Initiating breastfeeding goes most smoothly when the mother has a birth in which she is an active participant and baby receives minimal medications. Ideally, this is a natural childbirth, without use of drugs,as few interventions as possible and the mother is free to move how she feels led in order to facilitate the birth process. After the birth, as long as the baby is healthy, the baby should be brought to the breast immediately- any evaluations can be done while the baby is suckling. Mother and baby should remain together throughout the recovery period and the baby should be nursed whenever he shows signs of wanting to- rooting, sticking out his tongue, increased activity, etc. Crying is a late sign of needing to nurse. Formula, bottles of sugar water, and pacifiers should not be given. Circumcision is known to make the initiation of the breastfeeding relationship difficult.

There are several positions that one can use to hold a baby while breastfeeding. Many mothers find that the football hold and the cross-cradle hold give them the best control while learning to breastfeed. Touch the nipple to the baby's nose which will cause the baby to root for the nipple and open his mouth wide. Make sure that the tongue is over the lower gums and bring your baby toward your body so that as much of the aereola under the nipple is taken into the baby's mouth as possible. The baby's chin should be touching the lower part of your breast with the nose a bit out from the aereola. The lips should be flanged out like a fish. The baby's ear, shoulder and hips should be in-line with one another and the baby's belly should be facing yours.

There is no set time frame. When your baby is suckling effectively (suck, swallow, suck, swallow) compress your breast with your hand. When your baby stops suckling to rest release the pressure to allow the milk ducts to fill again. When your baby is satisfied he will unlatch. If he falls asleep at the breast you can unlatch him, burp him and offer the same side if it is not sufficiently empty. If it is, you may offer the other side to your baby. If he doesn't want it that's fine. Simply offer the breast that was least-nursed on the next time baby nurses. The key is to nurse the baby on one breast until it is sufficiently empty before switching to the other. This will ensure your baby gets enough of the fatty hindmilk.

Your baby cannot nurse effectively and bite you- his tongue should be over his lower teeth. Be proactive- when you notice him not suckling effectively and you know that a bite may ensue soon, unlatch him. If he does bite you, say "no biting, that hurts mommy" and unlatch him and either put him down or turn away. If he really wants to nurse again you may latch him on again. It will take a bit of time being consistent, but he will learn.

Human milk contains low fat and protein content. It also digests very quickly. This necessitates frequent feedings. Breastfeeding is not just about nutrition however- it is a very important source of comfort for your baby. Nursing your baby whenever he wants it, regardless of when he last nursed will ensure that a high prolactin level is maintained and an adequate milk supply