Breastfeeding: a guide to getting started

Breastfeeding is the most natural way to nourish your baby, but natural does not mean automatic. It takes learning, patience, and support.

The first hours

Skin-to-skin contact right after birth helps kick-start breastfeeding. Your newborn has a natural instinct to seek the breast (the rooting reflex) — let them follow it.

The first substance your breast produces is called colostrum: it is thick, yellowish, and packed with antibodies. A few drops are all your newborn needs in the first days.

Achieving a good latch

A proper latch is the key to everything:

• The baby's mouth is wide open and covers most of the areola
• The lips are flanged outward (like a little fish)
• The chin touches the breast while the nose stays free
• You can hear the baby swallowing rhythmically
• You feel no pain (mild discomfort at the start is normal)

Breastfeeding positions

Cradle hold

The classic position: your baby lies across your body, tummy to tummy.

Football (rugby) hold

The baby is tucked under your arm with their feet pointing toward your back. Ideal after a cesarean section.

Side-lying

Both you and your baby lie on your sides. Perfect for nighttime feeds.

How often?

In the first months, breastfeed on demand — every time your baby shows hunger cues:

• Turning their head and searching for the breast
• Bringing their hands to their mouth
• Making small sucking movements with their lips

How to tell if your baby is getting enough

• At least 6 wet diapers a day after the first week
• Steady weight gain at pediatric check-ups
• The baby seems content after a feed
• Stools transition from dark meconium to golden-yellow

Common difficulties

• Cracked nipples: small wounds on the nipple, often caused by an incorrect latch
• Engorgement: hard, painful breasts — nurse frequently and apply warm compresses
• Mastitis: engorgement with fever and redness — see your doctor

Breastfeeding is a journey: there are easy days and hard days. You are not alone.