How to breastfeed
Successful breastfeeding takes time, patience and practice. Correct positioning and attachment are essential.
It is normal for nipples to be tender in the first 7–10 days, while breastfeeding is established. The area in and around the nipple is full of nerve endings which stimulate the brain to let-down the milk.
Sore nipples that continue into the breastfeed are not normal and usually means the baby is incorrectly positioned or latched.
If you’re worried or experiencing continual pain, seek help from your lead maternity carer.
In this section
- Find out how to position baby to latch on for breastfeeding, and see pictures of the different positions you can hold baby in, including cradle, cross-cradle, lying down and the rugby or underarm hold. Read more
- Find out how latch baby on for breastfeeding and what to do if there are problems. Read more
- Find out how to recognise when baby is latched on well for breastfeeding, figure out when there may be problems with their latch, and learn how long to feed baby from each breast. Read more
- There are some common problems women run into when breastfeeding. This page covers breasts that are too full (so baby can’t latch on), sore breasts and tender or sore nipples, and directs you to quality information to help you solve these problems. Read more
- The Breastfeeding Naturally video follows nine women on their breastfeeding journey. It includes tips for successful breastfeeding and shows the realities of breastfeeding for women and their families. Watch the video online, or find out how to get the DVD. Read more
Resources
Breastfeeding Your Baby
Available from HealthEd in English and five other languages.
Related websites
New Zealand College of Midwives
The professional organisation for New Zealand midwives.
La Leche League
The website of the New Zealand branch of the La Leche League, an international organisation who promote breastfeeding.
Page last updated: 06 December 2011
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