Babies are born to breastfeed but with interventions and drugs used in some births they sometimes need a little help or encouragement to get it right. And lets face it so do mums. The new mum hasn't breastfed before and it is a learning time for her as well as

There are 2 ways you can attach your baby after birth and if you decide to give baby led attachment a go you may need to enforce this decision with the midwives in your hospital.

http://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/bfinfo/bla.html  this is a link to the Australian Breastfeeding Association website with details on baby led attachment. Some antenatal classes have a video that they show on this but not always. There are pictures on this link and step by step on what happens in this process.

http://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/bfinfo/attachment.html this link has details on how to attach your baby as many hospitals still practice.  Most midwives will help you attach if you ask them. I thought it was better to have the link with what the experts write on the process rather then writing my own words which may not come across int he same way IYKWIM!

In this second link is a list of what you should be able to onserve if your baby is correctly attached. And please if you have any pain beyond that first few seconds of feeding take your baby off the breast (by inserting clean little finger in the corner of their mouth to break suction) and try again.

Make use of the facilities in the hospital. Don't feel pressuresd to leave if you aren't completely comfortable yet. Sometimes it is a shame that many women leave hospital before their milk comes in. This can be one of the biggest hurdles for a new mum to overcome.

 In those first few days your baby receives colostrum. It is important to feed your baby as often as they wish and this is why it is best that hospitals practice rooming in. It can be tempting to take that midwife up on the offer to have baby in the nursery overnight but if complementary feeds are given then this can have an affect on your milk supply. The more frequently you feed your baby both day and night the less engorged you will be once your milk comes in. You should feed your baby according to his/her need as this will ensure you have adequate supply. The more bub feeds the more milk that is removed fromt he breast and therfore the more milk your breasts will make.  On day 3-5 (sometimes a little longer but not usually) your milk will come in. This will make your breasts increase in size overnight, something that partners can love but mothers hat becasue their breasts are sore, hard, uncomfortable and attaching bubs is difficult.

So next topic of advice will be the problems or hurdles you face when breastfeeding and hopefully I can give some suggestions that may help.