Positions for Breastfeeding: Dos and Don'ts
Breastfeeding may be the most natural way to feed your baby but it doesn’t necessarily come naturally and around half of the moms who choose to nurse quit before their baby is six months old, often because of problems that could be solved by tweaking their breastfeeding technique. Positioning your baby correctly is the key to getting it right from day one, so follow these tips…
Do…
• Get comfortable Make sure you’re sitting comfortably with your back well-supported by cushions and a drink and a book within reach.
• Raise your baby to the right height Ensure your baby’s head is level with your breast – it’s a good idea to lay him on a pillow (you can get specially designed breastfeeding cushions that are shaped like a horseshoe and fit under your breasts but an ordinary pillow is just as good).
• Think ‘tummy to tummy’ Your baby needs to be lying on his side facing your breast with his tummy pressed against yours for successful feeding.
• Tease him to open wide by brushing his cheek with your nipple, and them move him onto your nipple.
• Ensure he latches on properly He needs a big mouthful of breast, so his lower lip almost covers your areola (the darker area immediately surrounding your nipple) – this enables him to ‘milk’ your breast with his tongue.
• Let him feed for as long as he wants to and then offer him the other breast just in case he wants more (he may not drain the second breast so you can either express off the rest of the milk or be sure to feed him on that side first the next time).
• Start again if you have to If your baby doesn’t latch on correctly you’ll get sore nipples and he won’t feed efficiently. Gently insert the tip of your pinkie finger into the corner of his mouth to break the suction and remove him from the breast before trying again.
• Get help if it’s hurting Breastfeeding can be uncomfortable in the first day or so as your nipples get used to the sensation but if you’re still finding that it hurts after this it’s likely your technique is to blame. Don’t suffer in silence or give up breastfeeding without getting help from a lactation consultant first – your problems may be easily solved with a modified technique.
Don’t…
• Sit down with no support or sustenance, particularly in the early days when your baby may not be a very fast feeder. He may be tiny, but having to support his weight without pillows to prop you both up will cause you to hunch your shoulders and develop backache.
• Let your baby lie on his back and turn his head to latch on – the weight of his head will drag at your nipple, causing pain and discomfort.
• Force your nipple into your baby’s mouth or attempt to latch him on before his mouth is a wide open as if he were yawning.
• Take him off the breast too soon Your baby needs to fully drain your breast to benefit from the rich hindmilk, which flows later in the feed and supports his growth and development. In the first few minutes he receives the watery foremilk, which only quenches his thirst. Let him feed until he either falls asleep and stops feeding, or comes off the breast himself.
• Give up too soon Most breastfeeding problems are easily solved and if you get help and are able to continue you’ll be ensuring your baby benefits from your antibodies, which give him greater protection from a range of problems and illnesses, including allergies, eczema, diarrhea and vomiting, obesity, ear and urinary tract infections, and severe respiratory infections. You’ll also be reducing your own risk of osteoporosis, breast cancer and ovarian cancer.
The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.
Related Articles
Last Modified: 18/06/2007
Related Chat
You'll need to be logged in to post new Comments and Answers or to Chat.
Login or
Register