August 19, 2024
Hey mamas! If you're here, chances are you're navigating the beautiful yet sometimes challenging journey of breastfeeding. Trust me, I get it – I’ve been there too. Whether you’re a first-time mom or adding another little one to your family, getting the hang of breastfeeding and latching can be tricky. That’s why I’m here to share some practical tips and techniques to help you and your baby get comfortable with breastfeeding.
Before diving into the nitty-gritty, let’s talk about the basics. Breastfeeding is a natural process, but it doesn’t always come naturally. One of the keys to successful breastfeeding is ensuring a proper latch. A good latch ensures your baby is getting enough milk and helps prevent discomfort for you.
Cradle Hold:
- Hold your baby’s head in the crook of your arm.
- Ensure your baby’s tummy is facing yours.
Football Hold:
- Tuck your baby under your arm, like a football.
- This is great for moms with larger breasts or those who had a C-section.
- Lie on your side with your baby facing you.
- Ideal for night feeds and C-section recovery.
- Position yourself comfortably in bed, on the couch, or in a recliner with back support, and pillows to also support your head, shoulders, arms. Lean back, with your pillows for support. When you comfortably lean back, and put your baby on your chest, gravity will keep your baby in position with their body molded to yours.
- Let your baby’s cheek rest somewhere near your bare breast. Rub your nipple on your baby’s upper lip to encourage them to open wide. Bring your baby close. Have their chin touch your breast first, and then their nose will touch your breast.
- Position your baby close to you, with hips flexed, so that they do not have to turn their head to reach your breast. Your baby’s feet need to be supported by your body so they don’t dangle in the air.
- Use one hand to hold your breast as needed and the other hand to support baby’s thigh or bottom.
Images + Steps provided by La Leche League.
Breastfeeding comes with its share of challenges. Here are some common issues and solutions:
Sore Nipples:
- Ensure you have a good latch. If it’s painful, break the suction gently with your finger and try again.
- Use nipple cream to soothe any soreness.
**Sore nipples are common at the beginning of any breastfeeding journey. As you and your baby continue, your breasts will not be as sensitive.
Engorgement:
What is engorgement? Engorgement is when your breasts become too full of milk. Whether that’s because your supply is coming in quickly or because your baby needs to nurse, it can be incredibly painful. Here are some tips:
- Nurse frequently and on demand.
- Hand express small amounts of milk to relieve pressure.
- Use a warm compress before nursing and a cold compress afterward to reduce swelling.
Low Milk Supply:
- Nurse often and ensure your baby is latching correctly.
- Stay hydrated and consider foods and teas that promote lactation.
Here are some more tips for increasing milk supply. [https://ergobaby.com/blog/2015/10/ten-tips-for-restoring-milk-supply/]
Overactive Letdown:
What is a letdown? A letdown reflex happens when the nipples are stimulated by baby’s sucking, but can also be stimulated by babies crying or going too long without nursing. It feels like a tingling sensation in your breasts and can also be accompanied by uterine cramps. Some mamas will have a very strong letdown which can overwhelm the baby and cause reflux. Here are some tips to help:
- Nurse in a reclined position to slow the flow.
- Let the initial fast flow spray into a cloth before latching your baby.
Did you know that Ergobaby has a range of products designed to make breastfeeding easier? From nursing pillows that provide the perfect support to baby carriers that allow for discreet breastfeeding on the go, Ergobaby has got you covered. These products are designed with both mom and baby’s comfort in mind.
And fun fact! Using a baby carrier can actually increase your breastfeeding success rates!
Learn more about breastfeeding in baby carriers.
Breastfeeding is a journey, and like any journey, it comes with its ups and downs. Celebrate your efforts, whether you’re exclusively breastfeeding or supplementing. Keep these breastfeeding latching tips handy, and don’t hesitate to reach out for help if you need it. You’ve got this, mama!
Understanding Breastfeeding and Latching
Before diving into the nitty-gritty, let’s talk about the basics. Breastfeeding is a natural process, but it doesn’t always come naturally. One of the keys to successful breastfeeding is ensuring a proper latch. A good latch ensures your baby is getting enough milk and helps prevent discomfort for you.
Signs of a Good Latch:
- Your baby’s mouth covers more of the areola below the nipple. - You can see your baby’s lips flanged out like a fish. - There’s no pain – just a gentle tugging sensation. - You hear and see your baby swallowing.Signs of a Poor Latch:
- Your baby’s mouth doesn’t open wide enough. - You feel pain or pinching on your nipple. - Your baby’s cheeks dimple when sucking. - Baby seems frustrated.Preparing for Breastfeeding
Preparation is key! Here are a few steps to get ready:- Prenatal Breastfeeding Education: Take a breastfeeding class or join a support group. Knowledge is power, and knowing what to expect can ease a lot of anxiety.
