Breastfeeding Positions

When you are new mother, there are a number of things that you have to learn and teach your baby. One of them is to breast-feed. Sit down comfortably. The baby should be on his side facing you. Tuck the baby close to you, with his head on your forearm. His nose should be opposite your nipple and in level with it. If you find it easier use a pillow at first. When his mouth is wide open, bring him towards your breast, allow him to take as much of your breast as possible. His tongue should be under your breast. If your breast hurts a lot or he manages to dislodge himself, start again. Repeat this till you get it right and feel him lodged firmly. Things you should be able to see:

• Baby tucked close to your body.
• The chin should be against your breast and stretched upward and not tucked in.
• Mouth should be open wide and their bottom lip should curl outwards.
• There should be movement of the face and jaw.
• Lower lip should take in more of the areola that the upper lip.

Things that you shouldn't see:

• Cheeks that are sucked in.
• Lip action as if they are sucking a straw.

Sounds you should hear:

• Slow and quick sounds of milk being swallowed.

Sounds you should not hear:

• Clicking noises
• Smacking lips

You should feel:

• Being firmly gripped.
• Feel the letdown reflex, a tingling feeling in the breasts, usually when feeding begins as the milk flows to the baby.
• Slight pain when the baby begins to feed, in the initial weeks.

You should not feel:

• Pain lasting longer than the initial momentary pain.

If you feel, hear and see things that you shouldn't, then put your finger gently inside the baby's mouth, between the corner of his mouth and your breast. This will stop his suckling and prevent you from becoming sore. Re-position the baby.

Before you begin breast-feeding, make sure that you are comfortable, relaxed and have enough support. Make whatever arrangements are required to keep you comfortable while feeding. Remember the following:

• Tuck the baby close to you
• His ear, shoulder and hip should be in the same line and not twisted.
• Always ensure the baby is facing your breast, if he is turning away feeding becomes more difficult for them.

Memorize 'tummy to mummy/chest to chest/nose to nipple/chin to breast'.

There are a number of positions to breast-feed a baby. Here are a few of them:

Traditional position: Keep a few pillows on your lap; place the baby on it so that he is on the same level as your breasts. Support his head with your forearm in such a way that the rest of his body in across your stomach. You can help by cupping his head in your hand (use your right hand for left breast and vice versa).

Underarm position: Arrange a few cushions at your side and place the baby on it in such a way that his legs are pointing behind you. Hold your baby in such a way with your right hand that you cradle his head while he feeds from your right breast. Women with Caesarean section use this position use this position to avoid pressure on the scar. Twins can be breast-fed together using this position.

Lying down: Lie on the bed with your head resting on a pillow and place the baby close to you. The bed will give them the support they need. With your free hand bring them to your breast and support them. Keep pillows behind your back to prevent a backache.

Find a position that is comfortable for both you and your baby so that breast-feeding is easy.