Breastfeeding - a 'How to' guide

The choice about whether or not you will breastfeed it an individual one. Some mothers dislike the idea of breastfeeding or have had previous bad experience. However no one can argue the fact the breastfeeding is the best thing you can do for your baby, even if you only manage 3 days.

For those who go on to breastfeed for longer it can be one of the most rewarding experiences you will have with your baby.

There is a lot of information available on why we should choose to breastfeed our children and many women go through their pregnancies with the desire to breastfeed. However it is not always that easy. Breastfeeding is a skill which needs to be learnt and it is important to have someone around you who can help, for example a trained midwife, health visitor or breastfeeding advisor.

Below is a guide which should help to show you the basics. The important thing to remember is to stick with it, it will come and when it does it is the most rewarding and natural experience.

The most important thing before you start is to be comfortable. You may be sat in the same position for some time. Make sure you have cushions around you and everything you might need. A glass of water should be on hand as breastfeeding makes you very thirsty. Also a pillow or V shaped cushion to lay the baby on, on your lap, can be very helpful especially in those early days.

How to attach your baby

First hold your baby close to you, with her nose level with your nipple.

Wait for her mouth to open her mouth really wide, with her tongue down. You can encourage this by gently touching or stroking her top or by squeezing a drop of milk from your nipple and put on her lip. This encourages the reflex all babies have to feed. When her mouth is open really wide, quickly bring her head closer to your breast.

Your baby will then tilt her head back and come towards your breast chin first. She needs to take a big mouthful of breast, with your nipple going towards the roof of her mouth.

How to tell your baby is feeding correctly

Your baby should have a large mouthful of breast with her chin touching your breast. She should suck rhythmically and is normal for her to pause sometimes. You will see her swallowing. If you feel that she is not properly attached it is ok to put your little finger inside her mouth to release the suction, and then reposition her. (Don’t just pull her off as this will hurt your nipple.)

Your baby should finish her feed and come off the breast on her own. Allow her to empty one breast before offering her the other. After a feed your baby should appear satisfied and your nipples and breasts should not feel sore. After the first few days your baby will have on average 6 wet nappies and 2 yellowy stools per day (although this changes with every baby).

Positions for breastfeeding

There are lots of different ways to feed your baby so if one way does not work for you there are other options. You may find you change the way you feed your baby as your baby grows and becomes heavier.

• Lying down. Lay on your side, facing your baby with your bodies parallel. This can be a great way to feed in the first few days if you are tired following the birth or have had a caesarean. It is also a good way to feed at night if you take baby into bed with you. Just remember to put baby back in her crib when she has finished her feed.
• Cradle hold. This is the most common hold. You hold your baby across your lap, sometimes with a cushion for support, so your babies head is level with your breast. You can use one arm to support your baby and the other to position your breast if necessary. (Remember to bring baby to breast - not breast to baby).
• Rugby hold. You hold baby underarm and attach baby to breast on same side. This position is good for large breasted mothers and those who have had a caesarean section. It also allows a great view of the breast so can be used if you have problems latching on.
• Sitting hold. This is for older babies who can sit up. Baby sits across your lap facing you, with her legs either side of your tummy. It is useful if baby has a blocked nose or ears.

This list is not exhaustive and you may find another position which works for you. As long as baby is latched on correctly and getting enough milk then it does not matter which position you feed it.

I hope this helps any new mothers hoping to feed. If you have any other questions please ask in the breastfeeding forum and someone will be able to help you.

This is a members article written by Madzwalker