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All About Breastfeeding Series

Positioning your Baby Position the baby in such a way that both you and the baby are comfortable By The Orange County Breastfeeding Coalition Published: August, 2005

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Right after your baby is born, you can start with breastfeeding. If you know what to look for when attempting a good latch, you may prevent sore nipples and feeding problems. What to look for: Position the baby in such a way that both you and the baby are comfortable. It may be necessary to use a few pillows under your baby or behind your back. The baby’s nose is opposite your nipple. By tickling the upper lip, the baby will open the mouth while tilting the head slightly backward. Try to latch on the baby by pointing your nipple toward the roof of the mouth. In this way, you will see that more of the lower part of the areola is in the baby’s mouth than the upper part. This asymmetrical latch helps the baby get a lot of breast tissue far in the mouth, which prevents sore nipples. If you experience pain, put your finger in the corner of the baby’s mouth to release suction and take him off: Try again until you feel comfortable. Some mothers prefer to support the breast while nursing and to form the nipple while latching on. You can do so, but make sure that the orientation in which you shape the breast is correct. Imagine yourself eating a sandwich sideways: That does not work well. For latching on, this means, in the cradle and cross cradle position, that forming the breast is done with a u-shape hold of your hand under your breast. Always form the nipple so that the baby can easily take the “nipple sandwich” in his mouth. If a baby is squirmy, review the positioning: baby’s head and body form one line, the stomach is turned toward your stomach. Again, imagine how it feels if you would drink a glass of water while looking over your shoulder. You can try out several positions, but always remember that baby’s mouth is wide open, the nipple pointed toward the roof of the mouth and baby does not have to turn the head in order to reach the breast. ­ The Orange County Breastfeeding Coalition (for information, call 949.856.3058 or visit www.ocbreastfeedingcoalition.org).

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