Position & Latch
Your baby's comfort is important during breastfeeding. Just like we like to eat our food with good ergonomic positioning, this is also important to babies. For example, when we drink from a cup, we tilt our heads back some to prepare for swallowing. Also, when we eat or drink, we (whether consciously or not), ensure that our necks and spine are are aligned-it would be hard to drink from a cup with a crooked neck.
It's important to understand that newborns feel pain, and that likely the positioning they were in in-utero may determine what positions are comfortable for them after birth, too, which can impact how long a baby can last in an uncomfortable position while on the breast.
TIP: It might be a good idea to nurse in front of a mirror during your early breastfeeding days so that you're able to see your positioning and your baby's. Full-length mirrors are sold for little cost at many retail stores, and these can be used to stand or lean near a mother's nursing "nest".
It's important to understand that newborns feel pain, and that likely the positioning they were in in-utero may determine what positions are comfortable for them after birth, too, which can impact how long a baby can last in an uncomfortable position while on the breast.
TIP: It might be a good idea to nurse in front of a mirror during your early breastfeeding days so that you're able to see your positioning and your baby's. Full-length mirrors are sold for little cost at many retail stores, and these can be used to stand or lean near a mother's nursing "nest".
Positioning Pointers
Basic Breastfeeding Positions
Latch
Learning to breastfeed takes practice, just like dancing. Latching is one "step" of the breastfeeding dance, and it's best learned by observation and practice--just like when you learn dance moves.
We invite you to watch the video below and critique it. Make note of the differences between the "good" and "bad" latches shown, and note what's important to a good latch (such as nipple depth, or head positioning). Once finished watching it, scroll below for more "dance moves" for the "latch-steps" of the "breastfeeding dance". Click on the video below to watch:
We invite you to watch the video below and critique it. Make note of the differences between the "good" and "bad" latches shown, and note what's important to a good latch (such as nipple depth, or head positioning). Once finished watching it, scroll below for more "dance moves" for the "latch-steps" of the "breastfeeding dance". Click on the video below to watch:
Also consider:
HOMEWORK:
Practice positioning in front of a mirror
Share latch videos and positioning advice from this page with those who will help you with breastfeeding
- Ensuring that the baby's head is tilted slightly back, so that his chin is deeper into the breast than his nose is
- Aim your nipple to the roof of baby's mouth (the palate)
- Bring baby in swiftly only when his mouth is widely opened (gaped) to help create a good seal and a deep latch
- Flange (bring out) baby's lips with your fingers
HOMEWORK:
Practice positioning in front of a mirror
Share latch videos and positioning advice from this page with those who will help you with breastfeeding
Use of this class by non-parents: This class has been written for parents, and while birth and breastfeeding professionals may share it with their clients, it must be shared as a web-links or printed directly from this site. This class or any portion of it cannot be used a class outline for another breastfeeding professionals' breastfeeding class, nor can any portion of it be copied or pasted. Any dissemination of this class must be in its entire original form (weblink or printed pages) and must cite Breastfeeding Housecalls and Laura Gruber, IBCLC as its author and owner.