When it comes to breastfeeding, there are a lot of things that mothers need to know in order to make the experience as smooth and successful as possible.
In this blog post, we will be discussing six important things that all mothers should know about breastfeeding and positioning.
By understanding these concepts, you can help ensure that you and your baby have a positive breastfeeding experience!
The First Few Minutes
When the baby first latches on, it is very important that they are positioned correctly. The first five minutes of breastfeeding can be crucial to your success as a mother.
During this period of time, the baby learns how to latch on and nipple stimulation triggers the muscles in the breast to release prolactin into the bloodstream which stimulates the mammary glands to produce milk.
In order for the baby to be latched on correctly, they should have good positioning with an open mouth and their lips around a large section of the areola (the dark pink area surrounding the nipple).
You should know that the first few weeks of breastfeeding can be stressful and might be a little bit uncomfortable for you.
However, with proper knowledge on how to do it right, it will gradually become better and easier for you. Remember that if you are experiencing any abnormalities, or difficulty getting your baby to drink you should consult with your doctor.
The “C” Hold When Baby Isn’t Latching On Correctly
Sometimes a baby will not latch on correctly (known as “falling off the breast”) at the beginning of a nursing session.
If this happens, there are a few things that can be done to help them re-latch. If the baby is still hungry, they may open their mouth wide for another attempt and take in a large section of the areola. If the baby is not hungry, there are a few things that can be done to help them open their mouth wide.
One method is called the “C” hold. In this hold, the thumb and index finger come together in a C shape to gently compress or pinch the baby’s nose from below while raising their chin with your other hand from above.
The C hold may help open the baby’s mouth wide enough to latch on.
Letting Baby Feed As Long As They Want To
It is important that babies are not forced to stop breastfeeding just because they have taken in a certain amount of milk.
Babies will naturally stop feeding when they are full, which typically works out to about 10 to 20 minutes.
By letting babies feed for as long as they want, the mother is allowing them to get enough milk and will feel satisfied after nursing; this can help avoid future feeding problems like overfeeding or underfeeding.
Using The Right Nipple Angle
When breastfeeding, it is very important that the baby’s nose is in line with the mother’s nipple. If the baby’s nose is not in this position, they may have a difficult time latching on and breastfeeding may become painful for the mom.
In order to achieve optimal positioning, mothers can lean forward when latching on their babies. By leaning forward, you are ensuring that the baby’s nose is lined up with your nipple and you can slowly sit up straight to get a better latch.
Using A Boppy Pillow
A boppy pillow is a versatile breastfeeding accessory that can be used for many different purposes.
It can be an excellent tool for helping mothers get into optimal positions when breastfeeding because it provides the support they need to maintain good posture.
A boppy pillow can also be used to prop up the baby or as a shield to protect the mom’s clothing during feedings.
Laying The Baby Down During Feedings
For most babies, it is easier to fall asleep at the breast when they are laying down on their back. It is important to keep in mind that this position is best used to let the baby fall asleep while feeding on one breast.
After they have fallen asleep, their head should be repositioned to the side rather than lying flat on their back or stomach.
Babies who are positioned flat on their backs or stomachs may suck air and swallow less milk. This means that they will receive less nourishment and will not be able to feed as long as the baby is positioned on his/her side.
Breastfeeding is a natural process that comes with its own set of challenges.
However, armed with the right information, breastfeeding can be an incredibly rewarding experience for both mother and baby. We hope you found this article informative and helpful in your journey to breastfeeding your child.
