Getting Breastfeeding Started

1. Learn how breastfeeding works before your baby arrives – this will make you feel more confident. Try to attend a local class or workshop with a midwife, and talk to friends or family who have enjoyed breastfeeding.
2. Get your partner and family involved from the beginning and explain to them why you want to breastfeed so you have their support.
3. It's important to make sure your baby is latched on correctly with a nice wide-open mouth and is in the right position to make breastfeeding as comfortable as possible. If it hurts when your baby is feeding it can be a sign you're not doing it quite right. Ask for help straight away to correct your technique.
4. When preparing to feed your baby find somewhere quiet and comfortable where your back is well supported. It's important to be relaxed as this will help your milk to flow.
5. Once your milk has come in (2-5 days following birth) it's important to encourage your baby to feed on the first breast fully before offering the second side – this enables your baby to reach the rich hindmilk which will help him to settle and gain weight. Not all babies will continue to feed from the second breast; let your baby decide.
6. Help your baby to take a full feed by stimulating him if he becomes sleepy after just a short time – try a change of position, removing a layer of clothing or a gentle tickle to rouse him.
7. How long a feed lasts varies with each mum and baby – it can be anything between 10 and about 40 minutes. The duration of each feed depends on your baby's age and technique and also on your let-down reflex. (Let-down is the release of milk from the breasts in response to a baby's suckling.)
8. Just remember, if your baby seems happy and settled between feeds and is putting on weight at a steady rate, your milk supply is plentiful.