Step1
Plan. Ensure the hospital is breastfeeding friendly and advise your doctor not to allow bottles to be given to the child after the birth, unless it is absolutely needed. In some hospitals this is standard. They will give the baby formula without even telling you.
Start breastfeeding your child immediately after his or her birth. I know you are tired and everyone wants to see the newborn, but he or she needs to be close to Mom now. The babies needs to have skin to skin contact and hear your heartbeat.
The first feeding sometimes determines whether you will successful or not. Ask for the help of a lactation specialists for proper position and feeding duration, immediately if you need help. Do not be shy or delay asking for help.
Do not delay asking for help especially in you have pain while feeding your baby. Breastfeeding is not painful when done properly.
For those who wish to breastfeed and they were formula feeding before, relactation is possible.
La Leche League is a great international resource for every breastfeeding Mother.
Step2
For working Mothers, who must go back to work, invest in a good breastpump before the birth. After, the birth you will not have time to run around, baby needs Mamma.
Medela has great breast pumps.
http://www.medela.com/
Medela does not in any way endorse my Ehow article.
Step3
Position the baby correctly. Educate yourself about this before the birth of the baby.
Breastfeeding is not painful. If you are having pain, the position is probably wrong and you should seek advice from a lactation specialists or someone who has successfully exclusively breastfeed her child for at least 6 months.
The best advise I have been given about breastfeeding has been from ladies who have breastfed themselves, not doctors.
Step4
Breastfeeding friendly clothes are a must. Think about where you will be spending your day and dress appropriately. You can even have zippers added into the side seam of your blouses or dresses. Believe me, it may sound silly, but it will save you a lot of hassle and even money.
Breastfeeding bras are great. Ensure you get a proper fit. You are not the same size as before. Sometimes ladies do not realize they do not have a properly fitted bra (I'm guilty.), which may lead to discomfort. Any good department store should have someone properly trained in fitting a bra. I cannot stress how important a good bra is.
Step5
Don't be a closet breastfeeder. In some societies breastfeeding is seen as something taboo and should be done only at home or in a secluded room. With practice, you can learn to breastfeed and no one will even know.
Practice and commitment is what it takes. Learning to breastfeed in public, also doesn't confine and restrict you. Breastfeeding is a natural process and nothing to be ashamed of. Do not make the mistake of formula feeding your baby when you go out. This will adversely affect your breastfeeding in the long run. It may seem harmless, but it can potentially lower your milk production and your babies desire to breastfeed. Everybody has to eat.
Step6
Family support is one of the most influential factors that affects breastfeeding. Everyone in your family and friends should understand that you feed the baby. Talk about it before the birth of your child.
The first 6 months of exclusive breastfeeding will render a security and great self confidence in your child, not to mention you. The emotional love and security built during breastfeeding helps to render a healthy and productive human being throughout his or her lifetime.
The first few weeks may be difficult, but be patient and it will get easier. Know that you are doing a wonderful job. The reward is for you, your baby and family.
Step7
Imagine how much money you will save. This money can be invested in your child's future or other needed items. The cost of formula is expensive and its benefits are inadequate.
Step8
Baby weight gain. Bottle fed babies gain weight differently than breastfed babies.
The World Health Organization conducted a study, "to determine the health and nutritional status of children" (WHO link below, page one). The link below is lengthy and scientific, but it is a good read.
http://www.who.int/childgrowth/publications/WHO_growth_charts.pdf
WHO does not endorse my EHow article or its content.
Step9
Problems such as engorgement, Mastitis or infected milk duct, any pain during feeding, thrush (yeast infection of nipples), low baby weight gain, etc. should be addressed immediately. There are breastfeeding hot lines which can assist you and direct you.
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