This is probably your first stop on our microsite, as learning how to feed your baby is the core knowledge we all want. If you've read up on this topic, your baby's instinct is to suckle directly on your breast to feed. But sometimes, not everything happens correctly::
First of all, relax, Mom! YOU can do it. In this section, we'll cover the key points to successfully breastfeeding your baby in these early days.
It is often said that babies have the instinct to suckle and will seek your nipple during the "Golden Hour", but some mommies get desperate, either because it is the first time they breastfeed or because they experience different circumstances than with their previous children and do not know how to identify if the baby is latching on correctly.
How to help my baby? It is recommended that you have direct and personal support during these moments; in many hospitals, nursing staff with breastfeeding counseling can help you and your baby achieve a proper latch. It is crucial that in the first moments of your baby's birth, you try to attach the baby to your bare breast; your warmth and pheromones will encourage the baby to find the nipple.
Another option you can take is to cradle your baby with one arm, use the other hand to grab your breast, crushing your nipple and aureole a little and direct it towards your baby's nose, with an up-down movement, looking for the baby to open his mouth, to introduce not only the nipple but most of the aureole and thus, perform the suction. This latch-on is known as the "hamburger technique" because of the simulation of eating this food.
This position ensures that the basic points for a correct grip are met:
- The mouth covers the halo
- Lips protrude outward in the shape of a pacifier (everted lips)
- The chin touches the chest
- The baby's head and body are in a straight line.
Like many things, you may not get it right the first time, the key to everything is consistency. Even if it's your first time, the suckling sensation is very special and characteristic because of the force with which your baby pulls on your nipple. If you do not identify this pull, there are many different breastfeeding positions.
It is also important to note that breastfeeding should not be painful: For a first-timer, of course it can be uncomfortable, and as you get used to it, you will probably need additional support such as nipple shields (which are plastic cups that are placed over the nipples to avoid direct contact) or lanolin, to relieve a sore or injured nipple, however, if at the moment you feel a lot of pain when breastfeeding, it is almost always due to a bad latch.
Your baby stays hungry
Sadly, this is one of the most common myths in the health field, sometimes even encouraged by health specialists, which can be a determining factor in avoiding breastfeeding.
Once the baby is born, the biochemical processes help you produce enough milk to meet your baby's needs. And it is important that mothers know that it is enough to meet the baby's needs since there is a myth that the milk flow is not enough for the baby. Sometimes medical staff even convinces the mother that she doesn't have enough milk; this is the thought when the baby is irritable and seems to be hungry all the time, then we resort to formula to calm the baby down.
This is a huge mistake, because, although everything may turn out well in the end, there is a big possibility that breastfeeding will not be established correctly, making the baby dependent on formula, with the risk that even formula will completely replace breastfeeding.
To learn more about this topic, we recommend that you visit our sections:
- Breastfeeding Preparation
- Breastfeeding on Demand
- Growth Spurts and Separation Distress
- Breastfeeding Myths and Problems
Breastfeeding Positions
Choosing a position to breastfeed your daughter or son is very personal; it should be comfortable and easy for you both.
Remember that an important part of the latch also has to do with this part, since it is an activity that you will constantly be doing, the quality of the latch will depend on avoiding unnecessary fatigue.
Below, we show you the most used positions; remember, there is no right or wrong way; find one where you and your baby feel the most comfortable.
Lying down
This position is perfect for you to rest, after delivery or during the night and it's the first one that is usually tried. Lie on your side, and place the baby in front of your chest to bring him closer to you. The baby will be leaning on the bed while you hold his back and support him with your other hand.
It is the most used by all, sit with your back supported, place your baby's head on your arm, with one hand on his back to bring him closer to your chest, use your free hand to direct your chest so that the correct latch is made. A breastfeeding cushion can support you to avoid arm fatigue when holding your baby.
Similar to the previous one, but the point of support changes, changing the arm that holds the baby to provide greater control to better direct your breast.
Also known as the axillary or docking position, it is a good option if you had a cesarean section because it prevents the baby from resting on your stomach because of the scar. You sit with your baby leaning on your forearm, his body slightly curved on his side with his feet facing the back of the chair or place where you are.
This position is ideal for the control you need, as well as giving you a perfect view of his face and the security your newborn needs.
Also known as biological breastfeeding, it is often the first position used by moms. Place your baby on your chest or belly (if it was a cesarean delivery, be careful) and if all goes well, he will instinctively seek his way to your breasts. The contact with your skin will help stimulate his feeding instincts
Here are some video guides:
Speaking of the baby's gas and burping, if the latch is correct, breastfeeding does not produce gas since there is no possibility of gas entering if the seal is correct.
If you ned to rely on complementary feeding, if you feed your baby with a bottle, syringe, or cup, or if the latch isn't correct, burping your baby will be necessary. This video will be useful to guide: video