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-Council, S.B. (no date) Slough services guide. Available at: http://servicesguide.slough.gov.uk/kb5/slough/services/family.page?catfamily=796e (Accessed: 25 November 2016).
-Slough, Windsor & district (2016) Available at: https://www.nct.org.uk/branches/slough-windsor (Accessed: 25 November 2016).
-NHS Frimley health foundation trust (no date) Available at: https://www.fhft.nhs.uk/services/maternity/parent-education/ (Accessed: 25 November 2016).
-The Breastfeeding Helpline (no date) Available at: https://www.nationalbreastfeedinghelpline.org.uk/ (Accessed: 25 November 2016).
-BabyCentre, the (2016) Breastfeeding for beginners. Available at: http://www.babycentre.co.uk/a613/breastfeeding-for-beginners (Accessed: 25 November 2016).
-In this section (2016) Available at: https://www.nct.org.uk/professional/research/nct-services/infant-feeding (Accessed: 25 November 2016).
-(No Date) Available at: http://www.biologicalnurturing.com/assets/what_is_BN_sheet_lr_A5.pdf (Accessed: 25 November 2016).
-Choices, N. (2016) Breastfeeding: Positioning and attachment. Available at: http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/pages/breastfeeding-positioning-attachment.aspx (Accessed: 25 November 2016).
-(No Date) Available at: https://www.nct.org.uk/sites/default/files/related_documents/Breastfeeding-StepByStep%20FINAL%20FOR%20PRINT_4.pdf (Accessed: 25 November 2016).
-Rapley, G. and Murkett, T. (2012) Baby-led Breastfeeding: How to make breastfeeding work - with your baby’s help. London: Ebury Press.
-Welford, H. (2011) Successful infant feeding: Ensuring your baby thrives on the breast or bottle. London: Carroll & Brown Publishers.

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Link to video

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How to breastfeed

Breastfeeding is a skill that you and your baby learn together, and it can take time to get used to.

There are lots of different positions you can use to breastfeed. You can try different ones to find out what works best for you. You just need to check the following points:

Are you comfortable? It's worth getting comfortable before a feed. Use pillows or cushions if necessary. Your shoulders and arms should be relaxed.

Are your baby's head and body in a straight line? It's hard for your baby to swallow if their head and neck are twisted.

Are you holding your baby close to you, facing your breast? Supporting their neck, shoulders and back should allow them to tilt their head back and swallow easily.

Always bring your baby to the breast and let them latch themselves. Avoid leaning your breast forward into your baby's mouth, as this can lead to poor attachment.

Your baby needs to get a big mouthful of breast. Placing your baby with their nose level with your nipple will encourage them to open their mouth wide and attach to the breast well.

Try not to hold the back of your baby's head, so that they can tip their head back. This way your nipple goes past the hard roof of their mouth and ends up at the back of their mouth against the soft palate.

Read Start4Life's information on 3 common positions for breastfeeding

How to latch your baby on to your breast

1. Hold your baby close to you with their nose level with the nipple.

2. Let your baby's head tip back a little so that their top lip can brush against your nipple. This should help your baby to make a wide, open mouth.

3. When your baby's mouth is open wide enough their chin should be able to touch your breast first, with their head tipped back so that their tongue can reach as much of your breast as possible.

4. With your baby's chin firmly touching your breast and their nose clear, their mouth should be wide open. When they attach you should see much more of the darker nipple skin above your baby's top lip than below their bottom lip. Your baby's cheeks will look full and rounded as they feed.

Read Start4Life's visual guide to latching your baby on

Help and support with breastfeeding

If you have any questions or concerns, you can:

speak to your midwife, health visitor or breastfeeding supporter

call the National Breastfeeding Helpline on 0300 100 0212 (9.30am to 9.30pm, daily)

get online advice about sore nipples and other commmon breastfeeding problems

Visit healthtalk.org to see mums talking about positioning and attaching their babies at the breast.

