Your baby's first feed should be as soon as possible after delivery, ideally within the first hour of birth.

Feed your baby according to his needs and allow him to feed for as long as he wants. A healthy baby usually has 8 - 10 feeds in a day or, once every 2 - 3 hours. Total breastfeeding with no supplement helps to establish your milk supply and reduce the chance of engorgement.

Some mothers may experience difficulties in breastfeeding such as attaching their babies or pain in the nipple. These can be reduced by ensuring that your baby is held correctly and attached in the appropriate manner.

The following is a step by step guide to attaching your baby to your breast.

1.	Support your baby at your breast level with his body turned on the side and his mouth facing your nipple.	2.	Support your breast with 4 fingers below and the thumb by the side, away from the areola.
3.	Tease your baby's lower lip with your nipple to get him to open his mouth.	4.	Bring your baby to the breast when he opens his mouth wide.
5.	Make sure that your baby grasps as much of the areola (the dark ring surrounding the nipple) as possible.

You are holding your baby correctly if you observe the following signs:

Below are 2 other positions which you may adopt when you breastfeed:

	Side lying position		Football position

Signs of correct sucking:

You are encouraged to allow your baby to finish his feed from the first breast and letting him detach himself. Refrain from terminating the feeding by actively removing your baby from your breast. Finishing a feed from each breast is satisfying for your baby because of the high caloric content of hind milk. Always offer the 2nd breast to your baby. Alternate your breasts for subsequent feeds.

Burp your baby after a feed from each breast. Your baby may have swallowed some wind if he cried before the feed.

A baby who has enough is contented and wets about 6 - 8 nappies in 24 hours. Although during the first 2 days after birth, your baby may only wet 2 - 3 nappies in 24 hours. The number of wet nappies will increase by the 4th and 5th day with the increase in milk supply. Your baby may have 3 - 8 stools (usually loose and soft) per day.

You are encouraged to clean your breast at least once a day for hygiene purposes. However, avoid using soap on your nipple and areola as this may cause dryness to the area.

Air dry your nipples after each feed before putting on your clothes. Change the wet nursing pad frequently.

Early initiation of breastfeeding after a caesarean birth is as important as it is after a normal delivery.

Breastfeed your baby as soon as possible after you have regained consciousness.

If you are on an intravenous drip, ask for assistance when holding and positioning your baby. Having your husband or a family member around would be helpful too.

Prop yourself up on your bed or lie on your side to breastfeed your baby.

You may sit up on the 2nd day of the operation. You are encouraged to adopt the football hold position when you breastfeed. This will help to keep your baby from causing discomfort to your wound.

If your baby cannot be breastfed for certain reasons, express your breastmilk to prevent engorgement and to initiate lactation. This will ensure that the valuable colostrum can still be given to your baby.