One of the best things you can do for your baby is breastfeeding. The midwives in the hospital will teach you how to breastfeed and answer your questions.
It can be very daunting at first, but support, knowledge and confidence will help.
- Sit or lie comfortably – with clothing (your own and your baby’s) out of the way.
- Turn your baby’s body towards you – support your baby behind his neck and shoulders (not the head) and hold him level with your breast. Baby’s lower arm can be wrapped around your waist or tucked along his body, which is curved around yours. Hold him in close with his chest against yours, his head tilted back a little.
- Gently touch your baby’s mouth with your breast – to encourage baby to open his mouth wide to search for your nipple or wait until his mouth is wide open. Baby’s tongue needs to be forward and well down.
- Bring your baby to your breast – not your breast to your baby, making sure he takes a good mouthful of breast and areola (the darker area around the nipple). His lips need to be spread, creating a seal and should not appear rolled in.
- Check baby’s chin is well in against your breast – and his nose is clear to breathe freely without your fingers helping. Check that your breast does not look or feel pulled out of shape.
- When your baby is feeding well – his jaw, possibly face muscles and the tips of his ears will move. You may hear him swallowing.
- If it doesn’t feel right – it probably isn’t. Start again. Letting your baby suck in the wrong way can cause problems.
Source: Australian Breastfeeding Association
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