Breastfeed within the first hour after birth or soon thereafter.
Babies are usually quiet and alert one to two hours after birth, then get sleepy for up to three days, getting more awake about the time the mother's breasts feel full. Babies who nurse in this first quiet, alert time generally have an easier time learning to breastfeed than those who wait until later.

Babies give "feeding cues" when they are ready to nurse.
They do not have to cry first. These cues include: arms bent, hands in a fist, hands at mouth and head, sucking at hand or arm, rooting or licking. Rooming-in during your hospital stay helps you to learn and respond to your baby's feeding cues.

Some babies have to be awakened to nurse.
If your baby is sleepy, watch for movements indicating that he/she is in a light sleep including eye movements under the eyelid, mouth movements or hands at the mouth. It is easier to wake your baby at these times.

Suggested ways to help wake a sleepy baby
Partially undressing your baby, talking to your baby while he/she is sitting in your lap facing you, gently stroking your baby's hands or feet, massaging your baby's body, touching your baby's cheeks, chin and lips with your fingers and then tickling the bottom lip to elicit the rooting reflex. Once your baby's eyes open wide, bring him/her to your breast and begin nursing.

Breastfeed Frequency
Breastfeed your baby at least four to six times during the first 24 hours, six to eight times the next 24 hours and eight to 12 times on day three and after. When your baby is back to birth weight usually by two weeks of age, you will no longer have to awaken your baby to nurse. He/she will then wake up on his/her own to feed.

There is no need to wait for the breast to "fill up."
Milk is made while your baby is sucking so the breast is never empty. Your baby will nurse for comfort, body contact and to meet his/her sucking needs, as well as for food and drink.

Nursing on one breast at a feeding is easier for both the mother and baby in the first days and may result in better intake for baby as well as less engorgement for mother. Your baby will typically nurse 15 to 30 minutes on the first breast and may not want the other breast until the next time. Nurse as long as your baby wants.
Your early milk, or colostrum, is especially good for your baby. It is produced in small quantities because this is all your baby needs while learning to suck, swallow and breathe. It contains antibodies and acts as a laxative to help your baby pass his/her first stool and may lessen the incidence of jaundice.

Your healthy baby does not need supplements of formula or water.
These may cause him or her to lose interest in breastfeeding. By nursing early and often, you will be providing your baby with the perfect food in the right quantity.

Get as comfortable as possible before beginning to nurse so you can relax and enjoy nursing.
You can have a nurse or lactation consultant show you how to position yourself and help the baby latch on easily. Some babies are vigorous nursers, while others are sippers and sleepers. It may take several days to several weeks before both of you have mastered the technique. Remember that both of you are learning a new skill. Be patient with yourself and your baby.