Public: Learning Newborn Feeding

New and expecting parents often feel a surprising amount of pressure when it comes to feeding their baby, and if that’s you, you’re not alone. In the first few days after birth, it’s completely normal for newborns to lose about 5–10% of their birth weight as they adjust to life outside the womb and begin learning how to feed. For mothers who plan to breastfeed, this window can feel especially intense—figuring out milk supply, latch, and whether your baby is getting enough can bring up a lot of stress and uncertainty. These worries are incredibly common, and most parents experience them in some form.

It can be helpful to pause and remind yourself: your baby will be okay, and there are multiple ways to meet their needs. Some babies latch and feed easily right away, while others need more time, support, or supplementation with formula, either temporarily or long-term. There isn’t one “right” way to feed your baby. What matters most is that they are nourished, growing, and cared for.

In the early days, newborns eat frequently, often 10 or more times per day. Their stomachs are tiny at first (about the size of a cherry in the first 1–2 days), so they take in very small amounts, sometimes just half a tablespoon per feeding. Intake gradually increases, and with that, diaper output becomes one of the best indicators that your baby is getting enough. By around day five, most babies should have at least 6 wet diapers and 3 dirty diapers per day. While some initial weight loss (around 3–7%) is expected, most babies regain their birth weight by 10–14 days and then gain about 4–8 ounces per week.

One of the most common reasons families introduce formula early on is simply because breast milk hasn’t fully come in yet. This is a normal biological process, but it can still bring up feelings of stress, guilt, or even shame. Many mothers worry they’re not doing what they “should” be doing, or feel anxious about introducing a bottle while breastfeeding is still so new and unfamiliar.

Part of where those feelings come from is the broader social pressure around feeding. Breastfeeding is often presented as the “gold standard” because of its health benefits, but that messaging can unintentionally create a sense that anything else is somehow lesser. Social media, parenting culture, and even generational advice can reinforce the idea that using formula reflects a lack of effort or knowledge, which simply isn’t true. Families choose or need formula for many valid reasons, including medical needs, mental health, lifestyle, and overall family well-being.

In reality, feeding journeys are much more mixed than people often realize. In the U.S., about 23% of babies receive formula within the first few days (either alongside breastfeeding or exclusively), and by 3–6 months, only about 25% of babies are exclusively breastfed. That means the majority of families are using formula in some capacity.

If you’re in this stage, try to come back to the basics: feed your baby often, offer both breasts if you’re nursing, keep up with pediatrician appointments, and pay attention to diaper output and weight gain. And just as importantly, reach out for support when you need it. Whether it’s a night nanny, newborn care specialist, lactation consultant, or therapist, having guidance during this time can make a meaningful difference.

You’re not meant to navigate this alone, and however you feed your baby, you’re showing up and caring for them in the way they need.