Many are frustrated by the feeling that this is a natural process and they should just "instinctively know what to do" from the start! Usually the baby is blessed with this instinct, but mothers need to have confidence that they can manage this time well - a confidence which is boosted by seeing other mothers feed, by talking to others, and by being well-supported & relaxed.
We read a lot about the birth antenatally, but many find it helpful to take the time finding out about breastfeeding.
Antenatal Mums are more than welcome to attend the Breastfeeding Support Drop-in groups.
The following links have some useful advice, film clips, or diagrams about positioning at the breast, and latching onto the breast.
- Great advice from the lovely Dr Jack Newman, and then watch some of his video clips.
- A page full of various videos on www.breastfeeding.com
- A page full of video clips on YouTube posted by 'Breastfeeding Babies'
- Advice in this page - "find a position that's comfortable"
- Specific advice here for those feeding near-term babies (those born around 35 weeks) - often can seem to be feeding well, but they aren't!
- Very important to remember that unlatching your child the wrong way can damage your nipple & cause pain. Don't ever just pull out! If you need to pause a feed, you need to gently break the vacuum seal your babies lips have made first. A clean finger hooked in towards the cheek will usually be enough. (Taking care not to poke at the baby's gum, as this will make them clamp down; it's an instinct.)
If you are still finding that breastfeeding is painful, do seek assistance. (If you live in Flintshire call for our services on 01244 545 021, otherwise go and view this page on Flintshire Feeders) Usually improved positioning at the breast will improve any soreness you feel, but if it continues then perhaps you should consider other issues such as Thrush, or Tongue-tie. Don't let it drag on, as fixing a problem is much easier in the early days. (Pictures here of tongue tie in an infant.)
The let-down reflex can be painful in some breastfeeding pairs, but this feeling usually eases after a while and can be eased by relaxation techniques. You may find this LLL page helpful.
You will hopefully be reassured your child is 'getting enough' by counting the number of wet & dirty nappies, as your midwife/HV will have taught you. After all, what goes in - must come out!
But you can also learn to watch for a swallow. Sounds obvious! Here is a video with Dr Jack Newman which shows the pause in a baby's jaw movement very clearly. Also on YouTube, there is a series of 4 clips showing a variety of babies. They are all latched on well, but are not all drinking well (number 4 is just nibbling!). Knowing what to watch for will help you to become a confident breastfeeding pair!
I'm still looking for a filmclip to share with you which will clearly show the fluttering motion you may see under the baby's jaw as they near the end of a feed. It can seem they are just dreaming, and then you may feel you are simply being used as a dummy. Don't remove your baby, though, as this is a really good stage of feeding. It's the pudding course, in a way. Generally, when your child has had enough, they will unlatch themselves in a lovely sleepy way.
While you watch those film-clips, do also listen to the noises. Especially number 1 of 4, and this cute one. You'll hear all sorts of racket; but if you hear a clicking noise it is an indication that your child is not latched on correctly.
Incorrect latch!
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