When should mum start?

The sooner the better. Babies are born with a natural instinct to breastfeed, although it may still take a bit of practice for both mum and baby to get it right. Try to encourage them as much as possible and remind them that it will get easier over time

How to breastfeed – directions for mums 

1. Wash your hands and get comfortable

• Sit so your back is straight and your lap is flat
• Use cushions to support your back (optional)
• Put a pillow on your knees to lift your baby closer to your breast (optional)
• Keep a glass of water handy

2. Positioning your baby

Get in a tummy-to-tummy position with your baby.
If feeding from the left breast:

• Tuck your baby’s bottom into your right elbow
• Use your left hand to support your baby’s head

If feeding from the right breast:

• Tuck your baby’s bottom into your left elbow
• Use your right hand to support your baby’s head

3. Lift your baby up to your breast

• Their nose should be in line with your nipple
• Allow your baby’s head to tilt back slightly

4. Gently move their top lip across your nipple

Your baby should open their mouth wide enough to cover your nipple and the lower part of the dark area around it (areola)

5. Move your baby forwards so their mouth ‘latches on’ to your nipple
 

This is not as scary as it sounds! Your baby’s bottom lip and chin should touch your breast first

6. Make sure your baby has your whole nipple and lower part of the areola in their mouth

• Your baby’s chin should be touching your breast
• They should have a big mouthful of breast
• There should be more areola visible above the top lip than below the bottom lip
• They should be breathing easily
• You may need to support your breast

7. You’ll feel a tingling sensation in your breast

This means that your milk is flowing (‘let-down’). You’ll see your baby’s jaw moving and hear them swallowing. As your milk flow increases, you may also feel some stinging, burning, or prickling in your breasts

8. Let your baby feed for as long as they like

If they empty one breast (you’ll know this because your baby will probably become frustrated and your breast will feel soft without any lumps), move them on to the other

9. ‘Wind’ or ‘burp’ your baby

When they have finished feeding, make sure you wind your baby. (Your baby will let you know they have finished by either letting go of your breast or falling asleep)

10. Breastfeed your baby again

Once your baby’s tummy is empty of air bubbles, they may want more so try them again until they’ve had enough