How to Breastfeed a Baby

This is a helpful guide which explains how to breastfeed a baby

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. As soon as possible after the baby is born, attempt to breastfeed the baby.

2. Hold the baby, supporting the baby's head in your arm or lay the baby on his side on the bed.

3. Hold your breast toward the baby's mouth, and squeeze the nipple between your fingers to flatten it so that the baby can latch properly. I usually place my hand over my breast with my pointer and middle finger spread wide enough apart to touch the edges of the areola. I then gently clamp the fingers together to poke out the nipple. This shape seems to make it easier for the baby to latch on. If the baby lays on his side on the bed both hands will be free to both hold the breast and guide the baby's head to the breast. Choose a position that is most comfortable for you and the baby.

4. Let the baby latch on and his natural sucking instincts will express colostrum or milk from the breast.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid any artificial nipple for at least 3-4 days while the latch is established.
• This method avoids the use of a nipple shield. If no nipple shield is used, the baby will not have to wean from the shield later.
• Breastfed babies eat frequently and cluster feed while they are having growth spurts. Breastfeed the baby on demand and not on a schedule for optimal nutrition.