How to get breastfeeding started

Right after your baby is born, one of the best things you can do is place them on your chest, skin to skin, and just leave them there. This is usually called ‘the golden hour’ and this time should be offered to you after birth, if you and your baby are both well. This closeness activates incredibly powerful instincts in both you and your baby. When left undisturbed near the breast, babies often latch on their own in a way that’s natural and comfortable.

Sometimes, things don’t go quite as planned. Births involving interventions (like medications), or early separation from your baby, can make this instinctive process a bit trickier. That’s where antenatal colostrum expression can be helpful. Even if you don’t collect much (or any – that’s very common!), practicing expressing colostrum antenatally can make it easier to express milk after birth, especially if your baby needs a little time to find their rhythm. https://med.stanford.edu/newborns/professional-education/breastfeeding/hand-expressing-milk.html

If your baby isn’t feeding at the breast just yet, keep your milk supply going by expressing regularly (every few hours) and hold your baby as much as possible. After birth, your supply is regulated by either feeding or expressing milk, so every time you do this, you’re telling your body to keep making more for your baby. Every drop helps, and your closeness matters. And remember, you’re not alone. Reach out for some qualified support if you’d like some help that is tailored to you and your baby. springtidesinfantfeeding.com/resources