How do I breast-feed?
Over time, you and your baby will become more comfortable as you get to know each other, and both of you can relax and enjoy the breast-feeding experience.
© DK
When you are breast-feeding, it is important to be comfortable, with your back well supported with cushions. Have a snack and a glass of water by your side because you are likely to be feeding for a while.
Feeding positions
There is no right or wrong position in which to breast-feed your baby. The cradle position is the most popular, in which you and your baby are “tummy to tummy”. You can put a pillow under your baby to raise him or her and to prevent you from leaning forwards. Your baby's body will be in a straight line, with the neck in the proper position to feed. Lying on your side is another common position and can be very relaxing. Again, you should be “tummy to tummy”. The “football-hold” is another position and recommended for mothers of twins who want to feed both babies at the same time. While sitting, place the twins, supported by cushions, on either side of you. Use your arms to support each head, with one arm for each baby.
Latching on
No matter which position you choose, how your baby's mouth is positioned on to your nipple is very important and will help prevent you from getting sore nipples and improve your success at feeding. It will also ensure that your baby gets plenty of milk and that you produce enough.
Babies usually latch on to the breast very naturally. Make sure that you are sitting comfortably before you start, and have a drink and a snack at hand.
To encourage your baby to latch on properly, you will need to touch your nipple to your baby's mouth, tickling the lips at the corners of the mouth. This action stimulates your baby to open his or her mouth wide. When your baby's mouth is open, bring him or her towards you and on to your breast to begin suckling. The entire areola - the pigmented area surrounding the nipple - should be in your baby's mouth while feeding to ensure that your nipple is in the right position. This is because the action of your baby's lips suckling on the areola stimulates milk production.
Breaking the suction
When your baby has finished feeding, you may need to break the suction by inserting your finger into the corner of your baby's mouth. If your baby pulls away without breaking the suction, it can be painful and cause sore nipples.
Remember, during the first few days breast-feeding may be painful, but as your breasts become accustomed to feeding, it will get easier.
Feeding on demand
Breast-feeding should occur on demand, whenever your baby is hungry. It may take a few days to get used to your baby's feeding schedule; however, once you have both settled into a pattern, your milk supply will increase and you will be able to satisfy your baby's needs.
“Let-down” reflex
It is best to begin breast-feeding within the first two hours after giving birth. Do not limit the time for each feed in the early stages. You may find it takes two to three minutes of suckling to stimulate the release of oxytocin, a hormone that causes “let-down”, a process in which milk begins to empty from the breasts.
Let your baby dictate
When your baby stops suckling, he or she should be winded and then placed on the other breast for as long as he or she wants. Feeding should be dictated by the baby and not by the clock. If your baby falls asleep during breast-feeding, pause for a short time and resume when he or she is ready again.
Frequent feeds
A baby who suckles vigorously usually empties the breast in 10-20 minutes after let-down. It may take up to an hour to empty both breasts. Alternating the breast that your baby starts on each time will help ensure even milk production.
Babies will suckle until satisfied and in the first six weeks should feed eight to 12 times during 24 hours. Frequent feeds reduce the risk of breast engorgement, which can cause you discomfort and increase the risk of breast infection.
Lisa Hark, PhD RD & Dr Darwin Deen
Posted 14.02.2011
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