Here are a few tips on starting breastfeeding and the best way to position baby at the breast.
Either sit up in bed, or sit on a chair, choosing a low chair or raising your feet so your lap is flat. Get as comfortable as possible, preferably with your elbow supported on the chair arm or one or more cushions so your arm doesn’t have to take all the baby’s weight (which could make your back and shoulders ache). Sit upright, perhaps slightly leaning forward. If your breast is tense, soften it before a feed by expressing a little milk, as this makes latching on easier. It may help to put the baby on a pillow on your lap.Tummy To MummyA good way of holding your baby is to put him in the crook of your arm with your hand under his bottom, and use this arm to position him so his face, chest, tummy and knees all face your body (remember, ‘tummy to mummy’) and his ear and shoulder are in a straight line; that way he won’t have to turn his head to the breast to feed.
You can either have his head resting on your arm, or support him with your other hand around his shoulder. Some mothers prefer to hold their baby with their other arm, with the baby’s bottom in the crook of their arm, and their hand cradling the baby’s head; some babies, though, dislike having their head cradled this way, and push back against it, away from the breast. If necessary tuck his lower arm around your side to keep it out of the way. His neck should be extended (meaning his chin is up and his head not bent down).Rooting ReflexMove him gently towards your breast. Don't push his head or his rooting reflex - a searching movement that’s natural in newborns - will make him turn his head away from the breast. Move him if necessary so his upper lip and nose are at the same height as your nipple, his chin is against your breast, and his bottom is no further away from you than his chest is.
He may automatically open his mouth wide; otherwise, stroke his lower lip with your nipple until he opens his mouth wide (don’t tickle his upper lip, though, as this would mean he wouldn’t open his mouth as wide; don’t tickle both lips either, as he’d probably find this confusing). Check nothing else is touching his mouth, such as a sheet or clothing, as this could trigger his rooting reflex and make him turn towards it.
Some babies get excited and lick the nipple, perhaps even starting to feed; others hold it in their mouths and don’t latch on properly and start sucking and milking until later. They aren’t in any hurry and simply gaze at their mother.
There’s no need for most women to hold their breast. However, if your breast is very big you may need to hold it back so it doesn't obstruct his nose - though be careful not to squeeze it too much as this could obstruct the milk ducts. Some women find it helps to support the breast gently from underneath with the flat of their upturned hand, but avoid lifting or squeezing as this can obstruct the milk ducts.
Once breastfeeding is established, you and your baby will find your own individual way. Reading how to breastfeed may sound complicated but honestly, it's the most natural thing in the world and just takes a bit of practice.
Dr. Penny Stanway
June 2009
You can buy Dr. Stanway's book 'Breast is Best' here |
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