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Breastfeeding Basics

Steps to Successful Breastfeeding

Nursing behavior patterns are established early on, and once set, bad habits are difficult to correct. As a result, it is important to establish and practice proper techniques. A variety of reading materials and videos are available, but assistance from an experienced health care provider is best. Ask for help the first few times, especially while you are still in the hospital. If you are having difficulty when you leave the hospital, contact a doctor or lactation consultant. Here are some of the basics:

Step 1

Depending on which positioning style you use, instructions in this first step will vary. Most women, however, find that sitting up in bed or in a comfortable chair is the easiest position for breastfeeding. Use pillows on your lap, under your arms and behind your back. Putting your feet on a footstool to raise your knees slightly above your hips will eliminate back strain and put your body at the proper angle. If you do not have a stool, use a thick telephone book or an overturned wastebasket. Make sure you are relaxed before you put your baby to your breast.

Make your baby feel comfortable, secure and supported. Nestle the baby in your arm at the level of your breast with his or her head and shoulders supported by your forearm just below your elbow. With your other hand hold your baby's bottom. The baby should be turned toward you, chest to chest, his or her head and trunk in a straight line. The baby should not have to strain his or her head in order to attach to the breast. Tuck the baby's lower arm into the pocket between the two of you; if necessary, hold his or her upper arm down gently with the thumb of your supporting hand. Be careful not to tilt the baby's head down, as it will be difficult for him or her to swallow in that position. A very slight extension of the baby's head, with his or her nose and chin lightly touching your breast, will help keep his or her nose clear.

Step 2

Hold your breast with your fingers underneath and thumb on top, making sure all of your fingers are placed well away from the areola. It may be helpful to roll your nipple between your fingers for a couple of seconds to help it become erect. Then manually express a few drops of milk to entice the baby to take the breast.

Step 3

Gently tickle the baby's lower lip with your nipple to encourage him or her to open his or her mouth wide. The moment your baby opens wide, almost like a yawn, quickly pull him or her in close to you. Do not lean forward in an attempt to put your breast into the baby's mouth. Instead, pull the baby toward you so that he or she has a large mouthful of breast tissue. To effectively empty milk reservoirs, the baby's mouth must be positioned directly over them. If the baby sucks only on the nipple, little milk will be drawn out, and you may become sore.

If your baby doesn't latch on properly, repeat these steps several times until your baby gets the idea. Keep supporting your breast with your hand until the baby is latched on and sucking well. Note—A woman with large breasts may find it more comfortable to help support weight by placing a rolled washcloth or diaper under the breast.

When "let-down" or milk ejection reflex (MER) occurs, many mothers experience a tingling or rushing sensation in the breasts. Other mothers notice only that sucking becomes longer and slower, and that their baby begins to swallow rhythmically. If you feel any discomfort after your baby starts sucking rhythmically, stop, and break the suction by inserting your finger into the corner of your baby's mouth between the gums. Then try again. Latch-on discomfort (not pain) is not unusual in the first weeks while the baby is learning correct positioning and sucking, but breastfeeding should not hurt. In the meantime, take a deep breath, relax and enjoy. As you get used to it, you may even find yourself drifting off to sleep—a good sign the prolactin and oxytocin are flowing.

This publication is for general informational purposes only and it is not intended to provide any reader with specific authority, advice or recommendations. Where you deem necessary, we suggest that you seek advice regarding your particular situation from the appropriate professional.