While nursing the baby it is best to sit up—not slouched—in a comfortable chair or cross-legged on the floor. Aim the breast downward as milk flows best downhill. To eliminate slouching bring the baby up to the breast rather than the breast down to baby.
Put the breast into the baby's mouth with as much of the areola in the baby's mouth as possible. This helps the baby latch on better and get the milk out more easily and at the same time you won't get sore nipples. Merely putting the nipple in the baby's mouth will cause him to chew on the nipple with his gums in an effort to get milk out. Aim the nipple upward in baby's mouth holding breast, up with hand with thumb on top. When baby is first born, it is more difficult for him to hold onto the breast and he needs your help.
Be sure to press the breast down just a little bit away from the baby's nose so that he can breathe. The fullness of your breasts could smother him.
If baby still acts hungry after you've emptied both breasts (usually about ten minutes on each side), he may merely want your company. A good baby carrier can help so you can resume your other duties. This provides the motion and closeness that the baby was used to in the womb.
Don't try to pull baby off of breast when still sucking. This will be painful. Release the suction by gently pressing in your breast on both sides of baby's mouth.
When baby falls asleep in your arms while you nurse him, don't just ly him down by himself. Ly down with him for awhile with your nipple still in his mouth. Then remove nipple and continue lying down with him. Then get up very slowly so as not to disturb him. The baby suddenly misses the presence and warmth of mother if not done gently and slowly and may awaken.
Babies like to be snuggled firmly and closely to mother while breast-feeding. This makes them feel secure and loved.
A baby's natural reflex is to suckle the nipple if its mouth is brought close to it. Bring baby's legs close to you angling baby so he can breathe. If baby still has trouble getting the nipple, hand express some milk first and let him taste it to create an impulse in him to begin nursing.
When baby cries, it doesn't always mean that he is hungry. Sometimes merely turning him from one side to another will stop him from crying. Other times he may want cuddling or motion. Don't always assume he is hungry and immediately push the breast in his mouth. This could create a problem later in life where he seeks food for security.
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