Breastfeeding correctly

It might surprise you to learn that breastfeeding is a skill that has to be learnt and isn’t just a case of letting your baby grab hold and get on with it!

Once you have a few basic skills under your belt (or your bra!), you will find it a rewarding and natural experience. Often though, women find breastfeeding uncomfortable and even painful and this is usually due to poor technique. Good support and sensible advice can make all the difference – the important thing is not to give up because it often just takes a few adjustments to get it right.

Keep in mind that your baby won’t be able to feed efficiently if he isn’t latching on correctly. This means he’ll want to feed constantly because he’s not satisfied by what he’s getting and you’ll be worn out as well as suffering from sore, cracked nipples (see how often should I feed my baby?). Your baby will often know instinctively how to latch on but if you’re holding him in an awkward or inappropriate position it’ll prevent him for doing it properly. Position is everything – and the first thing to remember is that he needs more than just your nipple in his mouth. He needs a good mouthful of breast that includes most of your areola (the area immediately surrounding your nipple) as well as your nipple itself. This enables him to use his tongue to ‘milk’ the area behind the nipple where your milk is stored. Follow these steps…

1. Raise your baby to the right height by laying him on a pillow.

2. Ensure he’s lying on his side, his nose level with your nipple and his tummy against your tummy.

3. Encourage him to open his mouth wide by brushing his cheek with your nipple.

4. Move him onto your nipple (not the other way around) when his mouth is opened as wide as if he were yawning.

5. Most of your areola should be hidden by your baby’s wide open mouth and he should be feeding steadily (you’ll see his jaw moving as he uses his tongue to milk your breast).

6. You shouldn’t feel any pain or discomfort – if you do, gently insert the tip of your pinkie finger into the corner of your baby’s mouth to break the suction and start again.

7. Let him feed for as long as he wants to and offer him the second breast too.

8. If he doesn’t drain the second breast, express the rest of the milk or feed your baby from that side first next time.

A minute or so after your baby latches on to feed you’ll get what’s called the let-down reflex. It’s a tingling sensation that signals the release of milk from your milk ducts and beware – once you’re a mom, the sound of any baby crying can cause it to happen so make sure you wear a couple of breast pads inside your bra to soak up any leaks!

Keep in mind too that in the first few days after your baby’s birth, breastfeeding stimulates your uterus to contract back down to its pre-pregnancy size and it may cause what are known as afterpains – cramping sensations similar to period pains. Often these are stronger with a second or subsequent baby but they won’t last much longer than a week or so.

Hot tip Invest in three or four good feeding bras. The right support for your breasts is essential while breastfeeding, as an ill-fitting bra can lead to problems such as blocked ducts and mastitis. It is also possible to buy special breastfeeding tops that have been sensitively designed in order to give you as much privacy as possible. A shawl or big scarf can help protect your modesty if you’re planning on breastfeeding in public.

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.

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Last Modified: 18/06/2007

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