Baby breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is nature’s way of giving your baby the best possible start in life, but just because it’s natural doesn’t mean it’s easy.

It’s a skill you and your baby have to learn together – but it’s well worth the effort.

As soon as your baby’s born he’ll be ready to breastfeed. But how do you know what to do? Rosie Dodds, from the National Childbirth Trust (NCT), says don’t panic; simply follow these practical tips:

Getting your baby to latch on soon after the birth is essential for successful breastfeeding.

Ask the midwife to put your baby on your chest to stimulate his rooting reflex. Don’t worry if you’re unsure of what to do; midwives are there to show you the correct way to position your baby.

Newborns can feed up to 12 times in a 24-hour period, so make yourself comfortable by sitting or lying down, supported by pillows or cushions. Have a glass of water to hand as you may get thirsty. You may also need a pillow to bring your baby to the right height.

Remember tummy to mummy (see the step-by-step guide, below) and keep your baby’s spine in line with his head. Take your time and keep checking your positioning.

You’ll be able to tell if your baby’s taking in milk if you hear swallowing and see his ears wiggling.

Feed your baby for as long as he likes on one breast, then offer the other. If he doesn’t want your second breast at that feed, offer it first at the next.

Alternating breasts ensures your baby is receiving both the thirst-quenching foremilk and the more fat-dense hindmilk.

Step-by-step breastfeeding

Hold your baby so he’s facing the breast, with his tummy facing you and your nipple pointing to his nose. His head, shoulders and body should be in a straight line.

Touch his top lip and nose with your nipple to encourage him to open his mouth.
When his mouth is wide open, bring him towards the breast and aim your nipple at the roof of his mouth.

Make sure your baby takes all the nipple and much of the breast tissue in his mouth.

More of the areola should show above his mouth than below. His mouth should be wide open and his bottom lip curled back towards his chin.

After the first few gulps, your baby will settle into a gentle rhythm of sucking until he’s full. You may find he dozes off, before waking and sucking strongly again. Follow his cues. If you take him off the breast and he objects, he was just having a rest.

When your baby’s finished, he’ll probably let go by himself. If you need to unlatch him, slide your little finger into the corner of his mouth to break suction gently.