Know the right way

A mother’s love for her baby is matchless and so is her milk breast milk is natural and ideal first food for your baby. Breastfeeding soon after delivery ensures that the baby receives the first milk which has maximum protective factors.

Babies who are fed nothing but breast milk from birth through their first six months of life get the best start. Exclusive breastfeeding provides babies the perfect nutrition and everything they need for healthy growth and brain development Breastfeeding gives protection from respiratory infections like diarrhoea and other life-threatening ailments.

Breastfeeding also prevents against obesity and Non- communicable diseases such as asthma and diabetes Prepare your nipple, if retracted start pulling it outwards antenatally (before delivery) Your baby should be well positioned correctly latched on and suckling well when on the breast A baby who is asleep on the breast needs to be coaxed to suckle.

Ensure you are drinking adequately more than 3 litres of water per day Have adequate rest ensure that you are not stressed or distracted or in pain. Observe your baby suckling cues. your baby may take 15-20 min to finish a feed from the first breast before offering the second breast Breastfeeding is not always easy and sometimes a lot of patience and perseverance is required as mother's may find that breastfeeding is a totally new learning experience.

Positions While Breastfeeding:

Lying down
This position is great way to rest and relax while your baby feeds. Lie down, with your body and your baby’s parallel. Snuggle up to your baby and bring her to your breast.

Position your lap (opposite arm)
Make yourself comfy in a chair or on the sofa. Put a pillow or cushion on your lap to support your baby. This will make feeding easier on your arms. Once your baby is comfy on pillow, support his head with the opposite arm to the breast you are feeding from. Gently bring your baby’s head to your breast.

Across your lap (same arm)
Find yourself a comfy place to sit and lay a pillow or cushion on your lap. Place your baby on the pillow, and support his body with the same arm to your breast. Your baby's head can then rest snugly in the crook of your arm while he feeds.

Laid-back breastfeeding
Sit in semi –reclined position. Lie your baby across your stomach so that his head reaches your breast. This position might work for you if you find sitting up and feeding painful for your back.

Under your arm
If your baby is a kicker, this may be the position for you. Place your baby so that his body is underneath one of your arms, with his head near your breast. Support his head with the same arm as your breast.

Twin positions
Make yourself comfortable and get a large pillow or cushion to put on your lap. This will help you to support both of your babies. If possible, have someone nearby who can pass you babies try putting one baby under each arm, with their heads near your breasts. you can use the same arms as your breast to support each baby.

Koala hold
Place your baby on your lap in an upright position and hold him to your breast while supporting him well.