Breastfeeding Comfortably
Breastfeeding comfortably can be a challenge, especially for new moms, or moms who have never successfully nursed before.
Contrary to popular belief, nursing should not be painful, and if it is, there is a problem.
The key to breastfeeding comfortably is all in the latch.
A good latch should not be painful, cause cracking, or bleeding.
Here is a quick step by step guide that will help you to breastfeed comfortably.
1.
Turn baby's body into you, so that she is tummy to tummy with you.
Make sure that her hips, shoulders and ear are all in line together.
Try to keep baby as close to you as possible to prevent baby from accidentally breaking her latch by kicking or pushing away.
2.
Support baby's neck with the space between your thumb and pointer finger, but keep the majority of the support and pressure on her shoulders and upper back with one hand, while holding her bum/hips in place with your other hand.
3.
Tip baby's head back, and line your nipple with her nose.
4.
Wait for baby to open her mouth big and wide - as though she is yawning and move her towards your breast (the rule is: baby to you, not you to baby).
5.
Once baby is latched well you can pull her bum as close to you as possible if she moved away from you during the latching process.
If there is pain, there is a problem.
It's OK to break the latch if you feel it's not a good one, or there is pain, and try to latch on again.
If you feel that you have a good latch, but there is still pain, contact your doctor immediately.
In Canada you have to be referred into a breastfeeding clinic/lactation consultant, by your doctor or public health care nurse (depending on your region).
So it's important to seek help right away if you feel you are having issues nursing.
Breastfeeding comfortably will not only help you to establish a good milk supply, and manageable routine with your newborn, but will also help you to bond and enjoy a natural process that should be a positive experience.
Once you have mastered a good latch you'll be surprised to find how easy it can be to multi-task while feeding your baby!
Contrary to popular belief, nursing should not be painful, and if it is, there is a problem.
The key to breastfeeding comfortably is all in the latch.
A good latch should not be painful, cause cracking, or bleeding.
Here is a quick step by step guide that will help you to breastfeed comfortably.
1.
Turn baby's body into you, so that she is tummy to tummy with you.
Make sure that her hips, shoulders and ear are all in line together.
Try to keep baby as close to you as possible to prevent baby from accidentally breaking her latch by kicking or pushing away.
2.
Support baby's neck with the space between your thumb and pointer finger, but keep the majority of the support and pressure on her shoulders and upper back with one hand, while holding her bum/hips in place with your other hand.
3.
Tip baby's head back, and line your nipple with her nose.
4.
Wait for baby to open her mouth big and wide - as though she is yawning and move her towards your breast (the rule is: baby to you, not you to baby).
5.
Once baby is latched well you can pull her bum as close to you as possible if she moved away from you during the latching process.
If there is pain, there is a problem.
It's OK to break the latch if you feel it's not a good one, or there is pain, and try to latch on again.
If you feel that you have a good latch, but there is still pain, contact your doctor immediately.
In Canada you have to be referred into a breastfeeding clinic/lactation consultant, by your doctor or public health care nurse (depending on your region).
So it's important to seek help right away if you feel you are having issues nursing.
Breastfeeding comfortably will not only help you to establish a good milk supply, and manageable routine with your newborn, but will also help you to bond and enjoy a natural process that should be a positive experience.
Once you have mastered a good latch you'll be surprised to find how easy it can be to multi-task while feeding your baby!
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