How To Hold And Breastfeed Your Baby

GENERAL INFORMATION:

Why is breastfeeding important?

• Breastfeeding offers many good effects for both your baby and you. Your breast milk requires no preparation, and is always clean, fresh, and at the right temperature. Human breast milk has the best combination of nutrients for your baby. Nutrients include protein, fat, sugar, vitamins, and minerals your baby needs for his body and brain to grow. Breastfeeding helps protect your baby from infections. It may also decrease your baby's risk of getting allergies and certain diseases. These diseases include sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), asthma, diabetes (high blood sugar). Also included are, lymphoma (lymph node cancer), and leukemia (blood cancer). Breastfeeding also strengthens the bond between you and your baby.
  
  
• Breastfeeding helps stop bleeding from your uterus (womb) right after giving birth. It also helps you lose the extra weight and fat you put on during pregnancy. Breastfeeding without giving any formula to your baby can delay the return of your menstrual cycles. It can help control or decrease the amount of sugar in your blood. Breastfeeding can help make your bones stronger and decreases your risk of getting osteoporosis. It also helps protect you against breast, ovarian, and uterine cancer. You may need to learn and practice breastfeeding methods so your baby gets all the milk that he needs.

How do breasts make milk? Your breasts change during pregnancy to prepare for making milk. Your breasts contain milk glands and milk ducts that increase in number, causing your breasts to get larger. Milk is made in small sacs called milk glands or mammary glands. The milk glands are arranged side by side in small grape-like clusters. The milk glands connect to milk ducts. These are pathways for milk to travel through before reaching your nipples. These small ducts join other ducts and form bigger ducts as they get closer to the nipple. Breast milk flows from the ducts into the sinus (collection area) behind the nipple. It then comes out through 15 to 20 small openings on your nipples.

Why is milk let-down important and what can I do to make my milk let-down? Your breast milk stays in the milk glands until it is released into the milk ducts. The process of this release is called let-down. Two weeks after giving birth you should start feeling the "let-down reflex". The "let-down reflex" is triggered when nerves in your nipple and areola (dark circular area) feel your baby suckling. When your baby suckles milk from your breast, hormones (special substances) in your body are released. You may have a warm, tingling feeling in your breasts when this happens. When you get ready to feed your baby, milk may drip or spray from your nipples when your let-down happens. You may feel breast fullness 30 to 60 seconds after your baby is correctly attached to the breast. Multiple let-downs happen during every feeding.

Why is the way I hold my baby important when I breastfeed?

• How you hold your baby for breastfeeding will affect how much breast milk he receives during the feeding. Being in a comfortable position is important for both of you. You want to hold your baby so he can suckle at your breasts easily and comfortably. This will help make sure he gets enough breast milk. Being uncomfortable can interfere with your let-down. When this happens, your milk flow may decrease or stop. Your breasts may not get emptied during the feeding. When you are both comfortable, your breast milk should flow freely and your baby can empty your breasts completely.
  
  
• Your baby also needs to be positioned so his mouth lines up well with your nipple. This will make it easier for your baby to latch-on to your breast for feeding. Latch-on is important for your baby to get enough breast milk. When he is latched-on in a good position, he will easily suckle and get a good flow of milk. If you baby is not latched-on well, he may suckle very hard and make your nipple sore. Your breast may not empty completely and a lot of milk may still be left inside. This can lead to your breasts getting engorged (being too full of milk).

How should I hold my baby when I breastfeed him? You and your baby need to be in a relaxed and comfortable position. You should be seated comfortably in a seat with an upright back and arm supports. You may use a footstool, if needed, to support your feet. Hold your baby in different positions each time you breastfeed. As your baby grows, you may need to adjust and use other types of body positions during breastfeeding. Twins or premature babies (born earlier than expected) may need special positioning during breastfeeding.

• Cradle hold: This is the most common position used to breastfeed a baby.
  
  
  • Decide which breast to feed from first. Use the arm on that side of your body to hold your baby.
    
    
  • Hold your baby's body close to your body.
    
    
  • Support his head with your hand opposite the breast that you will use for feeding.
    
    
  • Bring your baby up to the level of your breast. Use pillows, blankets, or towels to support the baby and your arm.
    
    
  • Keep your baby in a straight line. Your baby will be lying on his side, tummy to tummy with yours. His head, shoulder, body, and hip should be in a straight line.
  
  
• Cross-cradle hold: This is a variation of the cradle hold.
  
  
  • Decide which breast to feed from first. Use the arm on the other side of your body to hold your baby.
    
    
  • Hold your baby's body close to your body.
    
    
  • Support his head with your hand on the same side as the breast that you will use for feeding.
    
    
  • Bring your baby up to the level of your breast. Use pillows, blankets, or towels to support the baby and your arm.
    
