The most common instruction is to bring Baby as close as possible to the breast, squeezing the entire nipple, areola and all, into his mouth. Do not worry about his breathing, he will gage how to inhale through his little nostrils. Press the baby’s head firmly and carefully up against your breast and hold it there for the letdown of colostrum, the creamy, nutritious top of the milk. Baby will eventually latch on, drawing the milk from you. This can be very painful in the beginning. Your baby will grasp the technique that works for both of you. It can take two to four weeks. Be patient. Once you’ve got it down, the act of breast feeding is one of the most magical experiences of your life. There is no better way to establish a bond than to nurse your baby for as long as they remain interested.

Not only is this a beautiful way to connect with your child, it is the most beneficial for their health. In the beginning, your milk supply will likely be more abundant, so if you skip a feeding with Baby you will probably have to still utilize a breast pump to relieve you from engorgement. And sometimes you’ll have so much milk production before your body acclimatizes, that you may need to pump simply for relief. Keep in mind, the more you pump, the more you produce. If your breasts do become engorged, you can use a hot compress for relief, and gently massage the hardened breast tissue, perhaps manually expel a little milk into a soft, warm towel.

If you must use formula, there are a few wonderful, affordable European brands available online that have much better nutrients than most of the US brands. While feeding, try to mimic the intimacy of nursing. Skin on skin, connect your heart beats, body to body.

Use this stillness to truly connect, focus on each other, enjoy this unique bond. Dr. Emmi Pikler® understood this essential union between you and Baby has a significant impact on the psychology and physiology of your child. This is where Baby learns about intimacy between two people, about the sustenance of love.