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	What is Breastfeeding
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Breastfeeding, How to

Starting Early
Did you know that your baby's suckling reflex is strongest during the half hour right after birth? Those first few minutes after you've delivered are the ideal time to get started with nursing.You may be exhausted, but your baby is alert and ready to suck, so experts recommend this as the ideal time to get started with nursing. Early nursing will help your milk supply come in, and on top of that, babies who breastfeed right away have fewer nighttime feeding problems later on more sleep for you!

Getting Comfortable
No matter which way you hold your baby to nurse (see various holds below) both you and your baby will do best if you can find a comfortable, relaxed position. In general, a good rule of thumb is to have your baby's head, chest, and hips all facing you. Check to make sure your baby's head isn't turned sideways or arched back it needs to be in line with the rest of his body.

Latching On: Open Wide!
"Latching on" just means that the baby's mouth is well attached to your breast before he starts to suck. You can help your baby learn to latch on by supporting your breast and waiting for your baby to open his mouth into a wide "O" before you offer your nipple.

Most women find that keeping their thumb on top of their breast and their fingers below works well. Try not to put your fingers on the areola, the dark circle around your nipple.Gently brush your baby's lips with your nipple: this will

encourage him to open wide. Once that happens, you're ready to center your nipple and pull him in close.

If your baby is latched on correctly, it shouldn't be painful. If you do feel pain, or the baby does not seem to be sucking correctly, just stop and start over again. Slip a finger into your baby's mouth to break the suction don't just pull.

If you're having trouble, check to see if your baby has:

Mouth is open wide
Gums are covering a good part of your areola, not just the tip of the nipple
Lower lip is sticking out (Some babies will tighten their lips so the lower one turns in. Try pressing on your baby's chin gently to get the lower lip to stick out.)
Chin is touching your breast
Nose is barely touching your breast not pressed into it
Head is straight-- not tilted back or turned to the side

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