Breastfeeding is the natural, loving way to feed your child, but like a lot of things in motherhood, it doesn't come naturally or easily for everyone. There are many problems and situations that can, and most likely, will occur during the first few weeks of breastfeeding. Here is a run down of what the first six weeks may, or may not, happen between you and your baby.

The first step in successful breastfeeding will happen before your baby is even born. Talk to your doctor, and the baby's future doctor, about your choice to breastfeed. Make sure that he is knowledgeable about breastfeeding, and that he will support it. Also check with the hospital that you plan on delivering your baby to see if you will be allowed unlimited contact with your baby, or even better, rooming in with your baby.

If your birthing classes don't cover breastfeeding fully, consider taking some extra classes about breastfeeding, or attending a La Leche League meeting before the baby is born.

You may want to put down in your birth plan that you wish to breastfeed your baby, and that you do not wish for your baby to have any bottles or pacifers. You can also write on an index card to put in your babies crib "No Bottles, No Pacifers, No Formula, I'm learning to breastfeed" so that all nurses and doctors know of your wishes, since during your hospital stay you will most likely go through several different shift changes.

There are many different ways to prepare your breast for breastfeeding, when in reality, you most likely will not need to do much at all. Sometimes rubbing the colostrum that leaks from your breasts into your nipples will help to prepare them, but there is no reason that you need to go out and buy special creams beforehand. If you suspect that you have flat or inverted nipples you should get them checked out during your pregnancy in case you need to deal with them before your first nursing session.

After the baby is born, you will want to breastfeed as soon as possible, within the first hour is best. This will help to establish breastfeeding. It also helps that you breastfeed your baby before he hits the very sleepy stage that most newborns will get one to two hours after he is born. Having some skin to skin contact with your baby before you nurse him for the first time may help your upcoming nursing session.

You may be scared the first time that you go to latch your baby on to your breast, which is normal. The fear of the unknown, and undoubtedly, the horror stories which you have heard will race through your mind. Try to relax, take a few deep breaths and latch the baby on. It is extremely helpful to have a nurse or lactation consultant with you the first time that you try to latch your baby on, because improper latching on will cause sore nipples.

Making sure that your baby is latched on correctly involves several different steps.

Make sure your baby is on her side, with her body in a straight line. Do not have her on her back with her head turned towards the breast. Draw the baby's bottom closer into your body to help keep the baby's nose open and not get covered by the breast. Support your baby's head, do not force it to the breast. The baby's chin should not be tucked in towards his chest, nor should the baby's head be in the crook of your elbow.

Bring the baby to your breast, do not bring your breast to the baby. Doing so will cause a sore back, and will make nursing uncomfortable. Touch the baby's mouth with your nipple, and wait for the baby to open his mouth wide, like he's yawning. This may make several attempts, don't get discouraged if he doesn't do it right away. Once the baby's mouth is opened wide, bring the baby's mouth onto your nipple, and make sure that your nipple is on the roof of his mouth. Your baby's nose and chin should be touching the breast, you should only see a small section of your areola, and his cheeks should still be full and rounded. As your baby starts to suck, watch for an open, pause close type of sucking motion, not a flutter, shallow sort of sucking.

Contrary to popular belief, breastfeeding should never hurt. There may be some discomfort when the baby latches on, but it should go away within a minute or two of nursing. It should NEVER hurt so much that you dread nursing. If it does hurt, try taking your baby off and relatching him back onto the breast. If you have problems latching him on right, please call someone. It is better to get help in the beginning rather than giving up this special bond that you have with your child.