How to Make Your Baby Latch-On

Making your baby latch on to your breast correctly can be one of the most challenging aspects of newborn care. If your baby latches on incorrectly, he may not get a good supply of milk and you will end up with sore nipples. Take advantage of all the professional help you can get. Many hospitals provide lactation services to help breastfeeding mothers master the technique. Every baby is different; some may latch on the right way from day one, while others need longer to work out what to do.

Instructions

1

Sit upright in an armchair or rocking chair. Place a pillow behind your lower back and one behind your shoulders. This is the easiest, most comfortable breastfeeding position. If you are in bed, support your back, shoulders and knees with several pillows.

2

Place a pillow in your lap to bring your baby up to breast level. Place another pillow under the arm that will support him as he feeds. Put your feet on a foot stool to raise your lap, preventing you from straining to get your baby closer to your breast.

3

Undress your baby down to just his diaper. Skin-to-skin contact will stimulate him while he is feeding. Hold him in front of you and talk to him in a gentle voice. Make sure he is alert and calm before offering the breast.

4

Nestle your baby in your arm, with his neck resting in the bend of your elbow, his back lying along your forearm and his buttocks supported in your hand. Turn your baby on his side so that his tummy faces yours. Pull him close to encourage his body to wrap around yours. Check that your nipple is right in front of his mouth; he should not have to strain, lift or turn his head to reach it.

5

Tuck your baby's lower arm under his body, and hold his upper arm down with the thumb of the hand holding him. Swaddle your baby in a blanket before feeding if he is particularly energetic.

6

Support your breast with the hand that is not holding your baby. Squeeze a few drops of milk out of your nipple to moisten it. Cup your breast with your hand, placing your palm and fingers underneath and your thumb on top. Leave the areola (the darker area around the nipple) clear.

7

Use your nipple to touch your baby's lips, encouraging him to open his mouth. Tickle his top lip with your nipple to make him open his mouth wide.

8

Move your nipple into the center of your baby's mouth, using your arm to draw him closer toward you. Keep working at it until you get it right; it may take some time before your baby learns to open his mouth wide enough to suck on more than just your nipple. Your baby's mouth should cover around one inch of the areola behind your nipple. Press down on your baby's chin with the index finger of the hand that is supporting your breast, to help him open his mouth as wide as possible.

9

Press down on your breast or place a finger gently into your baby's mouth to release your nipple if he is not latched on correctly and start over.

10

Press down on your baby's chin to turn his lower lip outward if it is inverted. Some babies purse their lips, which makes latching on difficult.

11

Check that your baby's chin is pressed into your breast, with his nose resting on the breast. He should be able to breathe out of his nostrils; if he appears to be struggling, press gently on your breast with your thumb to form an airway.