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How often will my baby feed?
All babies are different, and it may depend on the type of birth you've had. Your baby should feed within the first hour after birth to get off to a good start. Babies then sometimes have a sleep and will start to give you signs that they're ready for the next feed. These signs include:

• starting to move about as they wake up
• moving their head around
• finding something to suck, usually their fingers

If your baby doesn’t have a feed in the first hour, try skin-to-skin again, putting them to your breast as soon as possible so that they're not left without a feed in the first six hours.

Why is baby-led feeding so important?
A newborn baby’s stomach is only the size of a walnut, therefore they will need to feed ‘little and often’. This is why baby-led feeding, or ‘on-demand feeding’ is so important. Your baby can have a good feed and be hungry again quite quickly. Babies go through patterns of feeding more and less as they grow. Letting them feed when they need to will ensure that they're content and getting the milk they need, when they need it.

How long should each feed last?
Every baby is different. Some babies want frequent short feeds, and others prefer feeding for longer. Let your baby finish the first breast, then offer the second. If your baby feeds all the time and you're worried, call your doctor to discuss.

Can I still breastfeed if I have more than one baby?
Twins, triplets and other multiples can be breastfed. Because multiple babies are more likely to be born prematurely and have a low birth weight, breast milk is especially important for their wellbeing. When you start breastfeeding you may find it easier to feed each of your babies separately until feeding is well established and you feel confident about handling them at the same time. This may take a few weeks.

It can be really helpful to talk to other mothers who have breastfed twins, either at an antenatal session or meeting at a twins group in your area. Triplets can be breastfed either two together and then one after, or all three rotated at each feed.

Read more about Feeding twins and multiples.

Can I breastfeed after a caesarean?
Yes, you can. Make sure you get a skin-to-skin cuddle with your baby as soon as you're able to. Your nurse may help you have a skin-to-skin cuddle in theatre, or in the recovery room. If you keep your baby close to you and maintain lots of skin-to-skin contact, you’ll be able to put them to the breast often, and this will stimulate your milk supply.

It is sometime said that “after a caesarean you might find that the ‘rugby hold’ [baby’s body is around to the side of your body supported by the arm on the same side] is preferable to having the baby lying on your stomach.” Ask your nurse or docotr for pain relief before you're likely to feed your baby so that you can feed comfortably.

If you have a planned caesarean, talk to your designanted nurse or doctor about expressing some breast milk before you have the baby. This can be available for use afterwards if necessary, either by cup or by syringe.

How long should I breastfeed for?
Exclusive breastfeeding (with no other food or drink) is recommended for around the first six months of a baby's life. After this, breastfeed alongside other foods for as long as you and your baby wish. This might be into their second year or beyond. Find information about introducing your baby to solid foods.

Every day you breastfeed makes a difference to you and your baby. There’s no need to decide at the beginning how long you'll breastfeed for. Many mothers continue to breastfeed when they return to work or college. Read about breastfeeding after returning to work.