How To Breastfeed Properly

Many new mothers become frustrated because their baby is having a hard time breastfeeding. They may expect it to come naturally, but the truth is, it can take some practice before your baby is able to breastfeed. It’s important to know how to properly breastfeed for the experience to be comfortable for both the mother and baby. Here’s how to properly breastfeed:

1. Sit somewhere comfortable. If you are having trouble breastfeeding, consider your location. Are you trying to breastfeed with other people in the same room, or while sitting on an uncomfortable chair? It is up to you whether your shirt is on or off; some women prefer to cover their baby’s head with a blanket while nursing. If you aren’t comfortable, you may not be relaxed enough for breastfeeding to work, and you’ll be more likely to give up before it works.
2. Place your baby in the right position. Position your baby on his side, so that he is directly facing you with his stomach touching yours. Prop him up with a pillow, if necessary, and hold his head up to your breast. There are many other ways to hold a nursing baby, so if this one doesn’t work for you, consider other methods.
3. Help the baby latch. Gently stoke your baby’s mouth using your breast. Your baby will likely open his mouth if he is hungry. He may also move his lips or make a sucking face. If your baby opens his mouth very wide, this is good. If the mouth is not open wide, the baby probably won’t latch correctly. Attempt to place your nipple in his mouth. He is latched correctly if his lips are covering nearly all of your areola. If this is the case, it should not hurt for you to breastfeed.
4. Try the latch again. If it is painful to you, the baby is likely not latched on correctly. If most of your areola can be seen around his lips, then gently pull him away from your breast by sliding your fingers between your breast and your baby’s mouth, and try again.
5. Let him nurse. Once he latches correctly, let your baby nurse for as long as he seems hungry. Your baby will need nursing every hour and a half or every two hours; this should increase your milk supply to what you’ll need in order for breastfeeding to be successful. Feed on demand until your baby establishes a natural feeding schedule.
6. Be patient. The first days or weeks of nursing are very challenging for many new mothers. If your baby does not latch on correctly, keep trying until it works.

Learning to breastfeed properly can take patience and persistence. Even with these tips in mind, don’t be surprised if your newborn doesn’t latch on right away. If you are still having trouble getting your baby to latch on, you may want to consider visiting a lactation consultant who can help you determine the issue.