Tips for getting off to a good start
- Breastfeed as soon as possible after birth.
- Ask for an on-site lactation consultant to come help you.
- Ask the staff not to give your baby other food or formula, unless it is medically necessary.
- Allow your baby to stay in your hospital room all day and night so that you can breastfeed often. Or, ask the nurses to bring you your baby for feedings.
- Try to avoid giving your baby any pacifiers or artificial nipples so that he or she gets used to latching onto just your breast.
Getting your baby to latch
1. Tickle the baby’s lips to encourage him or her to open wide.
2. Pull your baby close so that the chin and lower jaw moves into your breast first.
3. Watch the lower lip and aim it as far from base of nipple as possible, so the baby takes a large mouthful of breast.