Try breastfeeding immediately after birth. Your baby is awake and ready to learn how to breastfeed during this time. Breastfeeding early will also help you to make more milk.
The first hours of snuggling skin-to-skin help you and your baby bond and get to know each other.
Most babies will breastfeed at least 8 times in 24 hours (day and night).
If you experience difficulty with breastfeeding, visit a free breastfeeding clinic.
The first hours of snuggling skin-to-skin help you and your baby bond and get to know each other. Hold your baby belly-down on your chest or tummy immediately after birth. Keep cuddling skin-to-skin as often as possible in the months after birth. The benefits for bonding and breastfeeding continue long after that. Safe skin-to-skin is also better for babies born prematurely or by Caesarean birth.
Babies under six months old should be placed on their back in a crib or cradle close to your bed when you are ready to sleep. It is important that cribs and cradles meet current Canadian safety regulations. Learn more about safe sleep for your baby.
Video: Admission to Postpartum. Keeping Your Baby Skin-to-Skin (02:40). Reproduced by permission of Healthy Families BC
Baby-led latching is a natural and simple way for your baby to get to your breast.
Baby-led latching can be encouraged after your baby is born. It is helpful when your:
Here ‘s How
Having a good latch will help you make enough breast milk and help your baby to breastfeed well. It will also help prevent pain when breastfeeding.
Step 1
Get comfortable and find a breastfeeding position that works well for you.
Step 2
Hold your breast in your hand. Thumb is on top and fingers are below your breast.
Step 3
Face your baby’s nose to your nipple. Stroke your baby’s lower lip with your nipple. Wait until baby’s mouth is wide open like a yawn.
Step 4
Bring your baby, chin first to your breast. Her mouth should cover lots of the dark area (areola) below the nipple (about 1.5 inches).
If your baby falls asleep after a few minutes:
If your baby falls asleep after a few minutes:
If your baby no longer has strong “deep and slow” sucks and your breast feels softer:
Video: Latching Your Baby (03:35). Reproduced by permission of Healthy Families BC
There are many different positions for breastfeeding. Try different breastfeeding positions. Choose a breastfeeding position that allows you to be relaxed and comfortable.
Here are some breastfeeding position that may work for you and your baby.
This position works well if you:
This position works well:
This position works well if you:
This position works well if you:
Video: Breastfeeding Position (04:14). Reproduced by permission of Healthy Families BC
It is possible to learn to breastfeed two babies at one time. This will take some time and patience to lean.
This position works well if:
This position works well if:
This position works well if:
This position works well if:
This position works well for: