Ask for help right away

Reading about breast-feeding is one thing. Doing it is something else. The first time you breast-feed your baby — preferably within the first hour after delivery — ask for help.

The maternity nurses or a hospital lactation consultant can offer breast-feeding tips, starting with how to position the baby and how to make sure he or she is latching on correctly. Your or your baby's health care provider might offer breast-feeding tips, too.

Start by getting comfortable. Support yourself with pillows if needed. Then cradle your baby close to your breast — rather than learning forward to bring your breast to your baby. Hold your baby skin to skin whenever possible.

Support the baby's head with one hand and support your breast with the other hand. Tickle your baby's lower lip with your nipple to encourage your baby's mouth to open wide. He or she will take in part of the darker area around the nipple. Your nipple will be far back in the baby's mouth, and the baby's tongue will be cupped under your breast. Look and listen for a rhythmic sucking and swallowing pattern.

If you need to remove the baby from your breast, first release the suction by inserting your finger into the corner of your baby's mouth.