Get Started Nursing

Your baby is more likely to latch well when he's alert and hungry. Sure signs: He's squirming or bringing his hand to his mouth. Your breasts probably will be very full. Express a small amount to soften your areola and get the milk flowing: Make a "U" under the nipple with your thumb on one side and index finger on the other and gently press back on the breast. Bring your thumb and finger together, release, and repeat until milk appears.

If you feel pain, your baby probably isn't latched on deeply enough, which prevents him from using his jaw and tongue to massage the milk out. To reposition him, place your finger where his lips meet and pull his mouth into a smile to break the seal. You'll know he's eating comfortably if his hands and body are relaxed, and you're not feeling any pain.

Lie on your side with your knees bent. If it feels better to straighten your legs, place a pillow behind your back to help you stay up. Lay your baby on his side with his stomach against yours. Rest his neck on the arm that's supporting you.

Try to begin nursing within an hour of delivery. Your baby is primed for breastfeeding, and birthing hormones make it easy for you to express colostrum.

Most breastfed newborns lose up to 7 percent of their body weight in the first three days, but they generally return to their birth weight around day ten.

Look out for taxi-cab-yellow liquid poop by day five. This is a sign your sweetie is eating well! Call your doctor if your baby's BMs are still dark.

You'll produce only a little milk in the early days, but it's ultra protective -- like a mini vaccination!

Originally published in the August 2013 issue of American Baby magazine.