Breastfeeding Basics: How To Breastfeed Your Baby

Breastfeeding is easy and simple.  For new moms, it could be difficult at first but it will soon feel very natural when you get used to it.  Here are some breastfeeding basics that can teach you how to breastfeed your baby.

Breastfeeding Positions

The cradle position is the most popular position used by most moms.  This is done by positioning your baby in your forearm with his head on the crook of your arm and supporting his bottom with your other arm.  Pull your baby close to you with his belly touching yours.

Another breastfeeding position is called the football position.  This is done less often but is useful to moms who had a cesarean section.  Place your baby on a pillow that is tucked closely to your side.  Then using your arm that is resting on the pillow, bring your baby’s mouth to your breast with your hand supporting his head.

If you want to rest while nursing, you can do the side-lying position.  Lie down on your side and rest your head comfortably on a pillow.  Bring your baby close to you with your arm supporting his bottom.  Use your other hand to bring your breast to your baby’s mouth.

Latching

Many lactation experts advise that latching is the key to effective breastfeeding.  This is how you do it.

• Place your thumb and forefinger around your areola.  This is the dark shade around your nipples.
• Tilt your baby’s head up slightly and tickle his mouth with your breast until it opens wide enough to take a good portion.
• When his mouth is wide enough, help him scoop your breast into his mouth by putting on the lower jaw first then placing the upper jaw closer to your breast.
• Make sure that he takes the whole nipple and a good portion of the areola.

Observe if your baby had a good latching.  You will see him sucking and swallowing.  If you didn’t get a good latch the first time, remove your baby from your breast and try again.  This is important to avoid sore nipples.

How often should you breastfeed?

Newborns need to nurse for about eight (8) to twelve (12) times a day.  You need to nurse a breast-fed baby more often than formula-fed babies because breast milk is more easily digested.

At one to two months, this frequency decreases to seven (7) to nine (9) feedings or less.  This further lessens as your baby grows older.

Finishing a Feeding
 
Breastfeeding sessions usually last for 20 to 45 minutes.  Continue feeding until baby lets go of your breast, stops suckling, unfolds his/her fists, or when baby appears relaxed and about to sleep.  

To break the suction, slip a finger in the corner of his mouth gently.  This is done to avoid pain.

Nursing by alternating between one breast and the other is recommended. 

Freelance Contributor: Hazel Zanoria