Your breastmilk is perfect for your baby and adapts to meet your baby's changing needs - so why does it not come as naturally as you would think? We show you various tips and advice on breastfeeding to make it a very enjoyable experience for both you and your baby.

Did You Know?

Your baby will quickly get to know your smell and researchers have found that by six days old, if your breast pad is placed beside her face, she will turn towards it; breast pads from other mums are ignored.

Look After Yourself
You're bound to get tired out with the stress of looking after a new baby, coping with lack of sleep and having no time to yourself. Breastfeeding is often blamed for tiredness but recent research shows that in the first nine weeks, fatigue levels aren't significantly different between breastfeeding and bottlefeeding mothers. Exercise invigorates you, so try to get away for a swim or yoga class and return home feeling refreshed. If it's hard to find a babysitter, choose a place with an on-site crèche. Alternatively find out from your health visitor about postnatal fitness groups.

All Babies Are Different
The way a baby breastfeeds is often a reflection of his character and physique, both of which are hereditary. Don't be surprised if your breastfeeding experience is different with each baby or from other mothers. If you're nervous about how feeding is going, talk to your health visitor. The more relaxed you are about breastfeeding, the easier it will be.

Let Yourself Be Cared For By Others
If your friends and family are keen to help out during the first two weeks after you've given birth, make the most of it. It will leave you free to concentrate on the baby and establish breastfeeding. Try to arrange for your partner to have time off, or for a close relative to stay for a week or two. You can then nurture the baby while meals are prepared, shopping is done and any older children looked after.

Handy Hint

Drink fennel tea if your breastfed baby is colicky - via your breast milk, it will soothe her digestion.

Rest Whenever You Get the Chance
Resting may seem impossible especially if you have a toddler around, but you can still give him attention while you're feeding the baby by reading him a book. Forget the washing up and snuggle down for a feed and an afternoon nap. Resting will boost your milk supply as well as help prevent mastitis (inflammation of the breast) which can be triggered if you overdo things. There's always plenty to do around the house, but try not to feel guilty about taking time to relax - it will do you the world of good.

Eat a Balanced Diet
Feed the baby, and very importantly - yourself. Don't be tempted to skip meals because you think you haven't got time to eat, otherwise you will end up feeling run down and tired. The overall quality of your breast milk won't suffer if your diet is poor, but you will because your body gives priority to the baby's needs. Basic guidelines for healthy eating while breastfeeding includes: drink plenty of fluids (3-4 pints of water per day), eating high-fibre foods such as wholemeal bread and brown rice, plus plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. Make yourself some sandwiches the night before for convenience.

Prepare Older Children
Before the baby arrives, explain to your child that the new baby will feed from you because your milk is special. Explain that you did the same for him. Try to avoid any big changes in his life when the baby is born, such as starting nursery or potty training. If he asks for a suck when you're breastfeeding, it's best to let him so he doesn't feel rejected; there's a good chance he won't take you up on the offer or that he will be satisfied with just one taste. And stress that the baby misses out on all the delicious food your toddler can eat.

Enjoy Nightfeeds
Levels of prolactin (the hormone that triggers mild production) are high at night, so nocturnal feeds are important for boosting your milk supply. The convenience of breastfeeding means you can feed your baby straight away, so he's quickly quietened and less likely to wake your other children or partner.

Be Positive About Breastfeeding
Remember you are doing the best for the new baby and even if you do seem to be feeding all the time, this doesn't last forever and it encourages plenty of milk to be made.