Proper Positioning While Breastfeeding (Breastfeeding: Latching on & Positioning continued)
A baby has to be awake and alert to latch on properly. If your baby takes a few sucks and goes to sleep, this could mean that they were not latched on properly. In order to prevent this from happening, keep your baby alert while feeding. This will keep them properly latched on the entire time. Another sign that your baby is not properly latched on is when your baby is squirming while feeding. There are times when your baby may have to stop feeding in order to catch their breath (usually when the milk flow is very fast,) and this is normal. It is constant movement that is a signal of incorrect latching.
When your baby feeds, they should be calm and relaxed until they are finished. When they are finished, they will let go of your breast or turn their head away. Feeding times vary depending on the baby. Some baby’s feed for a few minutes while other baby’s feed for much longer. In the beginning, a newborn feeds anywhere from ten to twenty minutes. If your baby lets go of your breast you can try offering the other one to see if they are still hungry, but remember to never force feed your baby.
If you feel any pain while breastfeeding or if your baby seems to have a difficult time feeding or sucking, stop your baby by putting your finger on the side of your baby’s mouth, between their gums. This will break the suction between your nipple and your baby’s mouth. Remember that pain is usually a signal for incorrect latching. Never allow your baby to feed incorrectly as this can damage your nipples. When you feel pain, break the suction and try latching on again.
While your baby feeds, their head should be tipped backward, freeing their nose from your breast and allowing them to breathe easily. If you need to push your breast downward or inward so your baby’s nose can breathe, their head may not be tipped back enough. A good indicator that your baby is in correct position is if their chin touches your breast. Also, if you can see your areola, you should be able to see more on top of your baby’s top lip and less by the bottom lip. This is proper positioning.
Proper positioning can help your baby latch on well, and it also helps your baby obtain milk easily. The most popular way of holding your baby is to use the cradle position. This is when you hold your baby in the crook of your arm, and they are pressed against you almost stomach to stomach. Usually this position is used when a baby has gained strong head control or when they are a few weeks old.
To feed a newborn using this position, a mother will have to support the baby’s head with her forearm or gently hold it with her other hand. You can probably see how holding your baby’s head can be uncomfortable for both of you. So you can wait till your baby is older to try this position.
The most popular position for a newborn baby is the cross cradle position. This is when the mother supports the baby on the arm opposite the breast for feeding. For example, if you are holding your baby with your left arm, your baby’s butt should be in the crook of your arm or where your elbow bends. Support your baby’s body with your forearm, and use your thumb and forefinger to support their head (usually one finger behind each ear.)
Next, press your baby’s stomach to yours. You will notice that your baby’s nose and mouth are right by your right breast and nipple. Help your baby latch on to your nipple by gently squeezing your nipple area so that it fits easily into your baby’s mouth. If it is comfortable for both you and your baby, you can continue feeding till your baby is full.
Page Three: More Breastfeeding Positions (Breastfeeding: Latching on & Positioning continued) |