How to tell if your baby is getting enough milk

You baby starts feeding with a few rapid sucks followed by longer sucks.

Their cheeks stay rounded out, not sucked in, and you can hear them swallowing.

Your baby seems calm during feeding and comes off your breast themselves when they have had enough.

They appear content and satisfied after most feeds.

They should be healthy and gaining weight (although it's normal for babies to lose a little weight in the first week after birth). Talk to your midwife or health visitor if you are concerned your baby is not gaining weight and is unsettled during or after breast feeds.

After the first few days, your baby should have at least 6 wet nappies a day.

After about 5 to 6 days, your baby's poo should stop looking black and thick and they should also have at least 2 soft or runny yellow poos.

See tips on building up your milk supply.

Breastfeeding premature and ill babies

If your baby is in a neonatal or special care unit after the birth, you'll probably be encouraged to try something called kangaroo care once your baby is well enough. Kangaroo care means holding your baby close to you, usually under your clothes with your baby dressed only in a nappy.

This skin-to-skin contact helps you bond with your premature baby and increase your milk supply.

Find out more about breastfeeding a premature baby.

Got a breastfeeding question?

Use the Start4Life Breastfeeding Friend chatbot for fast, friendly, trusted NHS advice anytime, day or night.

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Breastfeeding is a skill that you and your baby learn together, and it can take time to get used to. There are lots of different positions you can use to breastfeed. You can try different ones to find out what works best for you. You just need to check the following points: Are you comfortable?

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Breastfeeding- a different approach

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In this article

Why is breastmilk special?

Breastmilk is perfectly designed to nourish your baby and protect her against illness when she's at her most vulnerable in her early months. Breastmilk is very easy for your baby to digest, plus it's free and available whenever your baby wants it.

Feeding your baby only breastmilk in her first six months (exclusive breastfeeding) is particularly good for her. Exclusive breastfeeding gives your baby:

Every nutrient she needs to thrive and grow well.

Hormones to help her body function well.

Disease-fighting compounds that protect her against illness. Breastfed babies are much less likely than formula-fed babies to suffer from diarrhoea and vomiting, colds, chest infections such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia, and ear infections.

Microbes that help her organs, gut, immune system and brain to develop.
(Ballard and Morrow 2013, Bar et al 2016, Boucher et al 2017, NHS nd, NHS 2017a, Victora et al 2016)

Breastfeeding can also be a life-saver. Breastfed babies have a lower risk of childhood leukaemia (NHS 2017a, Victora et al 2016) and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) (NHS 2017a, The Lullaby Trust nd, Thompson et al 2017).
Formula milk has none of the unique ingredients that your breastmilk has (Ballard and Morrow 2013).

As well as the health benefits, exclusive breastfeeding can improve your baby's understanding and learning abilities (Bar et al 2016, Boucher et al 2017, Victora et al 2016).

If you have allergies in your family, breastfeeding may protect your baby for longer against eczema, although it's unlikely to prevent eczema altogether (Flohr et al 2011, Greer et al 2008, von Berg 2013).

Your baby loves the smell of your skin, and to feel your warmth and closeness when you hold her. When you breastfeed, you release the "love hormone" oxytocin (Welford 2011). All this helps you and your baby to develop a strong bond through breastfeeding (NHS nd).

Your breastmilk adjusts to your baby's needs as she grows (Ballard and Morrow 2013, NHS 2017a). Being breastfed may help your baby to stay healthier when she's older too. Breastfed babies are less likely than formula-fed babies to be overweight or obese in adulthood, or to develop type 2 diabetes (NHS 2017a, Victora et al 2016).

Breastfeeding is good for you, too, and may help you to lose your baby weight, as long as you're eating healthily and keeping active (Neville et al 2014, NICE 2010). In the long term, it also protects you against:

breast cancer and ovarian cancer

being overweight or obese

developing type 2 diabetes

developing endometriosis
(Bobrow et al 2013, Farland et al 2017, NHS 2017a , Victora et al 2016)

How easy is breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding is a skill you and your baby learn together. Neither of you has done it before, so it's normal to have to practise and persevere until you both get the hang of it.

