Starting Breastfeeding<br /><br />Give your baby the first feed as soon as possible after birth.<br />Frequent unrestricted feeding, meeting the baby’s needs, will stimulate the production of milk. Go along with your baby and feed as required.<br /><br />• Feed frequently whenever your baby cries or seems hungry.<br />• Let your baby finish the first breast before offering the second breast.<br />• Your baby will need to feed during the night (this also helps prevent your breasts becoming too full and uncomfortable).<br />• Your baby will probably want at least 6-8 feeds in 24 hours (many young babies have more than this – often 10-12 feeds).<br />• Giving complementary bottles (“comps”) will reduce your baby’s need to suck at the breast and so reduce your supply.<br /><br />Babies also suckle for comfort – this is not feeding, but is perfectly acceptable. As your baby grows, they will nurse more vigorously and this may reduce the suckling time.
