Baptist Health wants to ensure you have the information you need to make the breastfeeding process go as smoothly as possible. Read on for the top tips you need to know.
Breastfeeding well
A baby who breastfeeds well cues (shows readiness) for feedings, is in a good feeding position, latches-on (attaches) deeply at the breast, and moves milk forward from the breast and into his or her mouth. It is also comfortable for the mother.Feeding cues
A baby has to wake up and let his or her mother know that he or she wants to eat. This is called showing feeding cues. A baby should show he or she is hungry 8 to 12 times in a 24-hour period. Watch your baby and begin breastfeeding when you see your baby:- Licking
- Making sucking movements
- Rooting
- Bobbing the head against the mattress or your neck or shoulder
- Bringing hands to face or mouth
- Squawking
Feeding positions
It will be easier for your baby to latch-on if he or she is snugly in a good position for feeding. The most common feeding positions include the following:- Cradle. The baby is held in the crook or elbow area of the arm on same side as breast to be used for feeding. The mother supports breast with opposite hand. The baby’s body is rolled in toward mother’s body so they are belly-to-belly. You should not be able to see the baby’s arm closest to your body.
- Cross-cradle. The baby’s head is supported by the hand opposite the breast to be used for feeding. The mother supports breast with hand. The baby is rolled in toward mother’s body belly-to-belly. As in the cradle hold, you should not be able to see the baby’s arm closest to your body.
- Football or clutch. Baby’s head is supported by the hand on the same side as breast to be used for feeding. The baby’s body is supported on a pillow and tucked under the arm on the same side as breast to be used for feeding. Many women who have had a cesarean delivery prefer this position as it keeps pressure off a mother’s belly.
- Side-lying using modified cradle. In this position, the baby lies next to the mother with mother’s and baby’s bodies facing each other. If a pillow under your arm is uncomfortable, try placing your baby in the crook of your arm. This way, you will not be likely to roll over on the baby should you doze off. This position also keeps the baby’s head at a good angle to bring baby and breast together, with the baby’s head higher than his or her tummy, which can be helpful for babies who are more likely to spit up.
- Laid-back breastfeeding. In this position, you are leaning back in a recliner or reclining in bed. Your baby is lying on his or her stomach on top of you. You can support the side of your baby’s head if your baby cannot hold it him- or herself. In this position, both you and your baby can relax. You can allow your baby to explore your breast and latch on at his or her leisure.