Correct positioning and latch-on can prevent many of the common problems mother’s encounter when starting to breastfeed.
Baby-led latching is good for the first feeding and for all feedings after that when the baby is awake and willing to participate.
Getting comfortable
Choose a bed or sofa where you can lean back about half way or more, whatever is comfortable for you.
Positioning your baby
Position the baby between your breasts and allow your baby to wake skin-to-skin. Holding your newborn skin-to-skin is one of the best ways to make breastfeeding easy!
Be patient
Your baby will gradually realize where he is and that food is nearby!
He will slowly begin to move towards the breast. Provide support and assist a bit if it seems necessary, but avoid directing the baby.
Your baby will locate the nipple and latch on with minimal assistance from you. Let your baby lead the way.
Importance of skin-to-skin contact
Babies tend to feed best when they have direct contact with mother, in skin-to-skin contact. Not only does it keep baby warm, the smells and feel of the breast encourage locating the breast and feeding.
Mix and match techniques
You may find that the sandwich hold would help your baby get a deeper latch-on the breast. Place thumb near the baby’s nose and fingers on the opposite side of the breast, and gently compress the breast into a “sandwich”.
Listen for swallows to assure that your baby is drinking milk.
Feel free to use any of the Mother-led Latching techniques from the handout “Mother-led Latching” if they seem to work better at the time.
If you find breastfeeding painful or your baby is not gaining weight (3/4 to 1 oz per day), please seek the help of a lactation consultant to give you personalized guidance.
Although breastfeeding is natural, it is a learning process for both you and your baby. Allow yourself several weeks to perfect these techniques.
At any time that you are unsure that you are feeding correctly, seek the help of a lactation consultant or other knowledgeable health care provider.
Once breastfeeding is fully established, it can be one of the most rewarding experiences of new motherhood.