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First time moms normally find breast feeding is not easy. There’s a level of skill required for successful feeding and a correct technique to use. Incorrect positioning
is one of the biggest reasons for unsuccessful feeding and it can even injure the nipple or breast quite easily. Below is guidance for first time moms who are getting started with breastfeeding.

When you hold your baby for the first time in the delivery room, you should put his lips to your breast. Although your mature milk hasn’t developed yet, your breasts are still producing a substance known as colostrum that helps to protect your baby from infections.

If your baby has trouble finding or staying on your nipple, you shouldn’t panic. Breast feeding is an art that will require a lot of patience and a lot of practice. No one expects you to be an expert when you first start, so you shouldn’t hesitate to ask for advice or have a nurse show you what you need to do.

Once you start, keep in mind that nursing shouldn’t be painful. When your baby latches on, pay attention to how your breasts feel. If the latching on
hurts, break the suction then try again.

You should nurse quite frequently, as the more you nurse the more quickly your mature milk will come in and the more milk you’ll produce. Breast feeding for 10 - 15 minutes per breast 8 - 10 times every 24 hours is an ideal target. Crying is a sign of hunger, which means you should actually feed your baby before he starts crying.

During the first few days, you may have to wake your baby to begin breast feeding, and he may end up falling asleep during feeding. To ensure that your baby is eating often enough, you should wake him up if it has been four hours since the last time he has been fed.

By stroking the baby’s cheek with the nipple, the baby will open its mouth towards the nipple, which should then be pushed in so that the baby will get a mouthful of nipple and areola. This position is known as latching on. A lot of women prefer to wear a nursing bra to allow easier access to the breast than other normal bras.

Get comfortable. The length of feeding time will vary. For some mothers, feedings can take 40 minutes or longer, therefore you’ll want a cozy spot. You don’t want to be sitting somewhere where you will be bothered, as it can make the process very hard. Regardless of the duration of feeding time, it’s important for mothers to be comfortable. The following are positions you can use:
1. Upright - The sitting position where the back is straight.
2. Mobile - Mobile is where the mother carries her baby in a sling or carrier while breast feeding. Doing this allows the mother to breast feed in the work of everyday life.
3. Lying down - This is good for night feeds or for those who have had a caesarean section.
4. On her back - The mother is sitting slightly upright, also a useful position for tandem breast feeding.
5. On her side - The mother and baby both lie on their sides.
6. Hands and knees - In this feeding position the mother is on all fours with the baby underneath her. Keep in mind, this position isn’t normally recommended.

Anytime you don’t feel comfortable with a feeding position, always stop and switch to a different position. Each position is different, while some mothers prefer one position, other’s may like a totally different position. All you need to do is experiment and see which position is best for you.