Once established, breastfeeding is easy and for most mothers and babies a very enjoyable experience. However, in the first few days you both need to learn what to do. You will therefore need practice and, if necessary, get help and advice from your midwife.

Your Position
It is important that you find a comfortable position. If you are sitting down to feed, try to make sure that:

• Your back is straight and supported.
• Your lap is almost flat.
• Your feet are flat (you may need a footstool or a thick book).
• You have extra pillows to support your back and arms or to help raise your baby if needed.

Breastfeeding lying down can be very comfortable. It is especially good for night feeds as you can rest while your baby feeds. Try to lie flat with a pillow under your head and your shoulder on the bed. Lie well over on your side. A pillow supporting your back and another between your legs can help with this.

Once your baby is feeding well, you will be able to feed him comfortably anywhere without needing pillows.

Your Baby's Position
There are various ways that you can hold your baby for breastfeeding. Whichever way you choose here are a few guidelines to help make sure that your baby is able to feed well:

• Your baby should be held close to your.
• He should be facing the breast with head, shoulders and body in a straight line.
• His nose or top lip should be opposite the nipple.
• He should be able to reach the breast easily, without having to stretch or twist.
• Always move your baby towards the breast rather than your breast towards the baby.

Remember...

Attaching Baby To Breast
It is important to make sure that your baby latches on to the breast properly, otherwise he may not get enough milk during the feed and your nipples could become sore.

Position your baby as described above, with his nose or top lip opposite your nipple.

Wait until he opens his mouth really wide (you can gently brush his lips with your nipple to encourage him to do this).

Quickly move him on to the breast, so that his bottom lip touches your breast as far away as possible from the base of the nipple.

When your baby is attached to the breast make sure that:

• His mouth is wide open and he has a big mouthful of breast.
• His chin is touching the breast.
• His bottom lip is curled back (this may be difficult to see).

If your baby is attached to the breast correctly his sucking pattern will quickly change from short sucks to long deep sucks with pauses.

In the first few days you may feel a sharp pain when your baby first attaches to the breast. This sensation should fade within a few minutes and then the feed will not be painful. If it continues to hurt, this may be a sign that your baby is not attached properly. Take him off by gently pressing your breast away from the corner of his mouth so that the sucking action is broken. Then try again. If the pain continues, ask a midwife for help.