Correct attachment of the baby to the breast. Breastfeeding positions

Is nine months a lot or a little? Nature decided that it is enough for a child to be born ready to learn to live. He has a lot to learn, but there are instincts that nature laid down in the development of a child in the womb, for example. Every child who is full-term and born without pathologies can do this. For nine months, the child receives everything for life support through the mother’s body, but having been born at the appointed time, he is separated from the mother’s body and, in order to survive, must already be able to do something on his own. The best food for a child- This is mother's milk, it contains all the nutrients that the child needs for full and healthy development. Breast milk is believed to strengthen the immune system. Therefore, it is so important that the child receives breastfeeding for as long as possible.

Nature gives children the main instinct for life support, but many young mothers face the problem of breastfeeding and not everyone manages to feed their baby breast milk for as long as possible; a large number of mothers lose milk in the first months of feeding. Very often the mother herself is to blame for this, so it is important for the mother in labor to know how to make sure that the milk does not go to waste. You need to start learning this from the first day of pregnancy; throughout the nine months, the expectant mother learns to care and protect her baby so that after birth he grows strong and healthy.

How to properly attach a newborn to the breast.

For the feeding process, both the child and the mother, the first feeding is an important moment. In the last months of pregnancy, this is taught in courses for expectant mothers, held in the antenatal clinic where the pregnant woman is being observed. Also, in many maternity hospitals, doctors provide consultation on this issue in the first days of the birth of a child. But every mother needs to learn how to properly latch a newborn to the breast.

Breastfeeding positions are very important. The baby can be fed lying down, sitting and even standing, but every mother needs to choose a comfortable position, because breastfeeding is a long process. The breastfeeding position should be as comfortable as possible and the mother's body should not be tense. Both mother and child should receive only positive emotions from this process. As for the baby, his whole body should be turned towards his mother, his mouth should be turned towards the nipple. The baby's head should be supported, but it should have enough freedom so that the baby can comfortably adjust the nipple in his mouth and, after satiation, easily move away from the breast.

During feeding, the baby's nose should be clean so that he can breathe freely. The child should comfortably wrap his lips around the nipple so that there is no superficial grip, otherwise the child may swallow air along with the milk.

Do not force your baby to your chest. Everything that the baby does should be natural; if, nevertheless, the child clasps the tip of the nipple, then do not try to manually open his mouth, do it by gently pressing on the chin.

Is the baby latching onto the breast correctly, how can this be determined?

If the baby has a nipple and areola in the mouth, the lips are turned outward and pressed tightly to the chest, then there is no free access of air into the mouth, and everything is fine;

The tip of the baby's nose should touch the breast, but should not be pressed tightly against it. While latching onto the breast, the baby should breathe through his nose, then there will be a normal process of swallowing milk;

When the baby is feeding, there should be no extraneous sounds other than smacking and swallowing;

The mother should enjoy the feeding process and have a comfortable, most relaxed position.

To breastfeed properly, do you need to be sterile?

Young mothers are advised to keep the body and feeding area clean, but do not go too far; it is not necessary to sterilize everything. There is no need to wash your breasts before each feeding; it is enough to wash your nipples mostly in the morning and evening so as not to wash off the protective lubricant that protects the nipples from the growth of bacteria.

When breastfeeding properly, is it necessary to hold the breast with your hand?

Breastfeeding is a natural process, and everything should be natural. If your breasts are large, you can hold them at the very beginning of feeding until the baby adapts, but you should not do this all the time, because you can squeeze the milk ducts and cause stagnation of milk in the breast, which will lead to inflammation of the mammary gland.

Should I give my baby water or tea after breastfeeding?

You need to supplement your baby with tea or water after breastfeeding as needed, only if the baby is full, continues to suck, but spits out the milk, then offer him weakly brewed tea or boiled water. But for most babies, mom's milk is both food and drink.

