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Correct positioning, or latch-on, is a key element
of successful breastfeeding. During the early weeks of breastfeeding while you
and your baby are in the learning process, you will want to pay special
attention to proper positioning and latch-on. Having correct latch-on will:
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Makes milk flow better
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Prevents sore nipples
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Keeps your baby satisfied
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Stimulates a good milk supply
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Helps to prevent overly full (engorged) breasts
Once nursing is well-established, close attention
to these breastfeeding basics is not so crucial unless there is a problem.
Steps to
a successful latch-on:
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Get comfortable, position
baby at breast and relax.
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Place four fingers under
the breast for support, place your thumb on top, well
back from nipple and areola.
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Lightly tickle baby's lower
lip with nipple. Have patience!
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Wait for your baby to open
his/her mouth wide, as if to yawn, then quickly pull
your baby towards you on to your nipple. Several tries
may be necessary at first, but don't give up. It will
work!!! (see below picture)
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The baby's gums should
completely bypass the nipple and cover approximately one inch of the areola
behind the nipple. Make sure the baby's lips are everted. Some baby's will
tighten or purse their lips, especially the lower one. If the lower lip is
inverted (turned in), try simply pressing down on baby's chin to evert the
inwardly turned lip.
Important Points:
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You must bring the baby to the breast, NOT the breast to the
baby.
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Don't let your baby latch-on to the nipple. Get as much of the areola as
you possibly can.
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If you feel pain, or the baby does not seem to be sucking correctly,
stop and start over again.
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If your baby is positioned correctly, his/her nose will be resting on
the top of your breast and not buried in breast tissue.
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DO NOT press down on your breast to obtain breathing space. Even
if the nose is pressed slightly against your breast. The baby's nostrils
should flare out at the sides allowing them to breathe. If you are
concerned about this, just retry the latch-on.
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If your baby was hungry, angry, or crying when put to the breast, the
tongue may rest on top of the nipple, making the "milking movement" of
the mouth impossible. Break the suction with your fingers by placing two
fingers between your breast and the inside corner of your baby's mouth.
Try to calm your baby down and try again.
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Listen for swallowing. You will know if your baby is feeding well if you
see a suck-swallow motion with pauses in between. The jaw movement goes
past the ears, sometimes even making the ears wiggle.
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If your baby wiggles during the feeding, it may be time for a burp. Take
the baby off the breast, remembering to break the suction first, offer a
burp and try your latch-on again.
Please DO NOT let the baby continue to feed
incorrectly, as you can develop painful and damaged nipples, and the baby may
not be able to get enough milk.
Animation of Proper Latch-On
Below is an animated view of how a proper latch-on
should be
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