It may take time for you both to get used to breastfeeding and it can be different for every woman.

It’s important to ask for support if you’re struggling. There are lots of people who can assist – and having a supportive friend can help you feel more prepared and get off to a good start.

When your baby is born they may need to rest close to you before feeling ready to latch on and start feeding. The midwives will help you to hand express small drops of your colostrum (first milk) to give to your baby until your baby is ready to suckle.

Your colostrum is full of special antibodies to help protect your baby’s health and develop their immune system. Giving the first feed of your colostrum is very beneficial to your baby.

The links and resources at the bottom of this page will help you get off to the best start when breastfeeding and support you and your baby along your journey. A mother is totally capable of making enough milk for as many babies as she has and there are lots of resources on breastfeeding twins or multiples. It is really good to talk to other mums who have breastfed twins or more.

However you feed your baby, they will benefit greatly from the calming effect of skin-to-skin contact after birth and at any time after. It feels good for you and your baby – Dads can also enjoy skin-to-skin.

If you’re separated from your baby for any reason, having skin-to-skin once you’re able to be together, is an important part of getting to know your baby and calming your baby, both of which benefit feeding. Your partner can also offer skin-to-skin for your baby if you are not feeling able to do this for any reason.

Breastfeeding in public

Breastfeeding in public is protected by law. It’s your right to breastfeed anywhere you and your baby would like to. Having the confidence to breastfeed wherever you are, can help you to continue breastfeeding for as long as you wish to. Some places such as local shopping centres may have a private breastfeeding area. If you feel anxious, you may have a friend who is confident to go out with you so you gain confidence breastfeeding out and about – here, there and everywhere!