Breastfeeding Help!
Reliable information on
breastfeeding topics
by Heisje de Jong,
Certified Lactation Consultant
04.- POSITIONING YOUR BABY AT THE BREAST <previous topic next topic>
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Proper positioning and latch on of the baby is very important,
especially in the first few weeks of breastfeeding when you and
your baby are still learning the art. It can prevent you from
getting sore nipples and other breastfeeding problems.
When your baby is positioned well and has latched on properly,
breastfeeding shouldn't hurt.
If you do feel pain or you see that your baby is not latched
on well, take the baby from the breast by inserting your finger
in the side of baby's mouth to break the suction and start again.
Never pull baby from the breast while he is sucking, it hurts
and can damage your nipples.
Follow carefully the directions below to position your baby correctly.
| HOW TO POSITION YOUR BABY STEP BY STEP |
| STEP A: POSITION YOURSELF |
In the first days after birth it is easier to breastfeed sitting up, in bed or in a comfortable chair.
Use a pillow behind your back, under the arm that's holding the baby, on your lap to support the baby and under your knees if you are sitting up in bed.
If you are sitting in a chair, put your feet up, on a nursing stool or small table.
You will spend lots of time feeding the baby so make sure you are comfortable.
| STEP B: POSITION YOUR BABY |
Baby should be lying on his side with his whole body facing you.
His head should rest in the crook of your arm.
His back is supported by your forearm and you can hold his bottom with your hand.
Baby's ear, shoulder and hips should be in a straight line.
His head should be straight in line with his body.
Baby should be at the level of your breast so you don't have to lean forward. It is therefore handy to have the baby lying on a pillow on your lap or use a nursing pillow to provide back,
arm and elbow support and to prevent strain on your muscles.
| STEP C: PUTTING THE BABY TO THE BREAST |
Support your breast with your hand, fingers underneath and your thumb on top of your breast.
Be sure your fingers are well behind the areola.
Tickle baby's lips with your nipple and wait till baby opens his mouth wide.
Center your nipple in his mouth and pull baby towards you, very close, tummy to tummy.
Make sure your baby has also a large part of the areola in his mouth.
Baby should be pulled in so close that his chin and nose touch the breast. It is important that both baby's lips are flanged out. Some babies suck in their lower lip; this can cause nipple soreness.
Once baby is sucking properly you will see the strong action of his jaw line and a wiggle at the temple or ear and you can see and hear him swallowing.
After your baby has been sucking for a minute or so, you may feel a tingling feeling in your breast.
This is the milk squeezed down the ducts to your nipple and it is called the "let-down reflex".
You may also notice milk dripping from the other breast, have a towel handy for this.
This leaking happens mainly in the first weeks.
Try to be as relaxed as possible when you are breastfeeding, this will encourage your let-down. Drop your shoulders and take a few deep breaths. Enjoy the sight of your little one nursing at your breast.
| SOME OTHER BREASTFEEDING POSITIONS |
It is a good idea to get familiar with different nursing positions. In a case of sore nipples it is helpful to change positions to avoid constant pressure on the sore spot and in case of plugged ducts changing positions will assure that all the milk ducts are emptied properly.
| LYING DOWN TO NURSE |
Lie on your side with a pillow
under your head and pillows behind your back to support you.
A pillow between your knees is also comfortable, as is a pillow
under your abdomen.
See what works best for you.
Put baby on his side, facing
you and support his head in the crook of your arm or baby can
rest his head on the bed and you can put your arm under your
head if you want.
In this case you can put a small pillow or rolled up towel behind
his back to prevent him from rolling back.
Baby's mouth should be in line with your nipple.
Then offer baby the breast as described above (step c).
Lying down to nurse is especially comfortable when sitting up
is painful, for example if you have an episiotomy or after a
caesarean section.
| FOOTBALL HOLD OR "CLUTCH" HOLD |
Make yourself comfortable in
a chair or on the bed. Well supported by pillows.
Put also a pillow on your lap and one at your side or, even better,
use a nursing pillow.
Your baby's body is tucked under your arm. His bottom rests on
the pillow next to you.
Your hand supports his head and neck.
In this position you can see well if baby is latched on well.
It is also a comfortable position if you have had a caesarean
section and you want to avoid pressure on your abdomen.
You may want to try other nursing positions, see what is most comfortable for you and your baby. Whatever position you choose always make sure that your baby is positioned and latched on correctly to avoid sore nipples and other breastfeeding problems.
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