Future Health's
Breast Feeding Tips
Breastfeeding is an art that most mothers acquire naturally. However there are times when some mothers wonder if they are breastfeeding their baby properly. Questions such as 'Is my breastfeeding position correct?', 'Is my baby breastfeeding properly?' arise. This section offers a few breastfeeding tips that should put to rest some of your breastfeeding doubts.
- Positioning is important - This is essential for optimum breastfeeding.Make sure you and your baby have optimum contact. Your baby's stomach should touch yours.
- The entire areola (the pigmented area around the nipple) and nipple should enter your baby's mouth. This ensures that your baby has the optimum leverage for breastfeeding.
- You should not have any pain while breastfeeding.
- Ideally, your baby should not have any clothes on. Skin to skin contact is preferred.
- Complete one breast fully before switching to the next. Let your baby stop suckling your breast on his/her own.
- By nature, when your nipple contacts your baby's mouth, s/he will open wide. This is called the 'Rooting reflex'. Make sure your baby's lips cover your entire nipple areola complex.
- Relax. Do not think of work pressure. This is a private moment for you and your baby. Turn off the TV and put your cell phone away. Pay full attention. When your baby's mouth is wide open, his/her chin should touch your breast and you shouldn't feel pain. You can be rest assured that your baby is breastfeeding adequately.
Amazing breast crawl video