Breastfeeding Basic- Latching On

As the baby sucks, u should be able to see the jaw and ears moving and hear swallowing. If u can hear smacking sounds or the baby's cheeks are drawing in,he is not latched on properly..

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1. Hold your baby close to you, tummy against yours and nose opposite your nipple. Make sure the baby is completely on his side, with head, shoulders and back forming a straight line

2. Support your breast with your fingers, keeping them clear of the areola. Your baby may open his mouth and reach towards the nipple. If not, brush the baby's lower lips or his cheeks with your nipple

3. As the baby's mouth open very wide, gently draw the shoulders towards you so that the baby can take the nipple and as much as possible of the areola into the mouth.

The gums should close well clear of the nipple. If you feel discomfort for more than a few seconds, wet your little finger and slip it into the side of baby's mouth to release the suction. Take the baby off the breast, then try again.

What Not To Do..

• Don't put your hand behind the baby's head and pull it towards you. The baby will arch away.
• Don't position your nipple opposite the baby's mouth. Make sure that it is in the line with the nose, or the baby won't be able to draw it deeply enough into the mouth
• Don't press on your breast to make an airspace for the baby's nose - you could cause a blockage in a milk duct or move the nipple out of position. If the nose is squashed, try moving the baby's bottom closer to your body to create space.
• Don't continue if you feel pain that lasts more than a few seconds. Take the baby off and start again