Once you have baby on the breast, you’ll have questions like ‘How often?’, ‘How much?’ and ‘How do I know if I’m getting it right?’

Top 10 Tips

1. It’s important that your baby feeds often so you produce enough milk to meet their needs. Once full milk comes in, babies will usually have eight feeds in a 24 hour period.

2. Feeds may not be evenly spaced during this time and babies will often cluster feed (feed a lot) in the evening.

3. Try to respond to your baby’s feeding cues rather than feed by the clock. Your baby may be hungry again sooner than you would like!

4. Signs your baby is hungry include: nuzzling, sucking on their hands or clothing, putting their hands or fists in or near their mouth, turning their head from side to side and crying. Crying will be the last cue, and probably means your baby is getting distressed.

5. You know your baby is getting enough milk if they have 6-8 really wet cloth nappies or 5-6 disposables in a 24 hour period.

6. Breastfed babies will usually have a poo once a day until four weeks. After that, some will poo every feed; others every 7-10 days.

7. Around 2, 4, 6 and 12 weeks babies typically have a growth spurt and will feed more frequently. This will last for 2-3 days and is your baby’s way of increasing your milk supply to meet their growing needs.

8. Breastfeeding mothers need three iron-rich meals a day along with healthy snacks and plenty of fluids.

9. There is no need to change your diet while you’re breastfeeding; your baby got used to the food you eat when they were in utero.

10.    It’s definitely best not to smoke while you’re breastfeeding.