Plenty of new mums find breastfeeding tough at first. If you're struggling, you're not alone. Talk to your community midwife, or ask to be referred to a breastfeeding specialist. A specialist can watch you feed your baby, and suggest ways to make breastfeeding easier and more comfortable.

The NCT, La Leche League and The Breastfeeding Network can help you find a skilled supporter in your area.

Your health visitor is also a great source of support and advice. She can put you in touch with local groups where you can meet other breastfeeding mums.

Encourage your partner to learn about breastfeeding too, so he's ready to give you lots of support and practical help.

Take a look at our solutions for common breastfeeding problems.

How do I start breastfeeding?

Find a comfortable place before you start. Feeds can take anything from five minutes to more than an hour, so you may need to settle in for a while (Unicef 2016). Try different spots until you find what works for you.

Hold your baby in a position that won't make your arms and back ache. Have cushions or pillows nearby to support you or your baby. Laid-back breastfeeding means your baby can rest on your body, while your hands are free to support her. Or try the cradle hold, which means cradling your baby across your chest, raised up on a cushion or pillow. It depends on what's most comfortable for you.

If you have large breasts, you may find it more comfortable to lie on your side while feeding, or you may want to try holding your baby under your arm in a rugby ball position.

Pay attention to how your breasts feel when your baby latches on. She should take in a big mouthful of breast, not just your nipple. If she's sucking just your nipple, it may hurt.

If it hurts after your baby has latched on, give it 30 seconds or so to settle down. If it's still painful, gently break the suction by inserting your little finger between her gums and your nipple, and try again. Focus on how your baby's attachment feels, rather than how it looks. Once your baby latches on comfortably, she'll be able to do the rest.

Is breastfeeding in public protected by the law?

Yes, you have the right to breastfeed in public places in England, Scotland and Wales (MA 2016). In Scotland, a specific law protects your right to breastfeed. In England and Wales, your right to feed in public is protected by equality law.

The rules differ slightly in Northern Ireland, but you have some protection under sex discrimination law (Betts and Russell 2017, DHSSPS 2013). Plans are in the pipeline to introduce a specific law giving women the right to breastfeed in public (Betts and Russell 2017).

It's normal to feel shy about breastfeeding in front of other people at first.

If you feel self-conscious, there are tops that allow you to breastfeed discreetly. Stretchy tops you can pull up or down work well. Wearing layers is helpful - a vest underneath that you can pull down, and a big, loose top you can pull up, creates a space for your baby to feed. This will give you plenty of privacy while keeping you and your baby comfortable.

If you prefer, you could use a breastfeeding cover, or drape a scarf or muslin over your shoulder and chest while you feed. Make sure your baby can breathe easily, though. It's ideal if you can keep eye contact with your baby, too.

Some larger shops have mum-and-baby rooms where you can sit and feed, and local councils also provide information about places where you are welcome to breastfeed.

Breastfeeding your baby when she's hungry is your first priority, so try not to feel self-conscious about doing what's best for her. You'll probably find you get plenty of supportive words and glances from passers-by.

What should I buy for breastfeeding?

Buy at least two or three breastfeeding or nursing bras. These bras have hooks or zips that you can undo easily for feeding your baby.

Your bras need to be a comfortable fit, and to open completely for feeding (NHS 2016a, NICE 2017). If the bra is tight-fitting it may press on your breasts and make you more prone to blocked ducts or mastitis (NHS 2016a).

Shopping with a newborn isn't easy, so you may want to buy a couple of nursing bras in late pregnancy. Some department stores have staff who are trained to fit nursing bras after 36 weeks.

You may find that your breasts leak a little sometimes. This is perfectly normal. If it bothers you, keep a supply of washable or disposable breast pads handy. You could wear a light-weight nursing bra for night-time, so you can use breast pads while you sleep.

