It might sound funny but sometimes breastfeeding is not the most natural thing to do - at first. It is a new experience for both you and your baby and it can require a little experimentation and persistence before you both settle into a happy routine.  

It is a good idea to start as soon as you feel up to it after the birth.

It is important to feel relaxed and comfortable to enable the “let-down reflex” to occur – this is the milk beginning to flow in response to your baby sucking the nipple.

Try either lying down on your side with your baby beside you or you can sit up in a comfortable chair with a pillow on your lap supporting your baby to lie across your breasts with their chest facing you.

Offer your baby your nipple and this will cause her mouth to naturally open. Let her take the whole nipple and the surrounding brown area (the areola). Ask your midwife or health visitor to show you this to avoid sore nipples.

Once your baby is correctly attached you can happily leave her to suck for as long as she wants.

If you need to remove your baby from your breast, put your finger into the corner of your baby’s mouth to break the suction.

You will probably get thirsty while breastfeeding so keep a glass of water nearby.

Keep your milk supply in both breasts equal by nursing on both sides at each feeding

The cosy, warm feeling of nursing often puts baby to sleep. Wake your baby up with a nappy change before offering the second side to feed.