Breastfeeding is the completely natural way to feed your baby, and also provides additional short-term and long-term health benefits for both mother and child. The experience of breastfeeding can be a very satisfying and relaxing one, promoting closeness between mother and child.

If you have any concerns regarding breastfeeding, or need to find out how to breastfeed properly, there are many sources of help, advice and support available including your midwife, self help groups, telephone helplines and breastfeeding counsellors.

Feeding of baby

Signs your baby is attached correctly:

• Baby's chin should touch the breast
• Baby's mouth is wide open
• Baby's cheeks are round and full (not sucked in)
• No smacking sounds will be heard
• At first baby's sucks may be fast and then slower and longer
• It feels like a strong drawing sensation - this may be a bit uncomfortable for
  the first few sucks, but after that it should be pain free
• If your baby has been well positioned and attached for breastfeeding, he/she
  will finish the feed by coming off the breast and will appear sleepy and contented

1. If your baby's mouth is not wide open, encourage him to open his mouth by gently rubbing your nipple against his upper lip.	2. Move your baby so that he starts with his nose facing your nipple.
3. Support your baby's neck and shoulders, but not the back of his head. Your baby needs to be able to tilt his head back. When your Baby's mouth is wide open, bring him to your breast, allowing his bottom lip or chin to make contact with the breast first.	4. Your baby's chin should be in close contact with your breast, and he should be able to breathe easily. You will be able to feel that your baby has a big mouthful of breast.