When you hold your baby the first time in the delivery room, place her lips gently to your breast. Your breasts have not yet started releasing milk, but are already producing colostrums, a substance that is highly beneficial for your baby, as it safeguards her against infection.

Remember, breastfeeding is an art. You have to be very patient in this. And don't expect to learn in one day. Breastfeeding needs a lot of practice. At first, your baby will find it difficult to find or stay on your breast nipple. Don't feel shy asking the nurse for help.

In case you give birth to a premature baby, you won't be able to breastfeed right away. However, it's good to begin pumping the milk from your breast. Your baby will consume this milk through a bottle or tube until it's capable to nurse.

The best way to do this is to observe how your breasts feel while your baby is latching it. The ideal way is to let her mouth cover a major portion of the areola under the nipple, which should be far back inside your baby's mouth. If you find that latching hurts, you may break the suction process. How do you do this? Well, simply put your little finger between the nipple and your baby's gums. Then, try again. The catch is to teach your baby to latch on properly, and the rest will fall into place.

Some women are of the notion that nursing is painful. It might be in the beginning, but once you get on the track, there is no pain. In fact, you will start loving this new job!

The Frequency Of Breastfeeding

YOU SHOULD NURSE QUITE FREQUENTLY. The more you breastfeed, the more speedily your mature milk will be released and the more milk your breasts will produce. Breastfeeding 10-15 minutes from each breast 8-12 times every day is the ideal frequency.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) states, in its latest guidelines, that you should breastfeed your baby whenever she displays signs of hunger. The signs include mouthing, increased activity or alertness, or searching for your nipple. Remember, CRYING IS A LATE HUNGER SIGN. Don't wait for her to cry. You should start nursing BEFORE your baby begins to cry.

In the first week, you will have to wake your tiny tot gently to start nursing. And you know what? She may fall asleep in the middle of feeding! You have to make sure that your baby's getting enough food. Wake her up after every four hours of breastfeeding. With time, your baby will become alert for extended periods of time. Thereafter, you can slip into a routine of breastfeeding your baby every 1-3 hours. Do it less at night because your baby begins to sleep.

Getting Comfortable With Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding may take about 40 minutes. Therefore, choose a comfortable place for nursing. Position you baby in such a way that your arms and back don't get sore. The best way is to hold the back of her head by your hand. However, you can hold your baby in the way you find comfortable; there's no hard and fast rule. If you're sitting, get a nursing pillow. It really helps to support your baby.