It is important that your breastfeeding experience is comfortable and enjoyable so that you have time to bond positively with your baby.  Here are some tips to help you achieve that.

Positioning

• Always sit comfortably with your back and neck well supported on a chair
• Have the baby supported and the head at your breast level
• The baby’s ear, shoulder and hip should be in alignment
• Your nipple should be pointing towards the baby’s nose
• Always reposition the baby and NOT the breast
• Comfortable positions include the CROSS CRADLE, LYING POSITION or FOOTBALL HOLD

Latching

Latching is the most important part of successful breastfeeding. Always get into a well comfortable position to breastfeed. Use a support pillow and a comfortable chair which you can lean back to relax.  Hold your breast (using a C or U hold) and guide the nipple to your baby’s mouth. Aim the nipple to the baby’s upper lip (not the middle of the mouth) with the head slightly tilted back. Try to get as much of the lower portion of the areola in the baby’s mouth.

Successful Latch

A good latch will result in breast feeding which is NOT painful. You will know when you have a good latch when; 

• The baby’s mouth is wide mouth
• The angle of the corner of the mouth is between 130-150 degrees
• The baby’s chin is touching the breast
• The baby’s head is tilted slightly back
• The baby’s nose is NOT touching the breast
• There is circular movement of the jaw rather than rapid chin movements
• There is NO clicking or smacking noises during breastfeeding
• There is NO pain during feeding

If the mouth or nose is in the wrong position, remember to reposition the baby and NOT your breast.  Remember to pump your breast milk regularly to prevent breast engorgement or blocked ducts.

How often should you Express or Pump breastmilk?

Scenario	Duration & Frequency	Suggested mode
New-born unable to suck colostrum	5-10 minutes every 1-2 hours	Express by hand using Marmet technique
To increase milk production	20 minutes every 2 hours (at least 6 times a day)	By hand or using pump
To soften the areola	3-4 times a day	Apply reverse pressure softening with your fingers
To clear blocked duct	Apply compress (cold if painful, warm if no pain)	By hand
Working mother away from your baby	15-30 minutes every 2-3 hours	Using pump (ideally double electric pump)

Discuss with your Doctor, Mid-Wife or Lactation Therapist if you have difficulty breastfeeding your baby

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