Breastfeeding may be promoted everywhere as the healthiest choice for your baby - but you should both be able to enjoy it, too.
- In the early days, stay relaxed and patient, and keep your baby close to you, so you can respond to his feeding cues straight away. Skin to skin contact means you both get a chance to practise, without each feed becoming a big production number.
- Don't watch the clock, watch your baby! Your baby is more likely to get an enjoyable, satisfying feed if he can stay on the breast as long as he wants....
- ...and then, after he comes off the first side, or stops sucking and swallowing, offer him the second side after a little pause for winding or resting. He may or may not take it.
- Long, endless feeds with your baby never seeming satisfied are not normal - and they're a sign you may need help getting his positioning and attachment right.
- Don't grit your teeth with sore nipples. Tenderness at the beginning of feeding is very common, but if it continues to get worse after day 2 or 3, then get your positioning checked.
- If it's not positioning, it could be thrush. This can strike after a period of happy feeding, and you need treatment from your doctor. Your baby needs treatment for thrush in his mouth whether or not he has symptoms.
- Feeding's a lovely way to soothe and calm your baby, so don't worry about 'using' it , even if you think your baby may not be very hungry.
- Feeding helps you, too. Endomorphins are hormones that are releases as your baby feeds, and they are designed to reduce stress and promote relaxation. So if you need calming, feed your baby!
- Enjoy night feeds more by snuggling down with your baby in bed. Your baby will be fine as long as he doesn't get too hot.
- You'll enjoy feeding more if you're confident about feeding away from home and 'in public'. So don't hid yourself away - and if anyone asks you to feed in the toilet, ask 'em if they'd like to have their lunch in there!
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