We are going to talk about the right way to breast feed a baby. The right way is important because this is what ensures that the baby gets enough milk and will also help in preventing various problems that nursing mothers complain like soreness and pain of nipples. We will be looking at some pictures to help us in understanding the right positions and techniques of breastfeeding.

1. Breastfeeding technique – An introduction (picture 1):

Let us begin by seeing a close-up picture demonstrating correct breastfeeding position. In the picture above you see that baby has properly latched on to the breast and baby’s gums are beyond the nipple pressing the areola.

2. Mother’s position (tummy-to-tummy technique – picture 2):

When a mother is beginning to breast feed, the best technique is to have the sitting position. So the mother should comfortably sit on the bed or a chair. This technique is also sometimes referred to as tummy-to-tummy position. The name itself suggests that the tummy of mother and tummy of baby should be facing each other. This is very well demonstrated in picture 2.

To be comfortable, use of pillows is advised. You can use them behind your back, below your legs, on your side, or wherever you feel they would make you comfortable. The only thing to bear in mind is to just be relaxed with no straining of the muscles.

3. Baby’s position (breast comfortably near the mouth – picture 3):

The baby’s body should be facing you in such a way that baby’s head is supported by your elbow’s crook and your forearm supports his body. One thing to make sure is that baby’s head and hips should be in a straight line. Other important thing to keep in mind is that baby’s face should be at the level of the breast. The position should be such that it requires neither you bending to reach the baby nor the baby should have any problem in reaching the nipple.

4. Positioning baby’s face (picture 4):

The correct position for the baby is when his gums are on top of the areola. (Areola is the area around the nipple that is dark in color.) It is in this position that the sinuses behind the areola are pressed and the milk then easily expresses. If the baby just loosely latches on to the nipple then this would result in his chewing the nipple and this in turn could lead to breast soreness and cracking of nipples. Not only this, improper positioning may also lead to your thinking that the baby has had his fill however he may not be getting enough milk.

5. Getting the baby to latch correctly (picture 5):

The most important thing for any new mother is to get the baby to latch on to the breast properly. Some mothers are able to do it instantly while some may take a little while to get a hang of it. To guide the baby, mothers sometimes may have to tickle lips of the baby with the nipple. In case the baby turns the head away, you may need to stroke gently the cheek (near the nipple) of the baby. A reflex, commonly known as rooting reflex, should make the baby turn his head back to the nipple. If this is not successful then you should repeat the tickling and try talking to the baby to encourage him into opening his mouth and latch to the breast. As soon as the baby opens his mouth, put the nipple into his mouth and pull him towards yourself with the arm that’s holding the baby.

6. Correct way of sucking (picture 6):

Proper sucking happens when the baby has his mouth deep on the breast in such a way that baby’s gums cover both the nipple and go past it by about an inch. This region beyond the nipple is called areola and milk sinuses are present here and only when this area is pressed that milk is released. Another important thing to observe is that baby’s nose is mildly touching the breast and the breast is not obstructing his breathing. Generally when the nose touches the breast, the babies are able to breathe without any difficulty. However, when mothers lean toward the baby and bend down and the breast is pressed onto baby’s mouth that he may cause him to have difficulty in breathing but this rarely happens as mothers mostly are able to position properly.