Ideally, after your baby is delivered they will be placed on your chest and begin skin-to-skin. Skin-to-skin has wonderful benefits for both you and your baby. It helps calm you both and gets your baby primed for that very first feed. In fact, daily skin-to-skin with your baby is extremely beneficial and helps them with the transition to the outside world.

This is often a concern for parents. Generally, your breasts will make the ideal amount of milk for your baby, and there are ways to know your baby is getting enough. The simplest way is to watch their nappy output. What goes in must come out!

This is a common misconception. In fact, your breasts start producing milk from the 16th week of your pregnancy! This first milk is called colostrum. It is thick, sometimes clear or yellow. It is produced in smaller quantities which makes it perfect for your baby's small tummy. Your baby will want to breastfeed quite frequently as their tummy will fill and empty quickly. These smaller volumes allow your baby to learn the important skill of sucking, swallowing and breathing. These are new skills for your baby. Usually on day 3 or 4 after birth the volume of milk increases. This is often referred to as "the milk coming in ". Rest assured, the vast majority of women will be able to produce exactly what their baby needs.

The following points are positive signals that breastfeeding is going well:​​

• Your baby is breastfeeding 8-12 times in 24 hours.

• Breastfeeding is comfortable for you (no nipple or breast pain).

• Your baby appears satisfied after breastfeeding.

• By day 4 of life your baby's stool should be changing to a yellow/seedy consistency and your baby will have at least 4 wet nappies per day.