Congratulations ! Welcome to the world !

At last ,you are holding your bundle of joy in your hands. The messages start going out to everybody, friends, family, the neighbors  etc. etc.

I want to tell you, your life has changed forever. Don't panic because its for good though.

Becoming a parent comes with a mixture of different feelings, excitement, fear, anxiety almost all at once.
Where do I start from ? what do I do next ?

My advice? Just relax , take a deep breath and go one day at a time.

Breastfeeding
For every new mum who feels capable and is up to it, the first and most important function your will perform, is attempting to breastfeed your baby.

If you had a Cesarean section, this may not happen immediately as you will be in recovery for a while. Give yourself some time.
Various studies have advised that breastmilk is the best food for your baby.

It is the healthiest way to feed your baby, because you do not need to worry about sterilized bottles and all. It comes straight from nature and is at the right  temperature, so you don't even need to worry if its too cold or too hot .
The World health organization has recommended that babies are exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months. They also recommend that the breastfeeding
continues even after babies have started taking solids, until the end of the first year ,or beyond if the mother wishes. Checkout their page here for more information  https://www.who.int/health-topics/breastfeeding#tab=tab_1
Breastmilk is complete. And asides all the great benefits breastfeeding helps to build a special bond between you and your baby.

Bottle feeding your baby also creates a bond. If you are unable to breastfeed all through please do not be discouraged at all.

How do I start breastfeeding?
Pick a comfortable place for breastfeeding. It may be a particular chair ,just make yourself very comfortable, as this is not a function that should be
rushed or carried out in an unrelaxed manner. You just have to be relaxed.
Sitting-upright in an armchair or rocking chair is the easiest position for breastfeeding.
You can also sit up in bed, but make sure that your back, shoulders, and knees are well-supported.
The atmosphere is important, especially in the early days of breastfeeding when you're still trying to get the hang of it.
If you tend to get bored, you may want to feed with the television on watching your favorite show, this way you won't be feeling you have spent so much time. Try different spots until you find what works for you.
Hold your baby in a position that won't make your arms and back ache. Have cushions or pillows to support your baby. Many mums find cradling their baby
across their chest, raised up on a cushion or pillow, works well. It just depends on what is most comfortable for you.
Get yourself and your baby in a relaxed position before you start feeding.
Pay attention to how your breasts feel when your baby latches on.

How do I know I have my baby in the best position? Your baby's gums should bypass the base of the nipple and take in at least a one-inch of the areola as they latch on.
If baby is sucking on only the nipple, your nipples will be sore after just one or two feeding, and may get cracked. This is really painful, I am speaking from experience.
Another reason it is so important that baby compresses the areola is that the reservoirs(called sinuses) for milk are located beneath the areola.
If these sinuses are not compressed,your baby will not get enough milk.
Babies should suck areolas,not nipples.Very important.
If latching on hurts, remove baby from your breast by gently inserting your little finger between your baby's gums and your nipple and try again. Do not yank the breast out by force.

Above all, if initially it seems like its not working, do not panic or get discouraged. Plenty of mums have to practice and persevere until they get the hang of it.

As long as you're healthy, there's not much more you can do to prepare your body for breastfeeding. But you can prepare your mind.

What was your experience like ? Was it easy for you to get into breastfeeding Any more tips you can share ?...…