Breastfeeding Tips For Success

Latch On Correctly
Try Different Positions
Getting A "Let-Down"
Treat Sore Breast & Nipples

If done right, breastfeeding can be a very rewarding experience. Breastfeeding success is easy to achieve with patience, a little practice and a lot of love. With the help of these useful tips, breastfeeding will get easier and easier and become truly enjoyable for both mother and baby:

Latch On Correctly

Perhaps the most essential aspect of successful breastfeeding is how the baby latches on to the mother's breast. If the baby is not latched on correctly it can result in sore, cracked nipples as well as breast engorgement. Latching on in the correct position helps stimulate a good flow of breast milk so the baby gets satiated and the mother's milk supply stays well stimulated.

The correct latched position is when the baby's mouth surrounds both the nipple and most of the areola. The baby's lips should not be around the nipple only. To help the baby latch on correctly, place a hand under the breast with the thumb circling around the areola. The breast can then be gently pushed into the baby's mouth. Once the baby begins to breastfeed, if the position feels incorrect as indicated by pain or soreness, simple place a finger in the baby's mouth to separate it from the breast and try again to latch on correctly.

Try Different Positions

There are a number of different ways to position the baby while breastfeeding. Try them all to see which is most comfortable. The most common position is the Cradle Position. In this position the mother holds the baby across her lap while supporting the head with her arm. Another breastfeeding position that works well with small babies is the Footbal Position. In this position the mother holds the baby to her side and under her arm as if she is holding a football.

Getting a "Let-Down"

Let-down refers to the flow of milk into the breasts in preparation for a feeding. During the first few days of breastfeeding it may take the mother a few minutes to reach a let-down but it will come increasingly sooner the more she continues to breastfeed. If a mother has trouble getting a let-down, which is especially common when women express milk with a pump rather than breastfeed directly, there are a number of things she can do to help:

Drink plenty of fluids and stay away from alcohol, drugs, and smoking.
Make sure baby is latched on correctly while breastfeeding.
Breastfeed in a comfortable chair in a quiet, undisturbed place.
If pumping, look at a picture of the baby or hold the baby's blanket or toy.
Listen to relaxing music or watch a favorite television show.

Treat Sore Breast & Nipples

To prevent sore nipples from breastfeeding it is important to gently dry the nipples after each feeding. The most common treatment for sore nipples is lanolin cream. The cream soothes nipples between breastfeeding sessions and is safe for the baby so it does not need to be washed off. Expressing some colostrums or breast milk and spreading it around the nipple can helps prevent and relieve dryness. Some more unusual but still effective remedies include placing tea bags or cold cabbage leaves on the nipples after breastfeeding.

If breasts become sore or engorged start by placing a warm cloth over the affected area or take a warm shower. It may help to express some of the milk even before a feeding to relieve some of the pressure. While breastfeeding, massage the breast moving toward the nipple to make the milk flow more easily.