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7
Tips for Getting Baby Latched On to the Breast
Get your nursing
off and running with these helpful hints.
You're new to
this and so is your baby, so getting a nursing session off and running
may take practice. Try this:
1. Hold her the right way. Nurses or a lactation consultant in the
hospital can help you, or you can practice in a breastfeeding class
before or after the birth. (While many books have breastfeeding illustrations,
nothing beats having someone physically put you in the right position.)
There are several possible holds, from the traditional cradle hold
(belly to belly) or the football hold (baby beside you, her head at
your breast). Whichever you use, baby shouldn't have to turn her head
or strain to reach you.
2. Lift your breast with your free hand. Especially in the first weeks,
your breast will be so heavy that you'll have to support it with your
fingers. Holding it also helps you guide baby to it.
3. Hold your baby's back and neck with your other hand. Supporting
those, rather than her head, will allow you to lift her easily.
4. Get her to
open wide. You need baby to take half or more of the areola (the dark
part around your nipple) into her mouth. Try tickling her cheek or
lower lip with your nipple, then waiting for her to open as wide as
a yawn.
5. Pull her to
you quickly. Once baby's mouth is open, you need to get her on the
breast fast, before she begins to close down. But don't bend down
to her--she'll get a better hold if you lift her to you. The hardest
part: Getting used to moving her with confidence. You don't need to
use force, of course, but you'll help her if you put her on gently
but firmly. Her chin should press into your breast.
6. Check her
mouth's position. Her lips should splay out, and you shouldn't be
able to see much if any of your areola.
7. Relax and
breathe. This is more for you than the baby. In the beginning, you
may find yourself sitting stiffly, hunching your shoulders, and leaning
over too far, which strains your lower back. Practice breathing slowly,
relaxing your shoulders, and sitting back into the chair as much as
you can.
Latch-On Checklist
Studies show that newborns are capable of a good latch-on in the hour
immediately following birth. Experts recommend putting your baby to
the breast as soon as you can after delivery--it may make subsequent
latch-ons easier.
Your baby should
have:
His chin pressed
into your breast
His nose nearly touching your breast
His lips splayed out wide
All of your nipple in his mouth--you should only be able to see half
or less of the areola (the dark area around your nipple)
You should feel:
A gentle sucking. Latch-on may hurt for the first few seconds and
could make you sore for as long as a minute, but if you feel pain
longer than that, disengage baby's mouth (using your index finger)
and try again.
Comfortable enough to stay in the position for anywhere between 10
to 40 minutes. Lean back into the chair, try to relax your shoulders,
and breathe.
Your
should know:
The
information on this Web site is designed for educational purposes
only. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical
advice or care. You should not use this information to diagnose
or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your
pediatrician or family doctor. Please consult a doctor with any
questions or concerns you might have regarding your or your child's
condition.
Rebornne Baby. American Baby
