How to Breastfeed

Try breastfeeding as soon as possible following the birth of your baby. Ask your midwife, doula or attending nurse for their support.

When you are able to, sit up or prop yourself up to feed your baby. Bring your baby to your breast rather than your breast to your baby. Hold the baby close to your body. Hold your fingers underneath your breast, away from the areola (nipple), with your thumb on top.

Stimulate your baby's lips gently with your nipple until her mouth opens as big as a yawn. When her mouth is open wide, pull your baby towards you quickly but gently. When the baby feels your nipple with her tongue, her lips will close over the nipple and seal it. Both lips should be rolled outwards. This is referred to as a good ‘latch'. You should see the sucking motion along your infants jaw line.

To release the baby, gently place your finger in the corner of her mouth until you break the suction.

Deciding on the perfect breastfeeding position will come from trying different approaches. With time, you will discover the one that is most comfortable for you and your baby.

Breastfed babies prefer a span of two or three hours from the beginning of one feeding to the beginning of the next.

Mother's milk is digested more easily than formula. You don't need to give any kind of supplement – not even water.

The usual pattern is to nurse the baby on one side then, after time out for a burp or diaper change, switch to the other side. At the next feeding, reverse the order offering her the last used side first.

A breastfed baby needs frequent feedings. Allowing your infant to nurse when she needs to will help establish your milk supply. Your baby has had enough when she has six or more wet diapers per day, has frequent bowel movements, and is gaining weight and growing longer.

There are excellent books on the market that are wonderful breastfeeding resources. Please visit our Breastfeeding Bookstore for a comprehensive selection.