Breastfeeding a newborn baby may be “the most natural thing on earth” as its many advocates opine, but that doesn't mean it always comes easy. For first-time mothers especially, it can be a daunting and intimidating process.

The Penn State Children's Hospital has recently released some guidelines they hope will both illuminate and codify the procedures. Although every scenario is different and may present its own unique challenges, there are still some suggestions that cut across circumstances.

The top recommendation for moms preparing to breastfeed is to have some goals, and communicate these to partners and other family members. As Dr. Nicole Hackman, a pediatrician and medical director for lactation services at PSCH writes, mothers “will need to rely on that support during the challenging days.”

Another key suggestion is for the mother and baby to have skin-to-skin contact for the first hour after birth. “Not only does that regulate the baby’s heart rate, temperature and glucose level, but it can help the baby latch on and have the first breastfeeding session,” Hackman writes.

Experts also recommend limiting the number of visitors allowed to see the newborn during the first week of life. This provides mom and baby time to bond privately and learn the subtleties of breastfeeding without the inevitable interruptions of well-wishers. Also, it lets the new mother rest while her baby is sleeping.

Breastfeeding your baby should be based upon observation of the newborn, and not the clock. Moms should look for their baby's signs of wanting to feed, such as licking his lips, rooting or putting his hands to his mouth. You want your baby to regain his birth weight by the second week of life. Therefore, he will need to eat often in those first weeks – somewhere north of 8 or more times every 24 hour period. You should expect to see your baby gain 5 or more ounces each week on average after the second week of life.

Hackman notes that mothers should attempt feedings any time her baby is awake during the first week of life. “Because breast milk volume is all about supply and demand, the more demand a baby puts on mom, the more her supply will increase,” she said.

Hospitals typically provide a lactation consultant to work with new mothers to help their infants latch onto the breast without producing pain for the mother. “There may be initial discomfort, but something isn’t right if there is pain throughout the feeding session,” Hackman said. “Nipple pain is not normal. Mothers should be able to relax during the feeding.”

Breast milk is so important, such a remarkable food, that it is the only food or drink a newborn needs for the first six months of his life. In addition to all the easily digested protein and nutrients, mother's milk contains antibodies and other immune factors that help protect against infections and disease.