Breastfeeding is a skill that gets better with practice.
At first, many parents, just like you, had to learn how it's done.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to breastfeed.
This video shows the cross-cradle hold, just one of the positions you can use for breastfeeding.
But talk to your doctor, midwife, or lactation consultant about other positions you can try.
Now, it's important that you feel relaxed and are in a comfortable position while feeding your baby.
It can help to sit in a comfortable chair or sit up in bed.
And try putting a pillow on your lap to help support your baby.
Some people find that using a U hold can support and narrow the breast.
The thumb will be on the outer side of the breast.
And the fingers will be on the inner side.
You can also use a C hold, with all your fingers below the nipple and your thumb above it.
Your other arm is behind your baby's back, with your hand supporting the base of your baby's head.
Point your fingers and thumb toward your baby's ears.
Touch your baby's lower lip with your nipple to get your baby to open their mouth.
Wait until your baby opens up really wide, like a big yawn.
Bring the baby quickly to your breast—not your breast to the baby.
Guide your breast into your baby's mouth.
Listen for regular sucking and swallowing sounds while your baby is feeding.
You can also watch your baby's ears because they will wiggle slightly when your baby swallows.
Now for some women the latch may be painful for the first few sucks, but it should ease up and be more comfortable after about 20 seconds of the feeding.
When your baby is done breastfeeding or if you need to reposition, you will need to break the baby's latch on your nipple.
Place one finger into the corner of your baby's mouth.
This will gently break the seal and can help protect your nipples from getting sore, cracked, or bruised.
After your nipple is out of the baby's mouth, you'll know it was a good latch if your nipple looks like a gumdrop.
But if the nipple looks pinched, your baby had a shallow latch.
That can be painful.
You may need to talk to your doctor or lactation consultant for help so that you'll feel better.
And it will also help your baby to get more milk.
Let your baby decide how long to nurse.
Burp your baby after each breast.
Breastfeed your baby whenever they are hungry.
In the first 2 weeks, your baby will feed at least 8 times in a 24-hour period.
As your baby grows, how often they eat will change.
Your baby will let you know when they're hungry and when they're full.
Remember breastfeeding doesn't always come easily at first.
But you can learn, and it gets better with practice.
Be patient and kind to yourself.
And if you have any problems, you can always talk to your doctor, midwife, or lactation consultant.