Is there a need to interrupt breastfeeding and switch to artificial feeding if cracked nipples develop or the mother has a cold? All pediatricians recommend breastfeeding for as long as possible. But if, after all, the mother gets sick and takes antibiotics, then for the duration of the illness until drug treatment is stopped, you can switch to breast milk substitutes. A medical mask can protect the baby from a simple cold, and the mother can continue breastfeeding. Cracked nipples usually appear during the early stages of breastfeeding. To prevent mom from being in too much pain, you can use special silicone nipple covers.

If a woman in labor has questions, it is worth bothering the doctor and getting qualified answers.

When should you feed for the first time?

If the baby and the mother have no contraindications, then the baby should be put to the breast for the first time in the first hours after birth, this will help speed up lactation.

How to understand that a child is full?

If the baby has stopped swallowing milk and releases it from his mouth in a thin stream, lets go of the nipple, turns his head or is already asleep, it means he is full. Pull the nipple out of your mouth, and if the baby calmly lets go, then everything is fine, he has eaten. After finishing feeding, you need to express milk from the breast. To avoid injuring the mammary gland with your hands, you can use a breast pump.

Some mothers worry whether her baby is getting enough to eat. This is quite easy to check, the baby is sleeping or awake, gaining height and weight, his development corresponds to his age.

Should I put my baby on both breasts?

You need to resort to feeding from the second breast only if the baby does not get enough from one. It is best to feed from one breast until the end because hind milk is healthier than fore milk and reduces the need to pump.

Some mothers put the baby on the second breast just in case. In this case, they can overfeed the baby, but there is nothing to worry about, because the baby will definitely spit up the excess.

Proper breastfeeding on a schedule or on demand?

The question is controversial. It all depends on the individual characteristics of both the baby and the mother. A well-fed baby sleeps for 2-3 hours before the next feeding. Currently, in maternity hospitals, if there are no pathologies in the mother and child, they are placed immediately in the same room. In the first days of life, it is recommended to feed the baby on demand. After all, how much milk will be produced at the next feeding will depend on how much the baby eats. The frequency of feedings is also affected by the fat content of the mother's milk. If there is little milk or low fat content, then the child will be more likely to show desire. And vice versa, if the mother has a lot of milk and it is very thick and nutritious, then the baby may not require the next feeding for a long time. In any case, by carefully observing her child, the mother will determine an individual breastfeeding schedule.

How long does it take for a baby to get full?

There is no clear time limit here. To satiate a healthy, active child, 30 minutes may be enough. But in this matter, as well as in the matter of scheduling, everything depends on the baby. There are babies with an active sucking reflex, they quickly suck the required amount, others suck more slowly, get tired quickly and fall asleep, to check whether the child is full or not, you can pull out the nipple or touch the chin, if the baby becomes active and continues to suck, it means he just fell asleep, but not I'm full.

How long should you breastfeed your baby?

How quickly is milk digested in a baby's stomach?

Mother's milk is the ideal food for a baby, no matter how often the baby eats, everything has time to be digested before the next feeding. As soon as the milk is digested, the baby will immediately demand to be fed.

How to feed a crying baby?

There is no need to force-feed a crying baby, because a crying baby may choke on milk; he needs to be gently reassured, rocked in his arms, and his lips moistened with milk from the breast. As soon as the baby begins to breathe more calmly, give him the breast. Usually babies calm down as soon as they smell their mother's milk.

What to do if milk is stagnant?

Many mothers do not express the remaining milk after feeding. At the very beginning of feeding, milk may be produced more than the baby needs; if the remaining milk is not expressed, it may stagnate, lumps form in the breast, pain appears, and the temperature may rise. You need to react at the first signs so as not to lead to mastitis and surgical intervention. First of all, try to express milk, then do a massage under a warm shower. The massage must be done delicately so as not to cause damage to the milk ducts, the best help, of course, is your child, sucking milk from the mother's breast, it will bring her great relief, as soon as the breasts become softer, express all the remaining milk. If these manipulations do not help, then contact your doctor immediately.

