For breastfeeding to be enjoyable and beneficial to both mother and baby, you should follow a healthy diet, relax and approach the experience positively and confidently.
Don’t worry if it takes some time before you really feel confident with breastfeeding.
- Gather as much information as you can and learn basic skills by attending a breastfeeding course while pregnant, reading and joining a breastfeeding support group such as the Australian Breastfeeding Association (formerly Nursing Mothers Australia).
- Use your hospital stay to learn as much as possible about breastfeeding and mothering.
- As you become more confident with your baby and your relationship grows, initial problems and difficulties are likely resolve themselves.
- Support from family, friends and professionals will help enormously.
- Ask your doctor, child health nurse, plunkett nurse or lactation consultant for advice. Try to establish a relationship with one knowledgeable person in order to avoid conflicting advice.
- Above all, follow your own instinct and do not be afraid of your baby - your baby is there for you to love and enjoy.