Things to consider...
Positioning
There are several ways to hold a baby to breastfeed although it is important to note that all of them have things in common:
- The position must be comfortable for you to stay in throughout the feed
- The baby needs to be held close to your body, facing your breast
- The baby’s head, neck and body all need to be in a straight line (head and neck not twisted)
- The baby’s nose should be opposite your nipple at the start
- The baby’s head must be free to tilt backwards as he is brought into the breast
Feeding cues
Your baby needs you to respond to their feeding cues. Whenever you feed your baby, hold them close and give them eye contact. Try to feed your baby whenever they ask and for as long as they want at each feed. Some of the feeding cues your baby will display include:
- Hands to mouth
- Turning head
- Licking lips/mouthing
- Squeaking noises
- Light fussing
- Rooting (moving mouth and head as if looking for a feed)
If you’re not breastfeeding, it’s still important to feed your baby whenever they ask and should be little and often. Giving large volumes of formula milk can stretch baby’s stomach and may cause vomiting.
Night feeds
The safest place for your baby to sleep at night is in a cot or a crib beside your bed for the first six months. Your baby needs you to care for them at night and it is normal and beneficial for young babies to wake for feeding and attention during the night.
Night time breastfeeds are especially important for your milk supply. You can make night time feeds easier by:
- Sleeping your baby in the same room as you for at least the first six months
- Learning to breastfeed lying down
Good attachment
Your baby...
- Should have a large mouthful of breast
- Should be pressed into the breast and cheeks should be full and rounded
- May pause from time to time, and will start suckling again without coming off or having to reattach
- Should be relaxed and contented throughout the feed and should come off your breast on his own when he is finished
If any areola is visible, there should be more above the top lip than below the bottom lip and your nipple should look the same shape as when the feed started.
Lastly, the feed should be pain-free and comfortable for you, although the first few sucks may feel quite strong. Initial attachment may hurt for 10-20 seconds if your nipple is already damaged but the rest of the feed should be pain-free.
Monitoring success
For parents who are able to breastfeed, there are a few recommendations for a successful feeding experience: • Try to feed at least once every night – night-time breastfeeds can make more milk!
•Try to feed baby at least eight times in every 24hrs • Offer both breasts at each feed • Watch your baby’s suckling pattern – you should see deep slow rhythmical sucks and swallowing, with short pauses, throughout the feed • Keep baby stimulated and active at breast, by talking, eye contact, stroking her hair etc.
If you think your baby is not feeding effectively, you can ask for help from your midwife or health visiting team. In the meantime, you can try to continue breastfeeding and it may be helpful to express and give your baby the expressed milk as well.
Breastfeeding accessories
There is also a large range of breastfeeding accessories that are designed to help you and your babies feeding life that little bit easier.
