Start breastfeeding immediately after birth
Breastfeed your baby within the first half-hour to an hour after birth and keep your baby in your room . around the clock. It is important for you to know how birth drugs and procedures affect your baby's ability to start breastfeeding. Nearly all babies can suckle immediately after birth to receive valuable colostrum, which is packed with immune protection and nutrients to refuel baby after his/her birth journey. Even small amounts of colostrum are highly valuable. 

Have a great latch!

If your baby is well attached to the breast, your baby will be feeding well. For a good attachment at the breast: 
•	Your baby's chin is well against the breast. 
•	Your baby's mouth is open very wide. 
•	Your baby's lower lip is turned outward. 
•	Your baby's nose does not touch the breast. 
•	Your baby will have a good mouthful of breast. 
Baby with good attachment to the breast: mouth wide open, most of areola in the mouth 

Breastfeed on cue - as often as baby wants - both day and night 
•	A small baby needs to feed often both day and night. Letting your baby feed as frequently as he/she wants helps to make more breastmilk and also helps you and your baby to sleep better. 
•	Keep your baby feeding at the breast as long as he/she wants. Don't rush him/her - baby is learning a new skill. Your baby's stomach is small and he/she has lots of growing to do. When your baby feeds longer, he/she also gets a higher amount of important fats that are more concentrated at the end of a breastfeed. Let your baby finish the first side and offer the second side if he/she wants more breastfeeding
•	When your baby feeds well, he/she will wake up or want to feed when he/she is ready - not by the clock. Your baby may feed at least 8 to 12 times per day. 

Give breastmilk alone (exclusive breastfeeding) for the first six months
Exclusive breastfeeding from birth means giving only breastmilk to your baby and no other foods or fluids. Even water is not needed. On hot summer days your breastmilk contains more water to take care of your baby's thirst. After starting solids when your baby has reached six months, continue to breastfeed to the age of two years or more. 

Have lots of skin-to-skin contact with your baby

Your baby loves to feel your skin, your heartbeat, hear your voice and the rhythm of your breathing. Skin-to-skin contact helps your baby feed better at the breast and also helps your breasts make lots of milk. Skin-to-skin contact is also a good way for Dad and Baby to bond. 

Do not use bottles and limit the use of pacifiers
During the first months have your baby suckle at the breast as much as possible; this helps to build your milk supply. Once breastfeeding becomes easy and comfortable, the occasional use of a pacifier will not interfere with the amount of milk your breasts produce. Frequent use of pacifiers and the use of bottles will reduce the time your baby is at the breast and will reduce your milk supply

Share your experiences with other mothers
You and your baby will want to share your breastfeeding experiences with other mothers. This can be a fun way for you to gain valuable knowledge and encouragement from more experienced mothers and increase your confidence. You might wish to join a mother-to-mother support group in your community such as La Leche League, or meet with other mothers in your neighbourhood. 

Get skilled help when you need it
Sometimes mothers might be worried about having a good latch or you may want assurances that your baby is growing well. If you need help, seek out a qualified Lactation Consultant or Breastfeeding Clinic in your community. Your local public health unit or centre can assist you to find skilled help quickly. Breastfeeding problems can be solved and should not be a reason to go to artificial feeding with bottles. 

. 

Breastfeeding should not be painful; if you experience pain, then get help.

Start complementary foods after six months

As your baby gets older, he or she will become curious about the tastes, smells, colours and textures of foods you are preparing or eating. Your baby does not need additional foods until the second half of his/her first year, but he/she will want to explore, so let your baby start by tasting a little mashed potato, carrot or banana. This is an enjoyable way to begin introducing complementary foods and respond to baby's need to explore. Let your baby try different nutritious foods you are preparing - cooked mashed vegetables, cooked mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes or squash; mashed bananas or applesauce; cooked cereal; strips of bread, cooked mashed egg yolk; finely chopped meats; or husked mashed peas and beans. 

Remember breastmilk remains the most important food as your baby gradually begins to eat more and more family foods. Breastfeeding can continue for as long as you and your baby want. Health Canada and the World Health Organization recommend that you continue for at least two years. 

Exclusive breastfeeding is important for your baby's health
When your baby is exclusively breastfed, you avoid exposing baby to the health, developmental and growth risks associated with formula feeding. 
•	Exclusively breastfed babies have a lower risk of infectious diseases such as gastroenteritis, urinary tract infections and ear and chest infections. 
•	Exclusively breastfed babies have a lower risk of developing obesity, diabetes and cancers and heart disease later in life. 
•	Exclusively breastfed babies have a lower risk of allergies, asthma, wheezing and rashes. 
•	Exclusively breastfed babies have the best achievable IQ and neurological development, including visual development

Exclusive breastfeeding is good for mothers too
What's great about exclusive breastfeeding is that you benefit as well. In addition to a healthy and well-adjusted baby, the hormones released by breastfeeding help you sleep better. Once you and your baby have established a good breastfeeding routine, you will find it far easier than having to lug bottles, cans and other artificial feeding gear when you and your baby are out. And remember you have the right to breastfeed anywhere, anytime. 
Breastfeeding is an easy way to calm a crying baby and makes the role of parenting so much easier. 

Important maternal health benefits also come with exclusive breastfeeding. You will have a lower risk of breast and ovarian cancers, as well as osteoporosis. Exclusive breastfeeding also helps you recover after pregnancy by delaying the return of menstruation and the chance of early pregnancy as well as a faster return to your pre-pregnancy weight. 
You also save loads of money. Just the cost of buying the formula alone can range from about $600 to $3000 for the first six months depending on the type of formula you purchase. 

Exclusive breastfeeding makes it easy to respond to baby's growth spurts
Breastfeeding works on supply and demand and takes all the worry . out of how much your baby needs. When your baby is growing faster, she will take more from your breasts and your breasts will naturally make more milk. So you can feel confident your baby is getting everything he/she needs. Your baby's growth and development is the best indicator that your breastmilk is at work for your baby. 

Exclusive breastfeeding is rewarding
Like every other mother around the world, you want to do the best for your baby. Knowing that you are providing exactly what your baby needs - nutrition, protection against disease and infection, closeness and attachment, warmth and comfort - is every mother's reward.