How do I condition myself to start breastfeeding?

Relax. Pour yourself a large glass of water or lactational herbal teas to encourage you to be in a calm state. Before your sit down, go to the toilet, do a shoulder stretch, turn off your mobile phone, put on soothing music and sit on a comfortable chair. Make sure your back is supported, your butt comfortable, don’t be leaning back or hunching forward, and have your arms well propped up too.

When you are mentally relaxed, position your baby sideways with his tummy against your tummy, almost level with your breast, with bub’s head higher than his bottom, and your arm supporting his neck and shoulders. Bub’s nose should be in line with your nipple; and his chin, chest and knees should face your breast — not the ceiling. Remember: ‘nose to hose’. When he opens his mouth as wide as a yawn (like a baby bird), then quickly and firmly bring your baby’s mouth over the coloured part of your breast. Bring your baby to your breast — do NOT bring the breast to the baby.  Your nipple and a good 2 cm of breast tissue below it are inside the baby’s mouth.

A helpful illustration of various breastfeeding holds is in page 183 and some latching techniques on page 184.