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How to Breastfeed Comfortably

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
Click to view SickKidsInteractive video on Breastfeeding & Latching

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.

Click to view BestBeginnings video on Latching

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?

ScenarioDuration & FrequencySuggested mode
New-born unable to suck colostrum5-10 minutes every 1-2 hoursExpress by hand using Marmet technique
To increase milk production20 minutes every 2 hours (at least 6 times a day)By hand or using pump
To soften the areola3-4 times a dayApply reverse pressure softening with your fingers
To clear blocked ductApply compress (cold if painful, warm if no pain)By hand
Working mother away from your baby15-30 minutes every 2-3 hoursUsing pump (ideally double electric pump)

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


Disclaimer. TELEME blog posts contains general information about health conditions and treatments. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The information is not advice and should not be treated as such. 

If you think you may be suffering from any medical condition, you should seek immediate medical attention from your doctor or other professional healthcare providers. You should never delay seeking medical advice, disregard medical advice, or discontinue medical treatment because of information on this website.

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