How to Breastfeed a Baby

Contrary to what you may have heard or thought, breastfeeding does not usually come naturally for many mothers and babies. In fact, you may end up being surprised at how difficult it really can be. Thankfully, with a little preparation and practice, you can nail this mystery of Mother Nature.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Nursing pads
• Nipple cream
• Nursing bra

Get Prepared

1. Buy or borrow some nursing products: bras, pads (for leakage), cream (for sore, cracked nipples) and pillow (for comfortable positioning).
2. Collect these items before your baby is born.
3. Practice on a doll. Use one you have, or borrow one from a neighbor, family member or community health center. Make sure the doll is about the size of a newborn with protruding lips. Practice putting the doll to your breast.

Get Comfortable

4. Find a comfortable place to sit down, like your bed propped up with pillows, a comfortable couch, a rocking chair, etc. Sit up so you have a straight back and flat lap.
5. Have your nursing supplies on hand.
6. Hold your baby in one arm, with his body facing toward your stomach and his head facing toward your breast. You can support the baby’s weight with the pillow, or tuck the baby’s bum under your elbow.

Get Your Baby to Latch

7. Put the flap of your nursing bra down.
8. Lift and support your exposed breast with your free hand.
9. Bring baby’s mouth toward your nipple and gently across it until he opens his mouth big and wide.
10. Bring baby’s mouth to your breast quickly for the latch. Your baby’s lips should be curled open, with his bottom lip and chin touching your breast. If the latch is correct, it will feel like a gentle tugging/pulling (but no pain), bringing your letdown. If the latch is incorrect, it will hurt, and baby won’t be able to bring your milk.
11. Try the latch again if it is incorrect. Pull baby off the breast gently by breaking the suction with your finger.

Feed, Switch and Repeat

12. Let baby feed as long as he needs. Babies will generally come off the breast on their own when they are full.
13. Burp baby to relieve gas, and offer the other breast. Your baby may or may not choose to drink.
14. Repeat every two to three hours or as needed, for newborn babies. Offer the last breast you offered your baby from the last feeding first, whether he accepted it or not during that feeding.

Tips & Warnings

• Let your baby come to the breast; don’t make the breast come to the baby.
• Don’t force your baby to breastfeed. Call your doctor, the baby’s pediatrician, the public health nurse or a lactation specialist if you’re having problems.