Initiating breastfeeding with skin-to-skin contact after birth

You should start breastfeeding within the first few hours after giving birth, if possible. This usually happens in the birthing room, as part of "skin-to-skin contact" immediately after the baby is born. Most babies will instinctively find the nipple and start sucking, which helps them practice feeding and gives them their first meal of colostrum, or concentrated breast milk that is packed with nutrition and protection for your baby.