The rules for breastfeeding are not complicated. Natural instincts, observation, attention and love for your baby should help you properly attach your newborn to the breast.

Useful and visual video on how to properly attach a baby to the breast:

With the birth of a baby, young mothers have a lot of questions, and the main one is: “How to put a baby to the breast?” Over time, each mother will choose the optimal feeding position that will be comfortable for both her and the baby, but at the initial stage some difficulties may arise.

To make the feeding process enjoyable not only for the baby, but also for the mother, it is important to follow the basic rules:

• first, you need to choose a comfortable position. Mom can sit or lie down; for comfort, it is permissible to use pillows and soft bolsters that will perfectly support a tired arm or provide comfort for the back. The baby should be pressed tightly against the mother with his whole body; it is not recommended to place the baby on his back; the optimal position is lying on his side;
• secondly, the baby’s body position should be level, correctly, when the head, shoulders and hips are on the same line. The neck must be straight, otherwise the baby will not be able to swallow milk;
• thirdly, you cannot use force while applying to the breast. The baby does not need to be pulled to the nipple, your task is only to show the right direction and firmly hold the baby’s shoulders and back, in no case putting pressure on the head;
• fourthly, there should be a minimum amount of clothing between the nursing mother and the baby; prolonged skin-to-skin contact helps create a close relationship between them and produce a large amount of milk.

By following these simple tips, you will soon learn how to properly attach your baby to the breast, and after a little time the baby will be able to properly latch on to the nipple without your help.

Basic positions for breastfeeding

The process of breastfeeding takes a lot of time, so the position for it, first of all, should be comfortable. There is no single rule about what position to be in, since every mother likes different positions. Some manage to feed their babies in the most extreme and uncomfortable positions at first glance, but most mothers choose one or two of the main positions for feeding:

• sitting feeding, or “cradle” - the mother sits in a chair or on the sofa, placing pillows under her back and elbows. The baby is in his arms, his body is turned with his tummy to the mother's belly, and his head is at the level of the nipple. With one hand, the mother constantly supports the baby’s shoulders and back, providing him with a comfortable position, and with the other she helps the baby to grasp the nipple correctly;
• “under-arm” feeding is an advantageous position for mothers who gave birth by caesarean section, since in this position the baby does not put pressure on the stomach. The baby is placed on the side of the sitting mother on a high pillow, so the baby is in close proximity to the breast, and the mother can control its position with her hand;
• Lying down feeding is an ideal choice for night time, as both mom and baby can rest and get some sleep. Mom lies on her side, baby next to her - belly to belly. The newborn's head in this position should be slightly raised, the torso in a level position, and the neck straight. If the mother is lying on her right side, then the baby should be applied to the right breast and vice versa. The breast, located below, is much closer to the baby’s mouth, so he does not have to arch his neck and reach for the nipple, and milk flows from it faster, which also makes it easier to obtain nutrition;
• feeding on the back - this position of breastfeeding allows the mother to rest well. In this case, the baby lies with his tummy on the mother's stomach, who holds him so that he does not fall. In this position, the child has to make some effort to produce milk, so this position is not recommended for weak and sick children;
• Feeding in a sling is a universal position for different situations. This device allows you to put your baby to the breast while sitting, standing or even while walking. With the help of a sling, you can feed your child on the street or at a party, without interrupting the feeding process; you can even do simple housework, for example, washing dishes or folding laundry.

Feeding the baby in one position or experimenting with variations of positions is the job of every mother, the main thing is that the baby and you feel comfortable and comfortable during breastfeeding. Proper breastfeeding from the very birth of your baby will save a lot of your time and nerves, and will also prevent stagnation of milk.

Before feeding your baby, make sure he is changed, washed and happy. Feeding a crying newborn is much more difficult, so do not wait until the baby is very hungry, try to offer the breast as often as possible, and soon problems with attachment will disappear.

