breastfeeding guide
this is general information. for personalised support, contact the ABA helpline on 1800 686 268 or see a lactation consultant.
breastfeeding is natural but it doesn't always come naturally. most problems are fixable with the right support. this guide covers the basics — getting started, common challenges, and where to get help when you need it.
getting a good latch
a good latch is the foundation of comfortable, effective breastfeeding.
- •hold baby close with their nose level with your nipple
- •wait for a wide-open mouth (like a yawn), then bring baby to the breast — not breast to baby
- •baby should take a big mouthful of breast, not just the nipple
- •chin should be touching the breast, nose free or just touching
- •lips should be flanged outward (like a fish), not tucked in
- •you should hear swallowing, not clicking
- •it may be uncomfortable for the first 10–15 seconds but shouldn't be painful throughout the feed
breastfeeding positions
cradle hold
the classic position. baby lies across your front, supported by the arm on the same side as the breast. good once you're both experienced.
cross-cradle hold
similar to cradle but you support baby with the opposite arm, giving more control of their head. great for newborns and getting a good latch.
football (underarm) hold
baby tucked under your arm like a football, feet pointing behind you. good after caesarean, for large breasts, or for small or premature babies.
laid-back (biological nurturing)
recline comfortably and place baby tummy-down on your chest. baby uses their natural reflexes to find the breast. great for skin-to-skin and early days.
side-lying
both lying on your sides facing each other. great for night feeds, after caesarean, or when you need to rest. follow safe sleep guidelines.
signs baby is getting enough
- •6–8 wet nappies a day (after day 5)
- •at least 3 soft yellow poos per day in the first 6 weeks
- •baby is alert and active when awake
- •gaining weight steadily (check at nurse visits)
- •satisfied after most feeds
- •you can hear swallowing during feeds
common problems
sore or cracked nipples
what: usually caused by a shallow latch.
help: check and correct the latch (see above). Use purified lanolin or breast milk on nipples after feeds. Seek help early — persistent pain isn't normal.
engorgement
what: breasts become very full, hard, and painful — common when milk 'comes in' around day 3–5.
help: feed frequently, hand express or pump just enough for comfort (not to empty), use cold compresses between feeds, gentle massage during feeds.
blocked ducts
what: a tender lump in the breast, sometimes with redness.
help: keep feeding from the affected side, massage the lump gently towards the nipple during feeds, apply warmth before feeding, vary feeding positions.
mastitis
what: a breast infection — flu-like symptoms, fever, red/hot/painful area on breast.
help: see your GP within 24 hours. keep breastfeeding (it's safe and helps). you may need antibiotics. rest, fluids, and pain relief (paracetamol/ibuprofen).
low supply concerns
what: often perceived rather than actual. true low supply is less common than most people think.
help: feed on demand, offer both breasts, ensure good latch, avoid scheduled feeding in the early weeks. if concerned, see a lactation consultant for a weighted feed assessment.
where to get help
- •Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) helpline: 1800 686 268 (24/7, free)
- •your child and family health nurse — free appointments in every state
- •hospital lactation consultants — usually available for the first few days/weeks
- •private IBCLC lactation consultant — some covered by private health insurance
- •ABA local support groups — peer support with trained volunteers
- •Pregnancy, Birth & Baby helpline: 1800 882 436 (free, 7am–midnight AEST)
related guides
this guide is for informational purposes only. for personalised breastfeeding support, contact the Australian Breastfeeding Association on 1800 686 268 or see an IBCLC lactation consultant.