How to Breastfeed?
Putting your baby to the breast
Your position
It is important that you find a comfortable position.
If you are sitting down to feed, try to make sure that:
- Your back is straight and supported
- Your lap is almost flat
- Your feet are flat (you may need a footstool or a thick book)
- You have extra pillows, if needed, to support your back and arms or to help raise your baby to the level of your breast.
Breastfeeding lying down can be very comfortable. It is especially good for night feeds as you can rest while your baby feeds.Try to lie fairly flat with a pillow under your head and your shoulder on the bed. Lie well over on your side. A pillow supporting your back and another between your legs can help with this. Once your baby is feeding well, you will be able to feed him comfortably anywhere without needing pillows.
Your baby's position
There are various ways that you can hold your baby for breastfeeding.
So:
- Turned to Mummy
- Nipple to nose
- Baby to breast, not breast to baby
Whichever way you choose here are a few guidelines to help make sure that your baby is able to feed well:
- Your baby should be held close to you.
- He should be facing the breast, with head, shoulders and body in a straight line.
- His nose or top lip should be opposite the nipple.
- He should be able to reach the breast easily, without having to stretch or twist.
- Remember always to move your baby towards the breast rather than your breast to the baby.
Attaching your baby to the breast
It is important to make sure that your baby latches on to the breast properly otherwise he may not get enough milk during the feed and your nipples could become sore.
Position your baby as described on page 2, with his nose or top lip opposite your nipple.
Wait until he opens his mouth really wide (you can gently brush his lips with your nipple to encourage him to do this).
Quickly move him on to your breast, so that his bottom lip touches the breast as far away as possible from the base of the nipple. This way, your nipple points towards the roof of his mouth.
When your baby is properly attached to your breast you notice that:
- his mouth is wide open and he has a big mouthful of breast
- his chin is touching the breast
- his bottom lip is curled back
- if you can see any of the areola (the brown skin around the nipple), more is visible above his top lip than below his bottom lip
- his sucking pattern changes from short sucks to long deep sucks with pauses
Feeding should not be painful. While you and your baby are learning to breastfeed you may feel some discomfort when the baby first attaches to the breast. This sensation should fade quickly and then the feed is comfortable. If it continues to hurt, this probably means that your baby is not attached properly. In this case, take him off by gently pressing your breast away from the corner of his mouth so that the suction is broken and then help him to re-attach. If the pain continues, ask a midwife for help.
Tips for successful breastfeeding
Try to keep your baby near you, particularly at first. That way you get to know him well and quickly know when he needs feeding. This is especially important at night. If you have your baby next to you, you can easily lift him for feeding without either of you being disturbed too much. You can then both return to sleep more quickly.
Breastmilk contains all the food and water your baby needs for the first six months. Giving other food or drink could be harmful and may also make him less interested in breastfeeding. If he does not breastfeed often enough you may not make enough milk to meet his future needs. Therefore, whenever he seems hungry, just put him to the breast.
Most of the problems commonly experienced by breastfeeding mothers in the first few weeks (for example, sore nipples, engorgement, mastitis) occur either because the baby is not attached to the breast in the best way or because he is not being put to the breast often enough. Ask for help if you are unsure.
Women, babies and their families are the centre of our service as we strive for excellence and innovation.