Home » Partners & Parents » Breastfeeding » The First Feeding

The First Feeding

© Jessica Williams

I heard the small cry from my child, born just seconds ago. It was like music. After caressing his wrinkled skin and letting his proud daddy hold our new son, I settled down to initiate a bond stronger than most. His small face was expectant as he searched his surroundings for a comfort his instincts told him was available.

I had been waiting many months for two very special moments; his arrival, and our first nursing experience. As I gently guided him to my breast, I felt overwhelmed by maternal instincts. As he nursed, I was filled with a sense of accomplishment and pure joy. My son was now in my arms after spending nine months in my body, yet we were still deeply connected.

For many women, breastfeeding completes the cycle of pregnancy and birth. It is a natural and reliable way to continue to nourish your baby with your body. In my case, I felt breastfeeding was just as important as pregnancy. Knowing that nature provided a way for me to continue a physical link with my child was a glorious feeling.

But is breastfeeding something every mother feels confident about just minutes after the birth? It is different for everyone. A mother of four children may feel extremely capable of nursing her newborn, while a new mother may feel uncomfortable and anxious. Apprehensive feelings a mother may have when breastfeeding her newborn for the first time are valid and perfectly normal. How can a mother make the most of her first nursing experience? Here are some simple ways.

During Pregnancy:

· Read some books. Before your baby is born, do a little reading about breastfeeding. How do the breasts make milk? How do I latch the baby on? What position is best for a tiny newborn? Knowing the answers to these questions can make you less anxious about that first nursing session. Learn about the physical and emotional aspects of nursing. Some great books are: The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding by La Leche League International, and Nursing Your Baby by Karen and Gale Pryor.

Talk with other nursing moms. This is a great way to fill in the gaps that some books may have left. If the person you ask is still nursing, and you feel close to her, maybe she would be willing to give you a latch-on or positioning demonstration. Most nursing mothers are more than happy to share what they've learned.

The copyright of the article The First Feeding in Breastfeeding is owned by . Permission to republish The First Feeding in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.