Published: 04/08/2010 by Milk Matters

Breastfeeding should be a pleasant and rewarding experience for all mothers and babies. To this end we have tried to include the most important factors on the site to help you and your baby.

When left together skin to skin for a few hours after birth, most mothers and babies manage to breastfeed quite happily, without much assistance. However this is not something that you have to do on your own. Many mothers appreciate some guidance and reassurance. Learning how to position, latch and about your baby's feeding cues will go a long way to an enjoyable breastfeeding experience for you and your baby.

A Good latch and position will ensure:

* That your nipples do not become sore or cracked
* That your baby gets is as much breastmilk as he wants at each feed
* That your breastmilk supply builds up and is maintained

Positioning

Do not be concerned if you find latching and positioning difficult to master.
Whether lying down or sitting, get comfortable with your back well supported.

* All positions require you to support your baby's neck and shoulders.
* Keep his body close to yours and
* His knees, hips, tummy and nose facing you.
* Position him so that his upper lip or nose is in line with your nipple
* NB The baby goes to the breast not the breast to the baby
* It is far easier to achieve when your baby is not wrapped in a blanket or even better, is held skin to skin.

Here are some breastfeeding positions that may assist you.

1. Mother lying on her side, holding her baby close to her

2. Madonna or cradle position with baby's head resting on mother's forearm.

3. Underarm or rugby ball position, baby is tucked under mother's arms, his feet towards her back. Ideal for twins and premature babies

A Good Latch
Mature healthy babies know instinctively how to find the breast and to breastfeed when left skin to skin with their mothers. Most often we tend to hurry the process along.

* You and your baby need to be warm and comfortable.

* Some babies may need a little coaxing; Hold your baby on his side facing your breast while you support his neck and shoulders.

* Support the breast with your free hand, be sure that your fingers are not touching or too close to the nipple.

* There must be plenty of exposed areola (dark area around the nipple) for your baby to latch onto.

* Touching his mouth with your nipple will encourage him to turn his head towards your breast and open his mouth wide to take the breast i.e. latch.

* For correct latching, the nipple, together with a good part of the areola, should be drawn into your baby's mouth. Pain is an indication of an incorrect latch.

* Lips turned outwards, a strong jaw action and movement of the muscles above your baby's ear would indicate that your baby is latched and suckling well.

* When baby has had enough, he will fall asleep or release the nipple.

* However if you need to stop the feed sooner it is very important that the suction should be broken first; Insert a clean finger into the corner of his mouth between the gums and hold it there while releasing the nipple.

Don't allow your fingers to be in the way of where you want your baby to latch.
Note that the nipple is in line with the baby's upper lip rather than the middle of his mouth

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