Starting Breastfeeding

As expecting or new mothers, you will be looking forward to start breastfeeding your baby and establishing an intimate bond with her. You may also have many unanswered questions regarding how to start breastfeeding. Some common questions new mothers have are:

• Will I have enough milk to feed my baby?
• Does my milk have all the vital nutrients required by my baby?
• Is breast feeding painful?

Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for your baby. It contains all the vital nutrients required by the baby. Most mothers can breastfeed successfully provided they are educated on the subject. A positive attitude is all that is needed to get started on your breast-feeding journey.

Getting ready to Start Breastfeeding

Choose a relaxing and soothing environment to start breast feeding. This is important especially in the initial stages, when you are trying to get used to breast feeding. You can also mentally prepare yourself for starting breast feeding by reading books on the subject, attending classes on breast feeding, talking to lactation consultants and other breast feeding mothers.

Breast feeding is more of a choice of health than a choice of lifestyle. It is the single most essential thing that you do for your baby. Breast milk is the most important source of nutrition for your baby. Breastfeeding is the natural method of giving your little one the right set of nutrients required for healthy growth and development. The breast feeding baby will not need additional supplements till about six months of age. She can easily digest breast milk as it is specifically suited for the little one's digestive system. What is more, your little one enjoys nursing on your breast as an active sport.

Start Breastfeeding Video

Check out a quick introductory video on starting breastfeeding. You can follow more detailed instructions on starting breast feeding in the following sections.

The World Breast Feeding Week was launched to stress on the importance of breast feeding. It also focused on the advantages of breastfeeding and illustrated how breast feeding is a lifeline in case of emergencies thus preventing many neonatal deaths. It also highlighted how mothers, communities, health professionals, governments, aid agencies, donors, and the media can support breast feeding.

Video on Starting Breastfeeding

Breast feeding is a wonderful experience that can be truly cherished by both you as a loving mother and your little darling.