Step-By-Step

It is best to start breastfeeding your baby as soon as possible. In the initial stages a mother has a thick, yellowish type of milk called Colostrum, which is very light to digest and contains antibodies that will protect your baby from catching early infections.

Here are six pointers to get you started.

• Step 1: Hold the baby the way you find most comfortable - some women hold their babies across the chest, while some hold them vertically, positioning their head at the breast. You can also breastfeed keeping your baby next to you as you lie sideways.
• Step 2: Support the breast with the thumb and forefinger of one hand.
• Step 3: Support the baby's head with the other hand while your nurse him.
• Step 4: Make sure the baby's mouth is opened as wide as possible, so that the entire aureole is covered. You and your baby will master the perfect latching technique in about a week.
  
  
• Step 5: Check if your baby has latched on correctly. i.e.: See if his lower jaw is moving and if you can hear a soft sound of gulping.
  
  
• Step 6: Change the side whenever you feel comfortable.
  

• It becomes very painful for you.
  
  
• The baby is too weak or unable to feed properly.
  
  
• Your nipples are inverted.
  
  
• There is a crack in your nipple.
  
  
• Your nipples become too sore.
  
  
• There is a problem in milk secretion - E.g.: In case your milk ducts are swollen.
  
  
• Your gynaecologist advises you against breastfeeding due to a specific medical condition or treatment.