When breastfeeding is going well very little can measure up to the confidence, joy and intimacy of a mum's experience and, naturally, your baby will be in its element too

Many expectant mums are told that breastfeeding comes naturally and that the baby instinctively knows exactly how to feed. However, whilst wanting to breastfeed your baby is natural, breastfeeding itself is very much a learnt skill. Every breastfeeding mother is different, and what works for you may well not work for your sister or best friend.

Before starting, make sure that you are comfortable and have everything you need within reach. There is no ideal position when breast feeding, as every mother uses the one she finds most comfortable for her and her baby. That said, the position used to attach a baby onto the breast is extremely important and determines how successful the breast feeding actually is.

Remember, all breasts and nipples are different. If your nipple is pointing forward, your baby will come straight onto the breast. However, if you have larger breasts your nipples may point downward, so your baby will need to be underneath the breast slightly and come onto it at a slight angle.

Line your baby's nose to nipple and he will be able to access and scoop up the areola, the area around your nipple, close to the lower lip. Don't try to get baby to take in the entire areola - this will only happen if they're tiny! Try to make sure that both baby's cheeks are touching the breast throughout the feed so that your baby can drain the upper and lower halves of the breast.

Once your baby is latched onto the breast, you should feel a strong tugging sensation - don't worry if it feels a little uncomfortable, this can be the case with some mums but rest assured it is the correct sensation. Professor Guido Moro, Director at the Neonatology Operating unit and Neonatal Intensive Care unit at the Macedonio Melloni Hospital in Milan, explains: 'At the beginning, it's normal for the strong sucking of the baby to elongate the nipple and the areola tissues, which causes a certain amount of discomfort. When the baby is not positioned correctly, this will cause harsh tugging at the nipples which can lead to severe discomfort and pain to both the nipples and the breasts; over time this can even cause painful cracks and chaps, which take time to heal.'

The use of a feeding pillow makes it much easier to find a variety of comfortable feeding positions, whatever the circumstance or environment. Prof. Guido Moro says: 'A feeding pillow can be a great help for mother and baby during nursing. Without a pillow, the mother's arm muscles tire more easily and the baby can slowly slide downwards, which changes the way he suckles on the breast, something that can be rather painful for the nipples.'

A good feeding pillow can significantly help mothers when breastfeeding by:

reducing the tension that builds up in the back, neck and shoulders of mothers during feeding

relieving the pressure on the mother's tummy during feeding

providing secure support for babies whilst they suck;

maintaining a consistency which is not too soft or too hard.

Prof. Guido Moro continues: 'The correct choice of a feeding pillow is essential for ensuring that the baby attaches onto the breast properly, making breast-feeding enjoyable without pain. A good feeding pillow can also be used to support newborn babies after breast-feeding, so that the baby's head is propped up which reduces regurgitation after a meal, which nearly all babies can suffer from in the first few months.' He adds: 'It is important to emphasise that feeding pillows are very important for the wellbeing of mothers and babies, before, during and after the breastfeeding stage.'

The award-winning Boppy feeding pillow creates an ergonomic 'nest' shape, which embraces and cuddles baby making them feel safe and protected and helps to aid the feeding process. A 'Miracle Middle' which adapts to the shape of each and every mum guarantees a snug and secure fit and the exclusive fibre padding used in each pillow means it keeps its shape and is incredibly supportive and comfortable.

Designed by a mum for mums, Boppy is a pillow designed to adapt with your baby giving you and them support, right from the first few days.

Boppy has been tested and recommended by the Chicco Observatory, Artsana's Nursery Research Centre based near Milan. They work in collaboration with mums, doctors, expert pediatricians, children's associations and nurseries to develop specific and safe products for the phases of child growth. The Boppy Pillow comes on its own or with a cotton or velour slipcover. There are five cotton designs to choose from; Lots of Dots, Wild Flowers, LilyPad, Crazy Cars and Flowers and chocolates. The three velour covers all have double sided patterns and come in Teddy Bear Pillow, Dots & Lines and Blue Mod Squares designs.

The range is available to buy from Mothercare and all good nursery stores. For more details visit www.boppyworld.co.uk or call 01623 750 870.

Win a Boppy Pillow Here!

June 2010

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