Breastfeeding is one of the top issues on the minds of new mums and mums-to-be. That’s why we have already dealt with the crucial first hour after birth in the first part of our blog series on breastfeeding problems. If you haven’t read that post yet, take a look at the 9 stages of newborn adjustment for a successful breastfeeding start. In the following article, our midwife and babywearing expert Katrin Ritter tells you how to latch your baby correctly. This is not only important to make sure that drinking works, but also to protect your nipples in the long term.
Why breastfeeding is a brilliant decision
The best basis for a successful start to breastfeeding and a successful breastfeeding period is immediate, undisturbed and extended skin-to-skin contact right after birth and then every day thereafter. And this is not the sole responsibility of the mother, but also requires the support of her partner, other family members and society in general. Breast milk is still unique, irreplaceable and made up of thousands of different ingredients – including proteins, fats, lactose, vitamins, ice, minerals, water and enzymes that promote your baby’s optimal development and protect it. So breast milk has countless health benefits for your little one. Best of all, it’s free and always available.
How your baby latches properly
When a baby lies on its mother’s breast, it is directly at the food source. This promotes milk production in you as mothers and enables your little one to breastfeed intuitively and as needed. Even though this sounds very simple, it does not mean that correct latching on will work immediately and everyone will be happy. Many breastfeeding problems in the early postpartum period can be avoided or solved by a good breastfeeding position and the appropriate “docking”. You have probably heard of some of these “problems” or perhaps even felt them in your own body:
– Sore nipples
– Excessive onset of abundant milk production
– Restlessness and crying
– Insufficient milk production/milk deficiency
– Milk congestion and breast inflammation
– Unfavourable weight development in the baby
This is not meant to scare you, but only to show you that the right technique for breastfeeding is the basis for frequent and relaxed breastfeeding and good emptying of the breast.
The best tips for relaxed breastfeeding:
– A comfortable position for mum and baby is crucial when breastfeeding. It’s best to try out different positions, both sitting and lying down, and to vary them from time to time. A breastfeeding pillow is relaxing and helps you to keep the baby in the right position.
– Proven positions are: the cradle position, the cross position, the supine position and the side position.
– Once you have found a good position for both of you, the baby will latch on or you will quickly pull the baby to the breast when the mouth is wide open (>=120°). Important: It is not the breast that comes to the child, but the other way round!
– The baby’s ear, shoulder and hip are always in line, i.e. the baby’s head is NOT turned.
– The baby’s feet are in contact with the pillow or the mother so that the baby can regulate and relax better (this can also be your arm).
– The baby lies with its mouth at the level of the nipple.
– For the first few days and in the weeks thereafter, the reclined breastfeeding position is also recommended: the baby lies on its stomach on the reclined mother and can latch well with the help of its early childhood reflexes. It is important that there is no pressure on the shoulders, upper back and head. The mother is well supported in the lower back and makes sure that the baby does not slide down. A bonding top can help.
How you can tell that you have put your baby on correctly
– The mouth is wide open (>= 120 °).
– The upper lip is slightly turned out and loose (red lip is visible).
– The lower lip is turned outwards (tongue lies over the lower teeth line).
– Cheeks chubby when drinking (no straw cheeks).
– The head is slightly over-extended.
– Nose and/or chin touch the chest.
– A rolling movement of the lower jaw is visible (the ears wiggle).
– The tongue moves rhythmically.
– As a mum, you feel no pain, your nipples feel good.
– At the end of the meal, your baby is satisfied and relaxed.
As mum and baby first have to get used to each other, patience is a good companion in the beginning. Of course, your midwife or a breastfeeding consultant/supporter can also be there to help you. In any case, don’t lose heart right away, because practice makes perfect and almost every woman can breastfeed. In the next blog we will look at possible breastfeeding problems and what “women” can do about them.
Source: Script Avoiding and solving breastfeeding problems in the early postpartum period, Iris-Susanne Brandt-Schenk, IBCLC, 2020
