Positioning - help your baby to feed correctly
Babies know how to feed as it is instinctive for them, for the best feeding positioning and attachment technique, there are a few tips mums need to know:
Breastfeeding should not be painful; it may be tender in the first few days and then stop
If painful, then something is not correct with the latch
Latching the baby incorrectly will cause nipple damage which can lead to pain, difficulty with breastfeeding and lack of confidence for new mums
A demonstration of how to hold baby and how to shape the breast for feeding is always a great place to start
Babies need to be unwrapped for feeding, no wraps, bibs, etc
Mum needs to be sitting in a comfortable chair with good back support or lying in bed
Ideally, baby should be fed when hunger cues are noticed
To keep baby calm, nappy change can wait until after a feed if baby is very hungry
Place baby chest to chest and support baby across the shoulders, not neck or head as this will cause baby not to be able to open mouth widely enough for latch
Bring baby towards the breast with head tilted back and wide mouth
Baby will draw breast into mouth
Baby will start rhythmical sucking bursts with intermittent pauses as baby tires
Latching baby is the most important skill to learn as everything revolves around this
Correct latching will mean pain-free feeding
Less likelihood of nipple damage and mastitis
Correct latching will mean milk supply is established by the end of the first month
There are several different ways to feed baby, and each mum will find what is comfortable for her and the baby
Pillows or cushions are sometimes useful in the early days for easier feeding
Are you comfortable? It's really worth getting yourself comfortable before a feed. Remember to relax your shoulders and arms when you feed.
A mother can hold her baby to her body in the way that feels right for her.
There are many different positions for comfortable breastfeeding, choose one that's comfortable for you.