Learning breastfeeding techniques ensures success

Within an hour of birth, your baby will be at your breast nuzzling for colostrum. This is a thin fluid, rich in nutrients and antibodies, custom-made by your body just for her. Colostrum is all your baby really needs before your milk comes in.

You may have attended a breastfeeding class before your baby was born. You will soon find that there is a difference between holding a football swaddled in a blanket for practice and a real baby. But what you learned in class still applies: Position is key to successful breastfeeding.

Experiment with different positions

Cradle hold. Sit up straight and cradle your baby in the crook of your arm. The baby's whole body should be turned toward you and her tummy should be against yours. Support the head in the bend of your elbow so her head is facing your breast. This is the "classic" breastfeeding position.

Football hold. This position is excellent to try after you have some experience breastfeeding, or for twins or if you have had a cesarean (the baby doesn't lie across your abdomen). Sit the baby up at your side, level with your waist so he faces you. Support the head with your upper arm and hold his head level with your breast.

Side-lying position. One of the most relaxing ways to nurse is to lie on your side and cuddle your baby next to you with her body facing yours. Put your fingers under your breast and lift so that your baby can reach it. This is a great position if you have had a cesarean or for nighttime, because you can doze, too.

Don't be shy about offering the breast

If you only insert your nipple, it will soon be cracked and sore. Instead, make sure baby gets a mouthful of breast along with the nipple. You might feel a little discomfort or tugging the first few days, but you should not have any pain. If it doesn't feel like the baby is latched on properly or has enough breast, break suction and try again. Do this by inserting your little finger between your breast and the baby's gums. You'll hear a soft pop and then you can remove your nipple.

Sometimes new mothers begin to feel tense if breastfeeding doesn't immediately get off to a good start. It takes a bit of practice to get the hang of it, so try to relax. With patience and practice you will succeed.

Tips for successful breastfeeding

Switch sides. If the baby nursed at your left breast last time, remember to offer the right breast at the next feeding. The amount she nurses triggers milk production, so it's important to offer both breasts. You can also become engorged with too much milk if one breast is ignored.

Nurse on call. How often should you nurse? Whenever baby is hungry. During the first few weeks most babies want to nurse 8 to 12 times or more in 24 hours.

Don't supplement with bottle-feeding. This causes nipple confusion and makes it hard for your body to produce milk. It is easier for a baby to get milk from a bottle than from a breast, so it's best not to offer the bottle at first. It's also wise not to offer a pacifier until baby is skilled at breastfeeding.

Don't count the minutes. Let your baby define the feeding times. She will break free of your breast when she is ready.

Still having trouble? Don't hesitate to call a lactation consultant (get a referral from your doctor or midwife). They have lots of techniques to help in difficult situations, and can help you get back on track quickly.

Date last reviewed: October 2002.

Back to top