Getting Started
Skin-to-skin contact
Immediately after your baby is born he will be placed on your chest in skin-to-skin contact with you for his first cuddle. Most babies are very alert and anxious to suck soon after they are born. Holding him in skin-to-skin contact will give him time to find your breast and start to suckle. Your midwife will help you with this first breastfeed if you need it.
Don't worry if your baby is not that anxious to take this early feed, having an early trial run and a taste of what's to come is also good practice for later!
Rooming-in
Having your baby with you at all times while you are in the hospital (and when you go home) will help you learn your baby's way of 'asking' for a feed or a cuddle etc. You will know he is looking for a feed when he starts making sucking noises and when he moves his head from side to side while opening and closing his mouth. Crying is a late indication of hunger.
