This is a great "cheat sheet" about what to remember in the early days of nursing. I found this at
http://www.mountnittany.org/departments/maternity-services/tips-and-support, but I thought it was so good, I wanted to repost it, and modify the Support section a bit.
BREASTFEEDING H.E.L.P.S.
H: Hunger Cues
- Awakening
- Soft sounds
- Mouthing (licking lips, sticking out tongue)
- Rooting (turning head and opening mouth)
- Hand moving towards mouth
- Cries that get louder and louder (last sign!)
E: Expectations (Minimum)
- 8 to 12 feedings/24 hours
- Day 1: 1 wet diaper; 1 soiled diaper
- Day 2: 2 wet diapers; 2 soiled diapers
- Day 3: 3 wet diapers; 2 soiled diapers
- Day 4: 4 wet diapers; 3 soiled diapers
- Day 5: 5 wet diapers; 3 soiled diapers
- Day 6: 6 wet diapers; 4 soiled diapers
- Day 7 and thereafter: same as Day 6
L: Latch-On
- Hold breast in shape to match angle of baby's face
- Tickle baby's lips with nipple
- WAIT until baby's mouth opens WIDE
- Move baby to breast, leading with the chin (not the nose)
- Break suction gently if needed
P: Positioning (Mom & Baby Comfortable!)
- Mom and baby well-supported
- Baby's ear, shoulder and hip in straight line
- Baby's face isn't turned
- If in cradle or cross-cradle holds, place "tummy to tummy"
- Bring baby to breast, not breast to baby!
S: Support