Learning to Breastfeed

Good latch is the key for successful breastfeeding.

When your baby latches on to your breast correctly, you are much more successful at nursing your child.

Poor latching may lead to poor milk supply, sore nipples,e.t.c.

Sometimes due to poor latch some mom's decided to quit breastfeeding.

But remember it takes time and practice to get your baby to a good latch.

Signs of good latch 

 •You feel comfortable and it does not hurt your nipple.

•Your baby's Chin touches your breast.

•You see and hear your child sucking and swallowing. 

•Your newborn should have your entire nipple and approximately 1 inch or more of your areola in their mouth.

•Your newborn is gaining weight and growing in an expected and healthy way. 

Signs of poor Latch

•Your baby is latching on to just your nipple.

•You do not see or hear your baby swallowing.

•Your nipples are sore, and breastfeeding is becoming more and more painful.

•Your breast milk supply is low.

•After you breastfeed your child, they seems unhappy and frustrated, and continue to show signs of hunger.

•Your newborn is losing weight, or not gaining weight at a healthy rate. 

Try these tips to get a good latch

•Support you baby don't force the latch.

•Tickle the baby's lips with your nipple to encourage him or her to open wide.

•Bring baby close so that the baby's chin and lower jaw moves in to your breast.

If you continue to have trouble with your baby's latch, or if you're not sure if your child is latching on correctly, get help from your midwife or lactational consultant.

And now coming to the breastfeeding position.

▪︎First thing is you get comfortable before you start to feed your baby fix your cloth (i.e use a proper clothing like nursing gown or tops),that makes you and your baby comfortable .

▪︎Make sure you have everything to hand so you don't need to move during the feed like burp cloths, your water bottle,e.t.c.

▪︎Next support your back.

▪︎I would highly recommend using a good nursing pillow that makes breastfeeding journey stress free. 

▪︎Get baby in position.

▪︎There are lot of positions to hold you baby to breastfeed two familiar holds  are cradle cross and the football hold.

Cross-cradle hold: 

Useful for premature babies, this hold gives extra head support and may help the baby stay latched. 

Hold your baby along the area opposite from the breast you are using. 

Support your baby's head at the base of his or her neck with the palm of your hand.

Cradle hold: 

An easy, common hold that is comfortable for most mothers and babies. 

Hold your baby with his or her head on your forearm and his or her body facing yours.

 

Football hold:

Useful if you had a C-section, or if you have large breasts, flat or inverted nipples, or a strong let-down reflex. 

This hold is also helpful for babies who like to be in a more upright position when they feed.

Hold your baby at your side with the baby lying on his or her back and with his or her head at the level of your nipple. 

Support your baby's head by placing the palm of your hand at the base of his or her head.

Side-lying position: 

Useful if you had a C-section, but also allows you to rest while the baby breastfeeds. 

Lie on your side with your baby facing you. Pull your baby close so your baby faces your body.

But, when u carryout side lying position , make sure to be awake to monitor your baby,  as chances of compressing baby airway with your breast could be fatal sometimes.. it's also said to cause ear infection in few due to drooling of milk getting stagnant in ears... This two should be taken care on side lying position..

 Laid-back hold: 

Lie back on a pillow. 

Lay your baby against your body with your baby's head just above and between your breasts. 

Support your baby's head and shoulders but don't force the latch.