In order to create a comfortable position for the baby, you need to put it as close to the breast as possible, while the nipple should be directed towards the baby’s nose (if you point the nipple directly into the mouth, the baby can press his jaws hard, which will cause pain in the mother and will not allow him to get a lot of milk).

A non-standard nipple must be formed independently, slightly pressing the areola on the sides, so it will be easier for the child to latch on to the breast. The main rule is that you need to put the baby to the breast, and not vice versa. First of all, the mother should take a position that is comfortable for her, and only then offer the breast to the baby. The feeding process may take a little longer, and an uncomfortable position will cause the mother a lot of unpleasant sensations later.

If the baby is hungry, he himself turns his head in search of warm milk, but there are situations when the baby does not want to eat, and the feeding time has already come. In this case, you can show him where the power source is by running the bottom of your areola across your lips. A newborn baby has developed an instinct to instantly suck into his mouth everything that touches his lips, so do not immediately offer the nipple, because excessive pressure on it can lead to painful sensations and even injure delicate skin.

The baby's head should be supported by hand, placing it under the baby's shoulders to create a convenient and comfortable position for him. When you bring the baby closer to the breast, in most cases he opens his mouth on his own, your task at this time is to help him grasp the nipple correctly, for example, smooth the areola with your thumb, moving it deeper into the mouth. After the nipple is properly grasped, the upper lip closes and the baby begins to suck the milk. If you did everything correctly, there will be no painful sensations, but if the mother feels discomfort, it is better to repeat the process again, since due to improper attachment the baby will not be able to receive the amount of nutrition he needs. You can free the breast from your baby's mouth by calmly squeezing his gums with your finger.

If you attach your baby to the breast correctly, his cheeks will be puffed out and his chin will be firmly resting on his chest. The nose should be turned slightly to the side, otherwise the baby will have difficulty breathing. When the nose rests firmly on the chest, the newborn's head should be raised slightly, this will make it much more comfortable for him.

After completing the feeding process, you should feel lightness in your chest, but if your chest is still full of milk, it is quite possible that the baby was not able to suck out the amount of liquid he needed. Try experimenting with different feeding positions and gradually rub your breasts, because even slight stagnation of milk causes very painful sensations.

Preparing for the birth of a baby is not only about buying all the supplies necessary for a little person (diapers, diapers, a bath, etc.), it is very important for the expectant mother to learn a lot. There are a lot of questions, for example, you need to find out what the correct attachment should be like when breastfeeding and why it is so important.

Why is proper attachment so important?

Further feeding depends entirely on how exactly the baby takes the mother’s breast, how well he grasps the nipple and areola: the amount of milk the baby receives, the baby’s weight gain, the comfort of the feeding process for both, the absence of cracks on the mother’s nipples, the quality of lactation. Improper attachment can lead to a lot of troubles: the baby may simply refuse to breastfeed, and the mother will develop mastitis.

The importance of breastfeeding for a child cannot be overestimated. Breast milk contains all the nutrients and vitamins, proteins, carbohydrates, and beneficial microelements that are necessary for the growth, timely and full development of the baby. The composition of breast milk is unique, it protects and strengthens the baby’s immune system, and the closeness of the mother calms the little person and makes him feel safe. This is why it is so important to feed the baby with mother’s milk and prevent breast refusal or deterioration of lactation.

Unfortunately, there are often cases when young mothers consciously refuse to breastfeed their baby, and most often this is not associated with illness or other objective reasons. The cause of the problem is the discomfort and pain of the process caused by a simple mistake in applying the baby to the breast.

