Breastfeeding help
How can I get breastfeeding off to a good start?
Preparing for breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a new skill for both you and your baby. Learning about positioning and attachment before the birth can help you feel more confident when you begin.
Some tenderness can occur at first, but ongoing pain, cracked skin or bleeding nipples are reasons to ask your midwife, health visitor or a breastfeeding specialist for help. A feed should not remain painful.
Helping your baby attach to the breast
- Choose a comfortable position and keep a drink and anything else you need within reach.
- Hold your baby close, facing your body, with their head and body in line.
- Start with your baby’s nose level with your nipple, allowing their head to tilt back slightly.
- Wait for a wide-open mouth, then bring your baby towards your breast, chin first.
- Support your baby’s neck and shoulders without pushing the back of their head.
- If attachment is painful, gently release the suction with a clean finger at the corner of the mouth and try again.
The videos below demonstrate positioning and attachment. Personal support can make it easier to find a position that works for you.
Caring for your breasts between feeds
Comfort between feeds matters too. Change damp breast pads regularly and avoid clothing that rubs against sensitive nipples.
iNurse® breast shells sit inside your nursing bra and protect the nipple from friction. Their ventilation holes allow air to circulate, while the openings at the bottom let excess milk drain away. Follow the product’s cleaning and use instructions.
Breast shells do not correct attachment or replace advice about nipple pain. Ask a healthcare professional for help if discomfort continues or the skin becomes damaged.
What are the benefits of breastfeeding?
Breast milk provides nourishment adapted to your baby and contains antibodies. Breastfeeding can also be a comforting way to spend time close together.
It is available without preparing bottles and can reduce spending on infant formula. Your feeding decisions and circumstances are individual; a midwife or health visitor can help you find an approach that supports both you and your baby.
When does milk come in?
In the first days, your breasts produce colostrum in small amounts. Milk volume usually increases after a few days. Frequent, effective feeding helps stimulate milk production.
If you are concerned about your milk supply, ask your midwife or a breastfeeding specialist to assess a feed.
How often should I breastfeed?
Offer the breast in response to your baby’s feeding cues rather than a strict timetable. Feeding patterns vary, and periods of frequent feeding can occur.
Your maternity team can give you an individual feeding plan if your baby is premature, unwell, unusually sleepy or needs additional support.
Is my baby getting enough milk?
Your baby’s feeding, nappies and weight development help your healthcare team assess milk intake. The NHS guide below explains signs of effective feeding.
If you are worried that your baby is not getting enough milk, contact your midwife, health visitor or doctor promptly. You can ask a breastfeeding specialist to watch a feed and help with attachment.
Read the NHS guide to signs that your baby is getting enough milk.
Where can I get help?
You can contact your midwife, health visitor, GP or a qualified breastfeeding specialist for individual support. Asking early can help with positioning, attachment and concerns about feeding.
If you live outside the UK, contact your local maternity service or healthcare professional. Online information can support you, but cannot assess your baby’s individual needs.
Where can I find more information?
- NHS breastfeeding information – English-language guidance about feeding and common challenges.
- NHS advice about sore nipples – information about discomfort and getting help.
- KellyMom.com – an English-language breastfeeding resource.
- Breastfeedinginc.ca – English-language information about positioning and attachment.
- Ammenet.dk – Danish-language breastfeeding information and support.
- Ammehjelpen.no – Norwegian-language breastfeeding guidance.
For advice specific to your situation, speak to a qualified healthcare professional.
Breastfeeding support on Facebook
Parent groups can provide encouragement and opportunities to share experiences. Danish-speaking families can find the Ammenet groups, including “Netværk for amning af børn 0-2 år – Ammenet” and “Netværk for amning af børn over 2 år – Ammenet”.
You can also look for a moderated local breastfeeding support group in your own language. Advice shared by other parents is not a substitute for individual help from a healthcare professional.