Breastfeeding is supposed to come to us naturally. So is walking upright, but most of us get off to a bumpy start with that, too. Breastfeeding takes practice, motivation, some knowledge of what's involved, and even more practice.

Here are some general instructions:

• There are several possible breastfeeding holds (the Cradle Hold, Cross-Cradle Hold, Side-Lying Hold, and the Clutch, a.k.a "Football" Hold). For starters, position your baby so he's facing you with his tummy touching your tummy (a pillow can be very helpful), and hold him to your breast. Be careful to not lean toward him too much — the little guy needs to be able to breathe.
   
• Hold your nipple between your fingers and tilt the baby's head back a little. Tickle his mouth with your nipple, until he opens wide.
   
• Place his lower jaw on your breast first, just below the nipple.
   
• Tilt his head forward enough so the upper jaw rests on the breast and his mouth envelopes your nipple and a good bit of the aureola (the darkened area surrounding the nipple). Your nipple should be far back in his mouth.
   
• He's latched on well if you can hear and see him sucking and swallowing in fairly rhythmic motion, and you'll feel a gentle pulling sensation. The feeling of fullness in your breast prior to a feed will subside as he draws the milk down.

Your baby will let you know how often he needs to nurse, but for newborns it will probably be every two or three hours around the clock. Crying is one cue, but so is stirring and wiggling around, lip movements, and sucking motions.

Please do not go for days without your newborn having a good feed. Most latching-on problems can be quickly resolved with a few minor adjustments. However, prolonged difficulty latching on may be a sign of a congenital defect — a problem with the infant's mouth, swallowing, etc. If you suspect this, see a physician immediately. If you child still cries despite having latched on, or if you believe he simply not getting enough nutrition from your breast milk, see your health care provider.

Do not consider it a personal failure if your child doesn't latch on immediately. Get some formula and use a bottle. Switch back and forth (that worked like a charm at my house). It takes more than a rubber nipple to confuse a hungry baby. Remember it's about your child getting the nutrition he needs to thrive. It is not about your ego and any personal ambitions to breastfeed or bust.

For more assistance with breastfeeding, check with your local chapter of La Leche League, or your pediatrician. Check with local hospitals for breastfeeding classes, and take one while you're still pregnant — act fast, as these classes tend to fill up fast.

There's a great line from the '90s TV show, "Murphy Brown," where Murphy expresses shock over her body providing milk for her newborn son: "It's like one day suddenly you find that you can get bacon out of your elbow." Your body's abilities will startle you.