If you're planning to express your breastmilk, you may want to buy a breast pump.

How long should I breastfeed for?

You can breastfeed for as long as you and your baby like (NHS 2017b). There's no need to stop once your baby has started solid foods. Your baby will benefit the most if you feed her until the end of her second year (Ballard and Morrow 2013, NHS 2017b, WHO 2017).

Continuing to breastfeed while introducing solid foods to your baby may help her immune system. She may be less likely to develop health conditions such as type 1 diabetes (Meijer et al 2017, Victora et al 2016).

Can I breastfeed after I go back to work?

You can continue to breastfeed if you're going back to work. If your workplace has a nursery, you may be able to visit your baby during the working day, and breastfeed her as usual (Marinelli et al 2013, MA 2017).

If, like most mums, you can't visit your baby during the day, you may want to express milk (Marinelli et al 2013). Or you may choose to breastfeed only when you are with your baby, and arrange for her to have formula milk during the day (MA 2017) (combination feeding).

Let your employer know in writing if you want to breastfeed after you return to work, so a risk assessment can be carried out (MA 2017). This is to make sure that your workplace is safe for a breastfeeding mum.

Working mums who are supported to carry on breastfeeding take less time off and are more likely to stay on in their job (Garvin et al 2013, Marinelli et al 2013). So it's good for your employer too.

Find out how to prepare yourself for breastfeeding.

Last reviewed: September 2018

References

Ballard O, Morrow AL. 2013. Human milk composition: nutrients and bioactive factors. Pediatr Clin North Am 60(1):49-74. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov [Accessed September 2018]

Bar S, Milanaik R, Adesman A. 2016. Long-term neurodevelopmental benefits of breastfeeding. Curr Opin Pediatr 28(4):559-66

Betts J, Russell R. 2017. Breastfeeding: attitudes and practices. Northern Ireland Assembly, Research and information briefing paper. www.niassembly.gov.uk [Accessed September 2018]

Bobrow KL, Quigley MA, Green J, et al. 2013. Persistent effects of women's parity and breastfeeding patterns on their body mass index: results from the Million Women Study. Int J Obes (Lond) 37:712-7. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov [Accessed September 2018]

Boucher O, Julvez J, Guxens M, et al. 2017. Association between breastfeeding duration and cognitive development, autistic traits and ADHD symptoms: a multicenter study in Spain. Pedaitr Res 81(3):434-42

Countouris M, Holzman C, Snyder G, et al. 2018. Lactation and maternal subclinical cardiovascular disease among women with and without a history of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. J Am College Cardiology 71(11) Suppl 10-12:A1787

DHSSPS. 2013. Breastfeeding - a great start: a strategy for Northern Ireland. Department for Health, Social Services and Public Safety. www.health-ni.gov.uk [Accessed September 2018]

Ding HT, Taur Y, Walkup JT. 2017. Gut microbiota and autism: key concepts and findings. J Autism Dev Disord 47(2):480-489

Farland LV, Eliassen AH, Tamimi RM, et al. 2017. History of breast feeding and risk of incident endometriosis: prospective cohort study. BMJ 358:j3778

Flohr C, Nagel G, Weinmayr G, et al. 2011. Lack of evidence for a protective effect of prolonged breastfeeding on childhood eczema: lessons from the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) Phase Two. Br J Dermatol 165(6):1280-9

Garvin CC, Sriraman NK, Paulson A, et al. 2013. The business case for breastfeeding: a successful regional implementation, evaluation, and follow up. Public Health Practice 8(4):413-7

Greer FR, Sicherer SH, Burks AW, et al. 2008. Effects of early nutritional interventions on the development of atopic disease in infants and children: the role of maternal dietary restriction, breastfeeding, timing of introduction of complementary foods, and hydrolysed formulas. American Academy of Pediatrics. Pediatrics 121(1):183-91