- Nipple Care: Keep your nipples moisturized with a lanolin cream to prevent dryness and cracking.
- Mental Preparation: Set realistic expectations. Every baby and mom pair is different, so what works for one may not work for another.
- Find a Calm, Cozy Spot: When you’re first getting started, it’s very helpful to have a spot where you feel calm, comfortable, and supported. Using a nursing pillow will help support your back and also help hold up baby in an ergonomic position.
Positioning Techniques
Finding the right position can make all the difference. Here are a few tried-and-true positions:Cradle Hold: 
- Hold your baby’s head in the crook of your arm.
- Ensure your baby’s tummy is facing yours.
Football Hold: 
- Tuck your baby under your arm, like a football.
- This is great for moms with larger breasts or those who had a C-section.
Side-Lying Position:
- Lie on your side with your baby facing you.
- Ideal for night feeds and C-section recovery.
Laid-back Breastfeeding or Biological Nurturing
- Position yourself comfortably in bed, on the couch, or in a recliner with back support, and pillows to also support your head, shoulders, arms. Lean back, with your pillows for support. When you comfortably lean back, and put your baby on your chest, gravity will keep your baby in position with their body molded to yours.
- Let your baby’s cheek rest somewhere near your bare breast. Rub your nipple on your baby’s upper lip to encourage them to open wide. Bring your baby close. Have their chin touch your breast first, and then their nose will touch your breast.
- Position your baby close to you, with hips flexed, so that they do not have to turn their head to reach your breast. Your baby’s feet need to be supported by your body so they don’t dangle in the air.
- Use one hand to hold your breast as needed and the other hand to support baby’s thigh or bottom.
Images + Steps provided by La Leche League.
Getting a Good Latch
Now, let’s get into how to latch baby correctly. Here’s a step-by-step guide:- Position Baby Close: Bring your baby close to you, tummy to tummy.
- Nose to Nipple: Align your baby’s nose with your nipple.
- Wait for the Wide Mouth: Gently tickle your baby’s upper lip with your nipple until their mouth opens wide like a yawn.
- Bring Baby to Breast: Quickly bring your baby to your breast (not the other way around).
- Check the Latch: Ensure your baby’s mouth covers more of the areola and their lips are flanged out.
Troubleshooting Common Breastfeeding Problems
Breastfeeding comes with its share of challenges. Here are some common issues and solutions:
Sore Nipples:
- Ensure you have a good latch. If it’s painful, break the suction gently with your finger and try again.
- Use nipple cream to soothe any soreness.
**Sore nipples are common at the beginning of any breastfeeding journey. As you and your baby continue, your breasts will not be as sensitive.
Engorgement:
What is engorgement? Engorgement is when your breasts become too full of milk. Whether that’s because your supply is coming in quickly or because your baby needs to nurse, it can be incredibly painful. Here are some tips:
- Nurse frequently and on demand.
- Hand express small amounts of milk to relieve pressure.
- Use a warm compress before nursing and a cold compress afterward to reduce swelling.
Low Milk Supply:
- Nurse often and ensure your baby is latching correctly.
- Stay hydrated and consider foods and teas that promote lactation.
Here are some more tips for increasing milk supply. [https://ergobaby.com/blog/2015/10/ten-tips-for-restoring-milk-supply/]
Overactive Letdown:
What is a letdown? A letdown reflex happens when the nipples are stimulated by baby’s sucking, but can also be stimulated by babies crying or going too long without nursing. It feels like a tingling sensation in your breasts and can also be accompanied by uterine cramps. Some mamas will have a very strong letdown which can overwhelm the baby and cause reflux. Here are some tips to help:
- Nurse in a reclined position to slow the flow.
- Let the initial fast flow spray into a cloth before latching your baby.
When to Seek Help with Nursing
If you're feeling overwhelmed or if your baby is not latching well despite trying these tips, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Lactation consultants are wonderful resources, and many hospitals and clinics offer support groups. Check La Leche League for resources or to connect with a local IBCLC.Ergobaby Products to Support Breastfeeding
Did you know that Ergobaby has a range of products designed to make breastfeeding easier? From nursing pillows that provide the perfect support to baby carriers that allow for discreet breastfeeding on the go, Ergobaby has got you covered. These products are designed with both mom and baby’s comfort in mind.
And fun fact! Using a baby carrier can actually increase your breastfeeding success rates!
Learn more about breastfeeding in baby carriers.
Breastfeeding is a journey, and like any journey, it comes with its ups and downs. Celebrate your efforts, whether you’re exclusively breastfeeding or supplementing. Keep these breastfeeding latching tips handy, and don’t hesitate to reach out for help if you need it. You’ve got this, mama!