Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a natural process, but for some it does not always come naturally. The good news is that breastfeeding success has very little to do with luck and everything to do with good planning and education.
If possible, try to breastfeed your baby as soon as possible after birth, as most babies are alert and have a strong desire to suck. Making an attempt in the first half-hour is good. Your body will have already produced colostrum (baby’s first milk), which is ideal for your newborn baby.
STEP 1: Position the baby
There are many different positions that you can use for breastfeeding, try several positions until you find the best one for you and your baby. Some of the most common positions are:
- Cradle Hold: Hold the baby turned toward you with baby’s head in the crook of your arm. Baby’s face, abdomen and knees should all be towards you.
- Football (or clutch) Hold: Hold the baby at your side, clutched next to you with baby’s entire body turned in, toward you. Baby’s feet should not touch back of chair/bed. Hold the base of baby’s head, supporting the neck and shoulders.
- Lying down: Put a pillow lengthwise behind your back (from just below your shoulders to the small of your back) and lean back on it slightly. This will put you at a 45 degree angle to the bed. Place the baby on his or her side next to you, completely turned toward you. Use your lower arm to support the baby and bring them in toward the breast for latch on.
Tip:
If you are in a sitting position and your bottom is sore from the birth, or you have incision pain following a caesarean section, try putting your feet on a low stool, slightly bending your knees. This will take the pressure off the sensitive areas.
STEP 2: Offer the breast.
Once you are in position, with the opposite hand, hold your breast with all your fingers under the breast and your thumb on top. The entire hand should be behind the areola. Move your breast gently, up and down against the baby’s lips until the baby’s mouth opens wide.
STEP 3: Ensure the baby is latched on.
A proper latch is essential for breastfeeding. As soon as your baby’s mouth opens wide, centre your nipple to baby’s mouth and pull baby in close. This can be done by turning your wrist inward, rolling baby to the breast. Baby’s chin and lower lip should touch the breast first then the upper lip and gum. Baby’s mouth should cover most of the areola, not just the nipple.
As the baby nurses, you should feel a pulling or tugging sensation. If it pinches or hurts, break the latch and begin the process again. Take baby off the breast by inserting your finger between baby’s gums and pulling downward to break the suction.
Baby may not take both breasts at each feeding. Begin each feeding with the last breast used during the previous feeding. Allow the baby to nurse for at least 10-15 minutes. Let the baby nurse until he or she pulls off, burp them and then offer them the second breast.
Your baby may need to feed very frequently in the first weeks of life. The baby may need to nurse approximately 10-12 times in 24 hours. Once you are sure that baby will wake for feedings when hungry (about two to three weeks of age), baby may sleep a six-hour stretch at night (example: 12 midnight to 6 am). As baby grows, he or she will go for longer between feeds, although remember that feeding frequency will increase again during growth spurts.
Tip:
Keep track of the last breast used by putting a paper clip or safety pin on your bra cup or jotting down left/right on a piece of paper. Or download our handy iPhone breast feeding tracker
Eat a healthy balanced diet with three meals and two small snacks per day. Drink to thirst, ensuring that you have something to drink at each feeding. Rest as frequently as you can - try to sleep or rest when your baby is asleep.
Sore nipples are usually due to one or both of two causes. Either the baby is not positioned and latched properly, or the baby is not suckling properly, or both.
- Allow your nipples to air dry after each feed.
- You can express a little milk onto them to assist healing any forming blisters or cracks.
- Keep a watch for blocked ducts.
- If you notice any tenderness, or lumps, massage gently under a hot shower.
- If you can’t move the lump along, speak with a lactation consultant.
Breastfeeding doesn’t always go as smoothly as it should. If that happens, you may need some professional support from a knowledgeable person. Ask your pediatrician or hospital for a referral to a lactation consultant or someone who specialises in breastfeeding.
Remember, if it doesn’t feel right – it probably isn’t. Seek support and help from a professional, and keep asking until you get an answer that helps you.