Breastfeeding a newborn can be a little tricky in the early days, and it can take a while for your baby to get the hang of the breast. Here are some breastfeeding tips to help you along the way.

Breastfeeding a newborn baby is a full-time job and can be overwhelming for many. The good thing to remember is that the more relaxed you are, the better breastfeeding will be. It takes time to understand when your baby wants the breast and they don't always get the hang of it, so don't blame yourself if it feels tough.

Tips for breastfeeding a newborn baby

Try to offer the breast when the baby gapes upand then bring your baby to the breast and not the other way around. Breastfeeding is more than just food for your baby, it is also security and closeness.

The nipple should be far into the baby's palate for a vacuum to formand thus contribute to effective breastfeeding. If the baby grabs the nipple too tightly, you can ease the suction with clean hands by inserting a finger into the baby's mouth, releasing the vacuum and letting the baby loosen its grip on your breast. Then try again!

You can help shape the breast with a so-called hamburger grip. Then grasp the breast as you would a hamburger, i.e. squeeze the breast gently just outside the nipple. Wait for the baby to open its mouth and then offer the breast using the hamburger grip. This way, the baby gets most of the nipple and areola in for an optimal latch. Another tip is that babies like to drink just like we drink from a glass: from the top, not the bottom.

If the baby grasps the nipple too tightly, it often looks uneven after breastfeeding. It can often take a while before breastfeeding feels good, and before then you may get sores on your nipple, or experience a pain that doesn't go away when your baby starts sucking. But breastfeeding should not hurt, except possibly at the very beginning.

Sometimes it's hard to know when your baby is hungry. In this article, we give you tips on how to tell your baby when it's time to breastfeed.

If you need support or advice on breastfeeding, don't hesitate to contact your local maternity hospital, breastfeeding clinic, breastfeeding helpline or midwife's office. You are not alone!