How to properly attach a baby to the breast

Many young mothers assume that since the process of feeding a baby is inherent in nature, it means that the newborn will intuitively be able to latch on to the breast exactly as needed. But this is a wrong opinion, and the child needs your help. Let's look at how to do this in order:

• take a comfortable position (there are several options, we’ll talk about them a little later);
• Take the baby facing you, so that the head and body are on the same line. If the baby's head is thrown back, it will be uncomfortable for him to grab the breast and eat (to see this, try yourself, with your head thrown back, bite off an apple and then eat it);
• lightly press the baby's tummy against your stomach;
• lift the baby so that the mouth is opposite the nipple, then pick up the breast (all fingers should remain below, and the thumb should be on top, approximately 5-6 cm from the nipple);
• holding the breast in the described way, move the nipple along the corners of the baby’s lips, and he will immediately open his mouth wide;
• Point the nipple at the top of the baby's mouth, but remember that his job is to latch on to the breast on his own. There is no need to try to put the nipple into a small mouth, otherwise you will be guaranteed an incorrect grip and microtrauma (cracks);
• the nose should be close to the mother’s breast, but under no circumstances should it “drown” in it;
• If the baby has grasped only the tip of the nipple, and not the whole, including part of the areola, you should open the mouth slightly with gentle pressure on the child’s chin and repeat the application again.

Often young mothers are faced with the problem of their baby crying when feeding, then the question arises: how to feed the baby in this case? Having attached the baby to the breast correctly - the answer is this. It is best to try to calm the child down, rock him in your arms, say a few gentle and kind words to him, run a nipple along his small cheek or sponge. Mom’s breast is the best sedative for the baby, he will definitely calm down, don’t even doubt it. If it doesn’t work, drop some milk into your mouth, the baby will immediately begin to catch the breast on its own.

How to determine whether your baby is latching on correctly or not

To make sure you're applying correctly, look for a few key signs:

• the child has captured both the nipple and part of the areola;
• The baby's lips turn outward while sucking;
• no extraneous sounds are heard (only gulps);
• the mother does not experience pain, discomfort or other unpleasant sensations;
• the baby's breathing is calm and measured;
• The baby is not capricious or nervous.

If the baby is worried, does not draw milk normally, does not turn out his lips when sucking, or loses a well-filled breast, be sure to repeat the application. Also keep in mind that proper attachment will not work if you hold the baby in a way that is uncomfortable for him: tilted back too much, or, conversely, tilting the head forward, or turning it to the side.

Remember: you need to turn not the head, but the child.

What positions are comfortable and contribute to the correct attachment of the baby?

It is very important for proper breastfeeding to have a comfortable and comfortable position for the nursing mother and baby. A woman should not feel discomfort, fatigue, pain or numbness in her arms, shoulders or back. The baby also needs all the conditions for comfortable sucking and proper latching on the breast. Therefore, it is important to choose a position that is comfortable for both; there is plenty of choice:

• classic arrangement - “cradle”. The mother sits down comfortably, holds the baby in her arms, turning him to face her (stomach to stomach), so that the nipple is captured without turning the head;
• holding the baby in your arms woven into a “cradle”, you can feed while standing;
• the child lies on his back, and the mother lies on her side, leans on her elbow and, slightly hanging over the baby, feeds him;
• The mother places a nursing pillow on her lap, places the baby on it so that the body is “at hand” (one might say “under the arm”), and the legs are behind the mother’s back. This position is useful for a woman so that the baby can suck milk from the lower ducts, in which stagnation very often occurs;
• the baby lies on the mother’s hand, with which the woman supports the back of the baby’s head, while the other hand is free and can hold the breast in such a way as to ensure the correct attachment of the baby;
• if the milk flows well enough, then the mother can sit comfortably, reclining on her back, and put the baby on herself.

Should you wash your breasts before each feeding of your newborn baby?

Taking into account all the recommendations listed, it will not be difficult for you to establish the correct feeding process. The main thing is to remember: if something doesn’t work out the first time, this is not a reason to be upset, be patient and everything will work out for you!

Breast milk is the most priceless and irreplaceable product for a newborn. Its composition is so unique that all attempts to create an artificial analogue are simply insignificant. The most adapted formulas can never replace mother’s milk: it constantly changes in composition, adapting to the needs of a child at a certain stage of life.

Many women face a number of problems during lactation: establishing it at the initial stage, choosing a position, etc.

