To maximise the benefits of breastfeeding, your baby should be exclusively breastfed for first six months.Following are some important steps that help you to understand and guide you to be successful in ensuring exclusive breastfeeding your baby for first six months:

1. You should initiate breastfeeding immediately after your baby is born preferably within an hour of birth, because the newborn is very active and alert during first hour of life and then goes to sleep.The baby has a very strong sucking reflex at this time. In case you have a caesarian section your baby may start to suckle within four hours or as soon as you are out of the effect of anaesthesia. To initiate breastfeeding immediately after birth, hold him close to your breast for skin to skin contact and start feeding. Touch your baby around his mouth. He will open

mouth widely, offer whole breast at this time and he will take mouthful of breast. Skin-to-skin contact stimulates milk flow, helps in better mother-child bonding and development of the baby. (Fig. 7)

2. Ensure that breastmilk is your baby's first food. No foods like sugar, water or any other milk food or drink should be given as these inhibit the establishment of successful breastfeeding. Such feeds also interfere with production and supply of breastmilk, create "nipple confusion" and increase rate of infection.

3. Feed your baby on demand till he is satisfied. When your baby is satisfied he releases the nipple himself. You should offer alternate breast at each feed, so that your baby receives both foremilk and hindmilk.

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