All you want to know before feeding your baby for the first time

The first breastfeeding under the watchful eye of the hospital personnel looks markedly different from the one at home, where you are on your own. There are, however, basic rules to follow that will make it easier.

First and foremost, choose a quiet and peaceful place, where external stimuli will not distract your baby or stress you out.

When preparing for breastfeeding, sit comfortably with your spine supported and place your child in a comfortable and safe position, e.g. on your arm or a special pillow that surrounds you.

Alternatively, you may place the baby on your abdomen. Your clothes or bra cannot pinch your breasts. Support your breast gently from below to make it easier for your child to capture the brown part of your nipple. When the baby empties your breast, put them to the other one. It is important to start the next feeding from this breast. This will ensure proper lactation.
Alternatively to breastfeeding, you may feed you baby with formula. Do not forget about proper hygiene. Clean hands, a sterilized bottle, boiled water and serving the formula at 30–35°C are a must. Remember also to check the best before date for the formula. When preparing formula, you must observe the proportions so as to avoid dehydrating or overfeeding your baby. As opposed to breastfeeding, the baby should be elevated, with a bottle positioned horizontally. This way, they are less likely to choke and the parent can fully control the bottle.

Preferably, your kiddo should eat every three hours and wake twice a night at maximum. The majority of babies, however, do not stick do this feeding schedule and demand feeding at different times. Today, experts recommend to feed your child whenever they need it. When it comes to bottle feeding, you should do it at least 7–8 times a day, but in smaller portions, depending on your newborn’s needs.