Breastfeeding techniques

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Newborns need to be fed 6-12 times every 24 hours – eight feeds a day is common. Once you’ve got the hang of it, most feeds take 20 minutes or so; however, in the early days and weeks they may take up to an hour. The basic routine is to feed from one breast, have a break and change baby's nappy, then offer the other breast. Don't worry if she doesn't want it – the important thing is to offer it.

To start the feed, hold baby so her chest is touching your chest; her nose should be in line with your nipple. Gently brush your nipple from her nose to her upper lip – this will encourage her to open her mouth wide.
When her mouth is wide open, bring baby to your breast, keeping your hands across her back and shoulders. When she attaches, most of the areola will be in her mouth and her chin will be tucked into the breast. When she's feeding well, she'll suck deeply and regularly, and you'll hear her swallowing.
When baby is not correctly attached and just sucks the nipple, feeding is painful, nipples can become damaged and the breast won’t be properly drained. If baby hasn’t attached correctly, stop, take her off the breast as shown below and try attaching again.

It’s normal to feel a ‘stretching sensation’ when baby starts sucking, but if it hurts it may mean that baby may not be correctly attached. If you want to double check whether your baby is attaching correctly, visit with a lactation consultant.
When detaching and trying again, avoid pulling baby from the breast. Instead, break her attachment by inserting your little finger into the corner of her mouth, between her gums, and gently remove her from the breast.
Your baby may need to burp after feeding from each breast. To do this, sit her up or hold her to your shoulder and gently rub or pat her back.