Breastfeeding for beginners: How do I start breastfeeding?

How can I prepare for breastfeeding?

Staying healthy is as much as you can do to prepare your body for breastfeeding. But learning as much as you can about breastfeeding before your baby is born will help you when the time comes.

Read how to prepare for breastfeeding, and encourage your partner to learn about it too, so he's ready to support you.

How do I start breastfeeding?

Feeds can take anything from five minutes to 40 minutes, so find a comfortable place before you start. In the early days of breastfeeding, when you're still trying to get the hang of it, creating the right atmosphere is important.

If you're easily distracted by noise, find somewhere quiet. If you tend to get bored, you may want to feed with the radio or television on, but only if breastfeeding is going well. Try different spots until you find what works for you.

Hold your baby in a position that won't make your arms and back ache. Have cushions or pillows nearby to support you or your baby. Laid-back breastfeeding involves lying on your back, so that your baby can rest on your body, while your hands are free to support her. Or try the cradle hold, which means cradling your baby across your chest, raised up on a cushion or pillow. It depends on what's most comfortable for you.

Get yourself and your baby in a relaxed position before you start feeding. Pay attention to how your breasts feel when your baby latches on. She should take in a big mouthful of breast tissue.

If you have large breasts, you may find it more comfortable to lie on your side while feeding, or you may want to try holding your baby under your arm in a rugby ball position.

If latching on hurts, break the suction by gently inserting your little finger between your baby's gums and your nipple, and try again. Once your baby latches on properly, she'll be able to do the rest.

Source from: http://www.babycentre.co.uk/a613/breastfeeding-for-beginners#ixzz3aVMvMREW