We often hear that breastfeeding is the most natural thing in the world, but that doesn’t mean it always comes easily.
For some mums, breastfeeding can be challenging, tiring, uncomfortable and sometimes a little overwhelming. For others, it can feel surprisingly natural from the beginning. And for many, it’s a mixture of both.
There is no one “right” way for breastfeeding to look.
I wanted to share a few simple, supportive tips to help you and your baby find your way through those early days. And most importantly, to remind you that if you're finding it difficult, you are not alone and you haven't failed.
1. Get off to a gentle start
If you and your baby are well after birth, having some uninterrupted skin-to-skin time can be a beautiful way to begin your breastfeeding journey together plus it has multiple benefits for you both.
Skin-to-skin means placing your baby directly against your bare chest, with a blanket over you both to keep you warm. Their skin on yours, often called the "golden hour" because its the first hour after giving birth. A time when you and your baby are meeting face to face for the first time This time of skin to skin can help regulate your baby's temperature, blood sugars, breathing and heart rate. During skin to skin, some babies will naturally begin showing signs that they are ready to feed. You may notice your baby stretching, moving towards the breast, bobbing their head, licking or searching. These actions can also help stimulate your breasts in readiness for that first feed.
These early behaviours are all part of your baby’s natural feeding instincts, and allowing them time to explore and find the breast can help you both become familiar with breastfeeding.
And skin-to-skin isn't just for the first hour after birth. It can be enjoyed at any time and can be a lovely way to reconnect with your baby.
If you're not feeling up to it, or you're unable to have skin-to-skin yourself, your partner can enjoy this special time with your baby too.
2. Get to know your baby's feeding cues
Crying is one way your baby communicates that they are hungry, but it is often a later feeding cue.
Before your baby starts crying, look for some of the earlier signs that they are ready for a feed. These might include:
- Turning their head and searching for the breast
- Opening and closing their mouth
- Licking or smacking their lips
- Bringing their hands towards their mouth
- Sucking on their fingers or fists
- Becoming more alert or restless
Learning your baby's cues can take a little time, so don't worry if you don't recognise them straight away. You're both learning.
3. Make yourself comfortable
Breastfeeding can take a little while, particularly in those early days, so make yourself as comfortable as possible.
Support your back and arms with pillows or cushions and have everything you need within easy reach. A glass or bottle of water is a good idea too — breastfeeding can certainly make you thirsty!
Try not to worry too much about creating the “perfect” breastfeeding position. Your comfort matters too.
4. Find a position and latch that works for you
There are several different breastfeeding positions, including the cradle or Madonna hold, the rugby or underarm hold, and lying-down positions.
There isn't one position that works for everyone. You may find one that feels comfortable in the early days and then naturally change positions as you and your baby become more confident.
Whatever position you choose, there are a few things to look for when your baby attaches to the breast.
Think tummy to tummy, with your baby's body facing towards you. Your baby's nose should be roughly level with your nipple, and their chin should be close to or touching your breast.
Wait for your baby's mouth to open wide before bringing them towards the breast. Ideally, they should take in a good amount of the breast / areola (the circular pigmented breast tissue surrounding your nipple), rather than attaching only to the end of your nipple. Your baby's top and bottom lips will roll back and connected with your skin.
If breastfeeding feels pinchy, painful or uncomfortable, don't feel that you have to simply put up with it. It can settle after a few moments of your baby sucking but if pain and discomfort continue you can gently break the suction by placing a clean finger into the corner of your baby's mouth and try again.
Sometimes it takes a few attempts to find a comfortable latch — and that's okay.
5. Remember, you're not alone
Perhaps the most important thing I can tell you is this:
You're not failing.
Lots of mums find that breastfeeding doesn't go exactly as they imagined it would. You and your baby are learning something new together, and it can take time to find your rhythm.
If you're struggling with positioning, attachment, discomfort or simply feeling unsure, please reach out for support. Your midwife, lactation consultant, doula, breastfeeding support service or mother-to-mother peer support group can all be wonderful sources of encouragement and practical help.
You don't have to wait until you're really struggling before asking for help.
A little care for you, too
As an ex midwife, and as a mum who experienced breastfeeding discomfort and cracked nipples myself, I know how important it is to have a little extra support during those early days or weeks.
It's one of the reasons I created Nipple Balm as one of the first products for Natures Touch when I started the business in 2017.
Made with a gentle blend of plant-based ingredients, our Nipple Balm was created to help soothe and care for cracked, tender nipples during your breastfeeding journey.
It's lanolin-free, vegan-friendly and made without nut oils. A gentle balm that's easy to apply without leaving a sticky residue and does not require washing off before feeding.
Because caring for your baby is important — but so is caring for you.
A little something for your breastfeeding journey
If you're preparing for breastfeeding or already in those early newborn days, we'd love to offer you 15% off our Natures Touch Nipple Balm as a little extra support.
Use code MAMACARE15 at checkout.
No pressure, no expectations — just a little something from us to you, because those early days deserve a little extra care.
Take care of yourself, mama. You're doing better than you think.