Breastfeeding is the most natural thing in the world, but for many women it doesn’t come naturally at first. From latching on to feeding in public there’s a lot to learn, but with the right support you’ll soon be breastfeeding like a pro. Here are a few tips to help make it easier.
By Lynne Roberts
Get the latch right
The holy grail of breastfeeding, learning to latch on correctly is the first step on your way to success. Get it wrong and your baby may struggle
Get comfortable
Lying down, rugby hold or underarm?
Combat sore or cracked nipples
More often than not cracked nipples result from an incorrect latch, but soreness can also be caused by irritants in deodorants, soaps or loti
Express
Cuddling up for a feed can be blissful, but letting your partner have a turn can help them feel more involved and give you some much-needed rest.
Preserve your modesty
It’s against the law for anyone to ask you to stop breastfeeding in a public place, but not everyone is confident about being on display. <
Start soon after the birth
Babies are pre-programmed to breastfeed, with research showing that newborns will often seek and find the breast without any assistance soon afte
Get support
Of the 80 per cent of mums who breastfeed at birth, around half have given up within six weeks. It’s not always easy, but there’s plenty of su
Empty your breast each time
Breastfeeding is all about supply and demand, but in the early days it can take a while for your body to adjust to your baby’s needs.
Know when they’re getting enough
Many women worry about how they will know whether their baby is getting the right amount of milk. Each baby is different, so it
Feed on demand
Newborn tummies are tiny, and they digest food quickly, so it may seem as though you’re feeding constantly at first.
