5 steps to easy feeding
Breastfeeding expert Clare Byam-Cook guides you through those first difficult stages...
Step 1 - Get comfy
It’s not surprising that it’s easier to get your baby feeding successfully if you both feel relaxed, so find a comfortable place to sit, where you’re not leaning backwards and your back is fully supported.
Step 2 - Use a pillow
To begin with, you may find feeding easier with the help of a pillow. Position the pillow, or pillows, comfortably on your lap and place your breast on top.
Step 3 - Position your baby
Lay your baby on his side on the pillow, with his tummy close to your body. Hold him firmly (but not roughly), so that his head is fully supported.
Step 4 - Mouth to nipple
Bring your baby close to you, don’t lean forward into him, so that his mouth (not his nose) is in front of your nipple.
Step 5 - Latching on
With his mouth open, move him quickly to your breast and get all the nipple and most of your areola into his mouth before it closes. His nose and chin should be gently pressed against your breast.
Mouth to nipple
If his mouth isn’t wide open and the lips are not curled back then he isn’t latched on correctly. This will make feeding painful and make it harder for your baby to get your milk easily.
Did you know…
“Although you should see, hear and maybe feel long-drawn-out swallowing from your baby, don’t worry if it gets less towards the end of the feed,” says Maura Clark, NCT breastfeeding counsellor. “The milk doesn’t flow as fast towards the end, so the swallowing slows down a bit.”
