There are many advantages to breastfeeding your baby, and organisations such as the National Childbirth Trust have done a huge amount to promote and support breastfeeding. Although it is the most natural way to feed your baby, don’t expect it to be instinctive - it’s a skill that needs to be learnt by both you and your baby.
 
However, it’s really worth persevering, and to seek all the advice you need. While you are in hospital, ask the midwives to help you make sure that the baby is “latched on” correctly, as this will mean he gets his fill, and you are less likely to get sore. Above all, get comfortable, stay calm and relaxed about it and make sure that you are not so busy looking after your newborn, that you forget to look after yourself! If you drink plenty of fluids (coffee and tea don’t count), eat healthily and rest while your baby is asleep during the day, this can really help.
 
Many mums leak from their breasts during the early days, so you’ll need comfortable and absorbent breast pads. If you want to go out for an evening or you are returning to work, a breast pump can be a godsend. Expressed milk can be kept for up to 24 hours in the fridge, longer in the freezer. You’ll need bottles, teats and a steriliser to keep everything spotless. Breast feeding mums may find that the orthodontic shaped teats are easier for a baby who is used to a nipple. Or why not try getting baby to drink directly from a cup – it is surprisingly easy and less confusing for a breast fed baby.
 
If you choose to bottle feed, a larger steriliser and more bottles will be essential. Many mums prefer to make up the day’s bottles in one go and keep them cool in the fridge. If you go out, it is better to take water and milk powder and mix the milk when needed. Milk should be kept for a maximum of a couple of hours and should be kept cool at all times.