Starting to breastfeed

Early initiation of breastfeeding is important for successful breastfeeding. You will usually be able to have skin to skin contact soon after birth. Most babies are alert and start to suck immediately. When your baby feeds, the nipple and areola are taken into the baby’s mouth. With suckling hormones stimulate the glands to let-down milk, baby will feed in bursts, pause and start again. Letting your baby finish the first breast and come off spontaneously helps your supply to establish in the early days. During the first days of feeding, you may feel some contractions in your abdomen as the baby feeds. The usually mild discomfort signals the release of the hormone oxytocin, which helps shrink your uterus back to its pre-pregnancy size.

NOTE - If your baby is sleeping for long periods during the day, not waking for feeds, not feeding well, not having many feeds per day or is too tired to feed, it is important to contact your LMC, doctor or other health professional as soon as possible.