    
  • Keep your baby in a straight line. Your baby will be lying on his side, tummy to tummy with yours. His head, shoulder, body, and hip should be in a straight line.
  
  
• Underarm or football hold: This position allows you to control your baby's head with one hand and support your breast with the other.
  
  
  • Hold your baby in a lying position.
    
    
  • Tuck his body under your arm near the breast you will use.
    
    
  • Support your baby's head gently with your hand, and use your arm to support his body. This is like holding a football.
    
    
  • You may use towels, blankets, or a pillow to support your arm if needed.
    
    
  • Always keep your baby's body in a straight line.
    
    
  • Slightly position your baby's head backward with your hand supporting it. This is to help him breathe while he feeds.

Can I lie down when I breastfeed my baby? You can also lie down to breastfeed your baby. This position can be helpful after a caesarian section (surgical delivery) or during night feedings. Both you and your baby are lying down on your sides and facing each other. Your breasts will point downwards and outwards. This may cause problems with the position of your baby's mouth for latching-on to your breast. You can use towels, blankets, or pillows to support your and your baby's back.

How do I get my baby to latch-on to my breast? Latch-on is the attachment of your baby's mouth to your breast for breastfeeding. When a baby is born, he has the ability to latch himself onto the breast without any help. Proper positioning will make it easier for your baby to latch-on to your breast:

• Breast positioning:
  
  
  • Cup your hand around your breast in the shape of a 'C' to start a latch-on.
    
    
  • Your four fingers are placed under your breast, and your thumb above, far back from your nipples.
  
  
• Basic baby positioning: Move your baby against your breast until his mouth touches your nipple. Lightly stroke his top lip in the center to make him open his mouth wide and put out his tongue. Aim your nipple at your baby’s upper lip or nostril. His bottom lip should be as far away as possible from the base of your nipple. This will help him be able to get in as much breast as possible. Your baby needs to latch-on to the underside of your breast, not onto your nipple.
  
  
  • Signs your baby is latched-on well:
    
    
    • Your breast or nipple does not hurt while feeding.
      
      
    • Your baby is able to suckle milk right away after he latches-on.
      
      
    • Your nipple is the same shape as it was before the feed started when your baby comes off your breast.
      
      
    • You should not be able to see your baby's mouth when you are breastfeeding properly. Your baby is well latched-on when he has a mouthful of your breast when feeding.
    
    
  • Signs of incorrect latch-on position:
    
    
    • Most of your areola is not in your baby's mouth.
      
      
    • Nipple pain.
      
      
    • Your baby's lower lip is tucked in.
  
  
• Awake baby: If your baby is awake and ready for his feeding, let him take the lead and you just follow. As you see your baby seeks your breast, use your arms to help him find a good position.
  
  
  • Support your baby's bottom with your elbow opposite the breast your baby is seeking. Allow your breast to fall naturally.
    
    
  • Help your baby to line up facing you and under your breast, with your nipple next to your baby's nose.
    
    
  • Make sure your baby's mouth is open wide before you attempt to have your baby latch-on to your breast. Your baby's upper lip should barely brush past the top of your nipple.
    
    
  • Let your baby's head tilt back to make it easier for him to suckle and swallow. With your baby's head tilted back properly, his nose will not touch your breast.
  
  
• Sleeping baby: Latch-on may be done even when your baby is asleep:
  
  
  • Lightly stroke your baby's top lip in the center. This will make him open his mouth and push out his tongue. Use your whole arm to quickly bring your baby close to your breast.
    
    
  • Aim your nipple on your baby's upper lip or nose opening.

How can I help my baby stay latched-on to my breast during breastfeeding? Sometimes during a latch-on, your baby may become tired and you may notice his sucking to be short. There may be frequent rest periods in between. The following can help make sure that your baby is latched-on to your breast correctly:

• Dancer position:
  
  
  • Use your free hand to support your breast and your baby's chin. The chin is being supported in the curve of your hand between your thumb and first finger.
    
    
  • You may see in between pauses during feeding. When this happens, support your baby's lower jaw from falling away from your breast with your hand.
  
  
• Nipple shield: Nipple shields are made of thin, soft silicone. They are shaped like your nipple with holes to let the milk pass through. They cover your nipple and areola to protect or help shape your nipple during breastfeeding. This is where your baby can grasp your nipple more. A nipple shield may be used during breastfeeding if your nipple is large or flat. It is also used to help babies who fall asleep early in the feeding. Ask your caregiver for more information about the use of a nipple shield.

How can I know that my baby is getting enough breast milk?

• Breastfeeding is not painful for you. When your baby is well latched-on, you should have little or no discomfort in your nipple or breast.
  
  
• You hear your baby suck and swallow. Suckling should change from quick short sucks to slow deep sucks. You should be able to hear him swallowing and see his jaw move downward with each suck. He should look relaxed until he finishes.
  
