As a post-natal doula, I’ve encountered numerous breastfeeding challenges and witnessed the frustration experienced by both mothers and babies when breastfeeding doesn’t go smoothly. One of the most common issues is the lack of a good latch. If you’re aiming to prevent sore, cracked nipples and ensure a comfortable breastfeeding experience for both you and your baby, check out the guide below on how to breastfeed effectively.
First things first, let’s dive into the basics of how to breastfeed!
1. Ensure you’re in a comfortable position!
Sit comfortably in a well-supported position. You can master the array of breastfeeding positions later, but let’s focus on the basics first.
Remember, you’ll be here for a while, so place a comfy cushion behind your lower back, grab a glass of water, and have your feeding pillow ready.
2. Relax your shoulders
This is essential. If your shoulders are up around your ears, your breast shape is distorted, and the baby will not attach properly. So, RELAX! (I know. I make it sound terrifically easy.)
3. The Latch!
- Prop your holding arm and baby up with your feeding pillow, resting across your lap.
- Hold the baby on her side so her tummy is touching yours. She should be lying horizontally across your body.
- Relax your shoulders. RELAX, I said! Teehee…
- Hold the back of the baby’s head and neck, firmly but gently, with the hand that is opposite to the breast you will be starting your feed from.
- Place your thumb and fingers around your areola.
- Hold baby behind the head and tilt her head back slightly, baiting her bottom lip with your nipple until she opens her mouth wide. Resist bringing your breast to the baby. Instead, guide the baby’s head to your breast.
- Watch her mouth scoop all of the nipples, most of the areola, and some breast into her mouth by placing her lower jaw on your breast first and then the rest of her mouth. This needs to be quite a swift motion. Her lips should be wide, and her bottom lip well splayed.
- If you are engorged, expressing a little to soften the area around the areola may allow the baby to attach more easily.
You will know that you have a good latch when:
- Your baby’s chin is pressed into the breast, and her nose is free or just touching the breast slightly.
- Your baby’s lower lip will be turned out (flanged) against the breast. It is normal for the upper lip to rest in a neutral position against the breast.
- Your baby will have most of the areola in her mouth, and her chin will be touching the breast well.
- You may notice your baby’s whole jaw moving as she sucks. Her ears may even wiggle a little.
- Your baby won’t be sucking in air, have hollow cheeks, or be slipping off the breast.
Different ways to hold your baby
There are countless positions for breastfeeding, but after mastering the Cradle Hold, you might want to explore two other common positions. Take a look:
1. Football Hold
This position is perfect if you’ve had a C-section, as there’s no weight applied to that tender tummy. It’s also good for large-breasted women.
Place your feeding pillow at the side of your body. Rest your arm on the pillow and bring your baby’s mouth up to your breast; again, support her head with your hand. Your baby will be lying perpendicular to your body! Watch that her latch is the same as outlined above.
2. Side-Lying Hold
This position is also great if you’ve had a C-section, or if you want to rest while feeding the baby.
Lie on the side you will be feeding on. Make sure your neck is not strained by resting your head on your arm or your feeding pillow. Draw baby close to your chest, using your arm to support her bottom. Her body will be lying parallel to yours. You might need to guide your breast to the baby’s mouth in this instance. Your baby’s latch will remain the same. Ensure she gets a good mouthful of breast.
Frequent Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Should breastfeeding hurt?
It is common for new mums, in the first few weeks, to experience some nipple pain. But if there is any pain beyond the first few sucks, insert a clean pinky finger into the corner of her mouth to release the suction she has on your breast. NB. Don’t EVER pull your baby to get her off your breast. Her suction may be even stronger than you think! Once the baby is removed from the breast, you can start the latching process again.
2. What is that tingling sensation I get after a minute or so?
The tingling or prickling sensation experienced by the breastfeeding mum is known as the ‘let-down reflex’. You may feel a sudden fullness in your breasts and perhaps even see some milk dripping down from the breast you’re not feeding on. This is where your breast pads come in handy!
The sucking of the baby stimulates the production of oxytocin (a hormone) that causes the breast to push out milk, making it easier for the baby to receive. Cells around the areolae contract and squeeze out the milk, pushing it down toward the nipple for the baby to drink. Incredible, hey!?
The funny (and sometimes inconvenient!) thing about the let-down is that it can be triggered by simply touching your breast and nipple area or even by hearing or thinking of a baby! (any baby!)
You may notice that your baby’s sucking pattern changes from a quick suck to a rhythmic suck-swallow pattern as the milk begins to flow freely.
3. How many times do I breastfeed in a day?
The frequency of breastfeeding varies a lot, with a mum potentially feeding anywhere between 8-12 times within a 24-hour period.
However, determining the exact number of feeds required by your baby isn’t a precise science. The most reliable method is to watch and respond to her feeding ‘cues’. Although babies may cry a lot, you’ll become familiar with which cries mean what as you decode their incredible baby language.
The number of feeds a baby receives largely depends on factors such as the baby’s age, the mum’s breast storage volume, and environmental conditions like temperature. It’s crucial to recognize that breastfeeding serves as more than just a means of nourishment; it’s a form of reassurance and ‘connection’ between babies and their mothers. So, remember mums, breastfeeding is more than just a conveyor belt to food.
Tips to Ease Shoulder and Neck Pain While Breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding can be a wonderful experience, but it can also be a source of shoulder and neck pain for many women. Here are some tips to help ease shoulder and neck pain while breastfeeding:
1. Find a comfortable position: Experiment with different breastfeeding positions to find one that is comfortable for you and your baby. You may need to try different positions until you find one that doesn’t cause you pain.
2. Use a Mamaway Nursing Moon Pillow: A nursing pillow can help support your baby’s weight and take some of the pressure off your shoulders and neck.
3. Take breaks: Breastfeeding can be a time-consuming process, so it’s important to take breaks to rest your muscles. Try to take a break every 20 minutes or so to stretch your neck and shoulders.
4. Use heat therapy: Applying heat to your neck and shoulders can help ease pain and tension. You can use a hot water bottle, or a heating pad, or take a warm shower before breastfeeding.
5. Practice good posture: Poor posture can cause shoulder and neck pain, so sitting up straight while breastfeeding is important. Make sure your back is supported and your shoulders are relaxed.
6. Massage: Gently massaging your shoulders and neck can help ease tension and promote relaxation. You can use your fingers, a massage ball, or a foam roller.
7. Seek professional help: If your pain persists, it may be a good idea to seek help from a healthcare professional, such as a lactation consultant, physical therapist, or chiropractor. They can provide specific advice and treatment options tailored to your needs.
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