Preparing for the First Feed: What Parents-to-Be Need to Know
As part of our 2026 Blue Almonds Events Series, we recently welcomed The Tenth Wellness into our South Kensington boutique for a supportive morning focused on one of the earliest and most important moments of parenthood: the first feed.
Led by midwife and lactation consultant Annette Hamilton-Mcketty, the session was designed to help parents-to-be feel informed, reassured and confident about what to expect in the first 48 hours after birth — whether planning to breastfeed, bottle-feed, or take a mixed approach.
Below, we’re sharing some of the most helpful insights from the morning.
Understanding the First 48 Hours After Birth
The first two days after your baby is born can feel intense, emotional and unpredictable. Annette encouraged parents to expect the unexpected — and to remember that preparation isn’t about controlling every outcome, but about feeling informed enough to adapt calmly.
Feeding choices can be made (and changed) at any point, including during labour or after birth. The most important thing, she explained, is making informed choices that feel right for you, rather than feeling pressured into a particular path.
There is no single “right” way to feed your baby — and feeding should support both baby and mother.
The Importance of Skin-to-Skin and the “Golden Hour”
One of the most powerful tools available immediately after birth is skin-to-skin contact.
Holding your baby close, chest-to-chest, helps regulate their temperature, breathing and heart rate, while also calming stress hormones for both of you. This uninterrupted contact — often referred to as the golden hour — also plays a key role in early feeding.
During this time, many babies instinctively move towards the breast in what’s sometimes called the breast crawl. Allowing this process to unfold gently, without pressure or interruption where possible, can support early feeding and bonding.
Annette also encouraged parents to advocate for this time when they can — asking whether routine checks or measurements can wait until after that first hour.
Colostrum: What Your Baby Needs in the Early Days
In the first few days after birth, babies receive colostrum — often called “liquid gold”. Produced from mid-pregnancy onwards, colostrum is thick, nutrient-dense and perfectly designed for a newborn’s tiny stomach.
Annette spoke about antenatal colostrum harvesting, which some parents choose to do from around 37 weeks. She reassured attendees that this does not mean labour is likely to start, and that harvesting small amounts (or none at all) doesn’t indicate a problem — technique and timing matter, and colostrum production continues after birth.
Comfort, Positioning and Taking Your Time
Feeding can take 20–30 minutes per session, so comfort matters — far more than many parents realise.
Annette encouraged parents to:
- take a few minutes before feeding to get comfortable
- use pillows to support arms, back and shoulders
- relax the shoulders and avoid hunching forward
- lean back slightly if helpful for a deeper latch
There is no rush. Babies can wait a few minutes while you get yourself settled, and calming your baby first — through skin-to-skin or gentle soothing — often makes feeding easier for everyone.
If something doesn’t feel right, asking for help early can make a significant difference.
When to Seek Feeding Support
Some initial tenderness can be normal, but ongoing pain, soreness or discomfort during feeds is a sign that something may need adjusting.
Often, small changes to positioning or attachment can resolve issues. In some cases, further assessment may be helpful — for example, to check for conditions such as tongue-tie.
Annette emphasised the importance of trusting your instincts. If you feel something isn’t right, continue to seek support until you feel confident and comfortable.
You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
Perhaps the most important message of the morning was this: support matters.
Support may come from a partner, a professional, or a wider network — and it can look different for every family. Rest and recovery are essential, particularly in the early days, and feeding is closely linked to hormones that support healing, bonding and wellbeing.
The Tenth Wellness exists to offer that sense of being held during the postpartum period — helping mothers feel supported physically, emotionally and mentally.
Join Us for Our Next Event
This session marked the first in our 2026 Blue Almonds Events Series, created to support parents and parents-to-be with expert guidance in a warm, welcoming setting.
Our next event takes place on Wednesday 25th February, when we’ll be joined by Norland Nanny and Baby Consultant Prudence Beeby for a practical session on preparing for your baby and feeling confident about bringing them home. Reserve your ticket on Eventbrite.
You can view all upcoming events and reserve free tickets via our Events Calendar.