Breastfeeding is a skill that needs to be learned and although it is natural, it is not necessarily instinctive. It’s not easy for everyone but if you can get past the first few weeks it usually becomes very easy.

It is vital to allow completely unrestricted breastfeeding in the beginning as this will stimulate your breasts to produce milk. This takes between 2-4 days (sometimes longer following a traumatic and/or caesarean section delivery) depending on how frequently you put the baby to the breast. This is called: ‘the milk coming in’.

Your midwife or health visitor will be able to give you support or you can contact

A breastfeeding counsellor from a voluntary organisation. The major ones are:
The Association of Breastfeeding Mothers 020 7813 1481
The Breastfeeding Network: 0870 900 8787
NCT Breastfeeding Helpline 0870 444 8708
La Leche League 020 7242 1278.
See also www.thebabycafe.co.uk