  
• Your breasts feel different before and after breastfeeding. Your breasts should feel full before breastfeeding and softer after feeding your baby. When you first start breastfeeding, you may feel mild nipple discomfort that lasts for about a week.

How can my baby show me that he is getting enough breast milk?

• Your baby breastfeeds often. Breastfed babies usually want to feed every 2 to 4 hours. Your baby will usually breastfeed between 8 and 12 times each day. He should act content after every feeding.
  
  
• Your baby urinates and has stools often. Your baby's urine should look clear. His stools should be yellow and yogurt-like with seedy curds. His pattern of passing urine and stool will change over time. Ask your caregiver for more information about how to tell if your baby is getting enough breastmilk.
  
  
• Your baby's weight increases as he grows older. It is normal for breastfed babies to be leaner (look thinner).They also have less fat on their bodies compared to formula-fed babies.

What else should I know as I start to breastfeed my baby?

• Breast or nipple problems: You may have sore nipples, full breasts, or other concerns. Ask caregivers for more information about nipple soreness, breast engorgement, or other concerns.
  
  
• Decreasing milk supply: Over time you may find that the amount of milk that your breasts are making is decreasing. This may be because of stress, not drinking enough liquids, or smoking. Ask caregivers for more information about how to increase your milk supply.
  
  
• Diet for breastfeeding: Eat a variety of healthy foods from all the food groups every day. Choose foods that will give your body the extra nutrition it needs as you breastfeed. Drink at least 1.8 Liters of liquid each day (close to 8 eight-ounce cups). Good liquids to drink are milk, water, and juices. Limit the amount of caffeine you drink, such as coffee, tea, and soda. Limit alcohol intake to one drink per day. Do not drink alcohol when you are about to breastfeed. Alcohol is found in beer, whiskey or rum, and other adult drinks. Ask your caregiver for information about breastfeeding and your diet.
  
  
• Rest and sleep: Breastfeeding your baby every 2 to 3 hours can be tiring. Get enough sleep and rest while your baby is also sleeping. Do not use this time to catch up on housekeeping. Your rest is very important during the first few months. Ask family and friends for emotional support and to help you with the house work. Do not be afraid to let them know what you need and accept their help when offered.

What other things should I remember when breastfeeding?

• Always start breastfeeding with you and your baby calm and relaxed.
  
  
• Avoid taking a peek at your baby's lips. This may cause his mouth to slip out of your nipple.
  
  
• Keep your baby close and tight against your skin with no gaps. Allow your baby's arms to hug your breast.
  
  
• Softly talk to your baby and massage him with firm, gentle strokes.
  
  
• Watch your baby and not the clock. He will show signs when he is ready to breastfeed. Do not force your baby to open his mouth.

When should I call my caregiver? Call your caregiver if:

• You or your baby has a fever.
  
  
• Your baby is very sleepy or very irritable, or acts hungry after most feedings.
  
  
• Your baby refuses to breastfeed for more than 8 hours.
  
  
• You feel you are not making enough breast milk for your baby.
  
  
• You have nipple pain that becomes worse after breastfeeding, or feel a lump or a hard area in your breast.
  
  
• Your breasts become hard, painful, or swollen, or you cannot get your milk to flow.
  
  
• Your breasts do not feel full before feedings and softer after breastfeeding.

When should I seek immediate help? Seek care immediately or call 911 if:

• Your baby will not breastfeed or feeds poorly, and he acts sleepy and has floppy muscle tone.
  
  
• Your baby has not had a wet diaper in the past 6 to 8 hours.
  
  
• Your baby's hands and feet are cold to the touch, he is breathing fast, and does not interact with you.
  
  
• Your baby's soft spot on the top of his head is sunken in or his eyes appear sunken.

Where can I find support and more information? Ask for information about breastfeeding and make sure caregivers know that breastfeeding is important to you. Join a breastfeeding support group. Ask your caregiver for the name of a Lactation Consultant. This person is specially trained to help women breastfeed their babies. Contact the following for more information:

• La Leche League International
  1400 N. Meacham Rd
  Schaumburg, IL 60173-4808
  Phone: 1-847-519-7730
  Web Address: http://www.lalecheleague.org
  

• The National Women's Health Information Center
  Phone: 1-800-994-9662
  Web Address: http://www.4woman.gov
  

• Women, Infants and Children Program
  Food and Nutrition Services
  WIC Program
  Supplemental Food Programs Division
  Alexandria, VA 22302
  Phone: 1-703-305-2196
  Web Address: http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic
  

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to plan how you are going to feed your baby. To help with this plan, you must learn as much as you can about breastfeeding. Ask your caregiver questions about breastfeeding. You can talk with him about the best way for you to feed your baby.

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Link to Page

Print Page

Email Page