It's best to start breast feeding your baby straight away

The best time to begin nursing your baby is within an hour of his or her birth. At first, your breasts will produce small amounts of colostrum, a thick fluid that doesn’t look like milk. But it’s rich in antibodies and protein – exactly what your baby needs for his or her first brush with the world. Breastfeeding is completely normal and has been the natural way to feed your baby since humans and animals began. It is what mothers and babies are designed to do and will give your baby all the nutrients for the best start in life. As time goes on, you’ll produce two kinds of milk at each feeding – foremilk, a liquid high in sugar and volume, and hindmilk, a satisfying source of fat and calories to help your infant grow. As your newborn grows, your milk composition will change to match new nutrient needs.

How do I actually nurse?
Nursing is a perfect example of supply and demand. Usually, the more a baby nurses, the more milk is supplied. The trick is to get the supply started right away. That means feeding your baby on demand, which can be as often as every two hours for the first few weeks.
Nursing can seem awkward at first, but keep trying. After you’re in a comfortable position, follow these steps:
• You and your baby should be in a straight line so he can swallow comfortably, you should be supporting his back, shoulders and neck. Make sure he is able to get a big mouthful of breast from underneath the nipple – if you hold your baby close with his nose level with your nipple it will allow him to reach up and attach to the breast well.
• You need to make sure your baby opens his mouth really wide, encourage him by gently stroking his top lip. Then bring him in closer and push your nipple towards the roof of his mouth, making sure his chin is touching your breast as well. 
• To make sure your baby is feeding right check their cheeks stay rounded during sucking and that they rhythmically take long sucks and swallows – it is normal for them to pause sometimes. Your baby should finish the feed and come off the breast on their own.

Dealing with difficulties
Some women can experience a few problems nursing. These can include:
Sore nipples They can happen in the first few days as the baby gets used to nursing. If your nipples become red or cracked, check how your baby is positioned. Warm compresses over the nipples may help.
Engorged breasts If your breast is too full of milk, it can be too hard for your baby to latch on. To relieve some pressure, you can express some milk with your hands before actually nursing. Warm cloths over the breast or hot showers can stimulate the flow.
Mastitis This infection can develop when a milk duct becomes blocked. If your breast becomes red, hard or painful, call your doctor, but don’t stop nursing.

For baby, breast milk:
• Is easy to digest
• Provides various nutrients, proteins and antibodies for protection against infections and illnesses
• Helps prevent allergies

For mum, breastfeeding:
• Causes your uterus to shrink back to pre-pregnancy size more quickly
• Breastfeeding is associated with a faster return to pre-pregnancy weight in comparison with formula feeding
• Reduces the risk of developing ovarian and breast cancer
• Is free and always available
• Does not require preparation in the
middle of the night (or any other time).