by Kathleen Richardson

Created on: December 08, 2008

Welcome to the wonderful world of breastfeeding. You have a brand new baby resting in your arms, and you're feeling the glow of first-time motherhood.

Hopefully, as soon as you found out you were pregnant, you made a connection online or in person with La Leche League, an international support system for woman who are nursing their babies or are pregnant and plan to nurse.

La Leche League is there to help you and your little one get off to a successful start. Successful meaning that you have correctly positioned your baby in your arms and guided him or her onto your breast in a way that ensures you're feeling no discomfort.

You can even contact La Leche League while you're still in the hospital. Or contact them when you arrive home. No question is too small or too silly. Best of all, you can attend monthly meetings with other pregnant and nursing women.

La Leche League won't tell you what to do. Instead, they'll provide you with information and support, including an extensive lending library of books on pregnancy, nutrition, sleep, breastfeeding, toddlers and other topics. You're the mother, they'll tell you, so you are the only person (along with your baby's father) to make decisions about your little one.

One of the most important pieces of information you'll receive is how to position your baby. Improper positioning can lead to extreme soreness, even bleeding around the nipple. Begin by moving the baby to the breast (do not push or pull the breast/nipple to the baby). "Tickle" the baby's lower lip with your nipple, causing the baby to open his or her mouth wide. Quickly pull the baby on to the breast. Check to see that most of brown area (areola) surrounding the nipple is in the baby's mouth. Have someone check to see that the baby's lower lip is showing, not sucked inward.

Some newborns take to nursing like pros. Others need a bit of practice, so be prepared for the possibility of starting over several times each time you put the baby to your breast. If you do need to remove the baby, gently insert your little finger in the corner of his or her mouth to break the suction.

Instead of measuring out formula to mix with water, you'll be treating yourself to wholesome, fresh foods. Everything you consume is passed on to your baby via the breastmilk. Drink lots of liquids to keep from becoming dehydrated. Keep a glass of water handy in every location where you nurse your baby. Water is the best liquid for your body. It is not necessary to drink milk to produce breastmilk.

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