How do I Start Breastfeeding?

How do I Know if I’m doing it Right?

What Else Can I do to Make Sure my Baby Feeds Well?

How do I Know When my Baby has had Enough?

How Often Should I Feed?

When Can I Introduce a Bottle or Soother?

You may be keen to get your baby used to a bottle, but it’s best to wait at least 4 to 6 weeks until breastfeeding is really well established, in case you put your baby off the breast. Sucking on a teat is different from sucking on a nipple, and babies can get confused in the early weeks.

Should I Give my Baby Extra Water or Formula?

Providing your baby is feeding regularly on demand and is settled after a feed, gaining weight and having 6-8 wet nappies in 24 hours, the answer is no! Breast milk is all your baby needs and introducing anything else will reduce the amount of time your baby sucks at your breast – which will in turn reduce your milk production.

For more information about how to breastfeed, try our breastfeeding tips section, or find more specific information on our breastfeeding advice page.