MA. 2016. Breastfeeding in public places. Maternity Action, Information sheet. www.maternityaction.org.uk [Accessed September 2018]

MA. 2017. Continuing to breastfeed when you return to work. Maternity Action Information sheet. www.maternityaction.org.uk [Accessed September 2018]

Marinelli KA, Moren K, Scott Taylor J, et al. 2013. Breastfeeding support for mothers in workplace employment or education settings: summary statement. Breastfeed Med 8(1):137-42

McAndrew F, Thompson J, Fellows L, et all. 2012. Infant feeding survey 2010. Health and Social Care Information Service. files.digital.nhs.uk [Accessed September 2018]

Meijer CR, Discepolo V, Troncone R, et al. 2017. Does infant feeding modulate manifestation of celiac disease and type 1 diabetes? Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care 20(3):222-6

Neville CE, McKinley MC, Holmes VA, et al. 2014. The relationship between breastfeeding and postpartum weight change--a systematic review and critical evaluation. Int J Obes (Lond) 38(4):577-90

NHS. 2016a. Mastitis. NHS Choices, Health A-Z. www.nhs.uk [Accessed September 2018]

NHS. 2016b. Breastfeeding: the first few days. NHS Choices, Health A-Z. www.nhs.uk [Accessed September 2018]

NHS. 2017a. Benefits of breastfeeding. NHS Choices, Health A-Z. www.nhs.uk [Accessed September 2018]

NHS. 2017b. Your breastfeeding questions answered. NHS Choices, Health A-Z. www.nhs.uk [Accessed September 2018]

NHS. nd. Breastfeeding. NHS, Start 4 life. www.nhs.uk [Accessed September 2018]

NICE. 2010. Weight management before, during and after pregnancy. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, Public health guideline, 27. www.nice.org.uk [Accessed September 2018]

NICE. 2017. Breastfeeding problems. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, Clinical Knowledge Summaries. cks.nice.org.uk [Accessed September 2018]

Pickett E. 2016. You've got it in you: a positive guide to breastfeeding. Kibworth Beauchamp: Matador

Strati F, Cavalieri D, Albanese D, et al. 2017. New evidences on the altered gut microbiota in autism spectrum disorders. Microbiome 5:24. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov [Accessed September 2018]

The Lullaby Trust. nd. Breastfeeding can reduce the risk of SIDS. www.lullabytrust.org.uk [Accessed September 2018]

Thompson JMD, Tanabe K, Moon RY, et al. 2017. Duration of breastfeeding and risk of SIDS: an individual participant data meta-analysis. Pediatrics 140(5) pii: e20171324

Unicef. 2016. Breastfeeding assessment tool: how you and your midwife can recognise that your baby is feeding well. Unicef UK Baby Friendly Initiative. www.unicef.org.uk [Accessed September 2018]

Unicef, NHS. 2015. Off to the best start. Public Health England. www.unicef.org.uk [Accessed September 2018]

Victora CG, Bahl R, Barrros AJD, et al. 2016. Breastfeeding in the 21st century: epidemiology, mechanisms, and lifelong effect. Lancet 387(10017):475-90. www.thelancet.com [Accessed September 2018]

von Berg A. 2013. Dietary interventions for primary allergy prevention - what is the evidence? World Rev Nutr Diet 108:71-8

Vuong HE, Hsaio EY. 2017. Emerging roles for the gut microbiome in autism spectrum disorder. Biol Psychiatry 81(5):411-423. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov [Accessed September 2018]

Welford H. 2011. Successful infant feeding: ensuring your baby thrives on the breast or bottle. London: Carroll & Brown Publishers Ltd

WHO. 2017. Infant and young child feeding. World Health Organization, Fact sheet. www.who.int [Accessed September 2018]

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If breastfeeding's new to you, here's how to start, how long you can do it for, and your rights in public and at work. Find out all you need to know to get you started successfully on your breastfeeding journey.

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