How can family and friends make breastfeeding a success?

After birth you and your baby will need time to learn to breastfeed. You will also need to look after yourself and your baby.

Here are some tips:

Make sleep/rest a priority
Limit visitors, telephone calls and other interruptions during the early weeks
Ask for help when needed
Accept help when offered

Family and friends care for you and want the best for you and your baby. They may not know what they can do to help while you and your baby focus on learning to breastfeed.

Ask and accept support from family and friends with:

Everyday tasks
Ask for assistance with meal preparation, dishes, laundry, keeping your house tidy and caring for your other children.
Caring for baby
Family and friends can provide help with bathing and changing diapers. These are great ways to bond with baby. Also, babies cry for many reasons, not just for hunger. Family and friends can comfort your baby, by cuddling, walking, singing, playing or dancing.
Limiting the number of visitors and visiting time

What other people say or believe may affect the success of breastfeeding. Tell your family and friends you are breastfeeding and ask them to support you.