Breastfeeding: Latching on & Positioning
Just as important as breastfeeding itself is the manner or style of breastfeeding. Sometimes not breastfeeding your child correctly can lead to problems for both you and/or your child. These problems have the possibility of becoming exacerbated when weaning. It is for this reason that correct breastfeeding techniques as well as types of breastfeeding is important.
Latching On & Positioning
Latching on is when your baby has your nipple in their mouth and they begin to feed or suck milk. It is important that your child latches on correctly in order to prevent your nipples from becoming sore or irritated. Correct latching also allows the baby to drink enough milk. Latching on should be comfortable for both you and your child. If you feel pain, your child is not latched on correctly.
All babies have a “rooting reflex” or a natural tendency to turn towards your breast with their mouth open wide. Having a mouth that is open wide is key to correct latching. Take advantage of your baby’s rooting reflex so that you can have them properly latch on to your nipple. You can make sure of this by gently stroking your baby’s cheek or lips with your nipple. This stroking will make your baby open his or her mouth wide, and you can quickly position their mouth onto your breast.
Remember to position your baby towards your breast and not your breast towards your baby’s mouth. Positioning your breast towards your baby’s mouth can often lead to incorrect latching.
When positioning your baby’s mouth onto your breast, make sure that a large part of your nipple including the areola are inside your baby’s mouth. Your nipple should be at the back of your baby’s throat, and your baby’s tongue should be lying flat. If you are not sure whether or not your nipple is at the back of your baby’s throat, use your baby’s gums as an indicator. Your baby’s gums should cover at least one inch of your areola past the nipple.
When your baby begins to feed, they may tighten their lower lip around your nipple. This is fine, just make sure that the lower lip is everted or turned outwards from the nipple. This is part of proper latching, and it will also allow your baby to get as much milk as possible. If you notice that your baby’s lower lip is inverted, press down gently on your baby’s chin. The lower lip should move outwards or evert.
Page Two: Proper Positioning While Breastfeeding (Breastfeeding: Latching on & Positioning continued)
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