some babies have to be awakened to nurse.
It is easier to wake your baby at these times. Breastfeed Frequency Breastfeed your baby at least four to six times during the first 24 hours, six to eight times the next 24 hours, and eight to 12 times on day three and after. When your baby is back to birth weight usually by two weeks of age, you will no longer have to awaken your baby to nurse. Milk is made while your baby is sucking so the breast is never empty. Nursing on one breast at a feeding is easier for both the mother and baby in the first days and may result in better intake for baby as well as less engorgement for mother.