In order for feeding to bring only positive emotions to mother and her baby, you need to know the rules of proper feeding.

The preparation of the female breast for lactation occurs already during pregnancy. Colostrum is the first milk that a baby receives in the first 2-3 days of life. Colostrum helps create intestinal microflora and has a mild laxative effect - it cleanses the baby’s intestines of meconium (original feces). It is produced in small portions, but constantly.

Therefore, frequent latching of a newborn to the breast stimulates the mammary glands to produce milk in the required quantity. Early attachment of a newborn to the breast is the main condition for successful breastfeeding. Nowadays, it normally occurs 1-2 hours after birth.

Baby feeding positions

The first attachment of a newborn to the breast after birth is a very important emotional event, promotes the further development of natural feeding and improves lactation. You need to know all the rules of breastfeeding before giving birth.

There are many different positions for feeding:

1. "Cradle";
2. "Cross Cradle";
3. "Out of hand";
4. "Lying on the hand";
5. "Lying from the upper chest";
6. "Baby on Mom";
7. "Overhang";
8. "Riding on Mom";
9. "Jack";
10. "On the hip";
11. “Roading while standing”, etc.

The position is chosen based on individual preferences and characteristics, very rarely on the recommendation of a doctor. If feeding lasts a long time, it is recommended to change position.

Let's look at the main ones.

Cradle pose

It is one of the most common. Mom sitting, holding baby in her arms. The child's whole body is turned towards the mother. The baby's head is located on the elbow. The mother's hand supports the back, and if the baby is still very small, then the butt.

Pose "Under the hand"

The child is located on the side of the sitting mother. It lies below mom’s armpit, as if looking out from under her. For comfort, use a pillow or blanket to keep the nipple and mouth close. A very good position: it allows you to control the baby’s head, there is often a good latch on the breast, milk is “extracted” from the lower part of the mammary glands. This position is used to prevent milk stagnation. Can be used after a caesarean section: the mother does not hold the baby, there is no load on the stomach.

Lying pose

Mother and child lie on opposite sides, facing each other. On the mother's hand, which is located below, the baby's head and body are located, the mouth is at the level of the nipple. A pillow is placed under the mother's head for greater comfort.

Attention! The pillow should be under the head, and not under the neck, shoulders and part of the back.

There is another variation of this position: the child lies not on the arm, but on a thin pillow. With her free hand, the mother holds the baby's body, helping to cling to the chest.

Feeding on your back

Great for relaxation. The child lies on top of the lying mother, and she holds him with her hands. The advantages of this position: it is quite easy for the child to grasp the breast correctly; the intensity of the milk flow is controlled, it is easier to cope with the flow of milk if it is abundant; prevention of gas accumulation.

Feeding in a sling

For lovers of slings, feeding is possible directly in it. This makes the mother’s life much easier: frequent feedings do not require unnecessary actions, the baby is hidden from prying eyes. Use sitting, standing, and moving positions.

When feeding in a sling in a sitting position, there is no need for additional support with pillows, the mother’s hands are free. When feeding on the go, many babies suck more intensely, calm down and fall asleep.

For a sling, the “Cradle” pose and the vertical position in the “In front of you” or “On the hip” poses are suitable.

How to feed twins

With twins it is a little more difficult: you need to ensure the convenience of feeding for 3 participants. You may need an assistant at first. It is advisable to feed twins at the same time.

The most comfortable positions for twins:

1. both are fed “Under the hand” (we use pillows as support);
2. both in the Cradle position. Recommended for children of an age when they independently control their latch on the breast.
3. a combination of the “In the cradle” and “Under the arm” poses.

How to prepare your breasts for feeding?

The feeding process does not require any special preparations. before each feeding is not necessary, the natural fatty layer of the skin is washed off, which causes dryness and... Therefore, washing once a day is quite enough. Some experts claim that this also washes away the smell of the “milk mother”, causes anxiety in the baby, and sometimes even breast refusal.

How to properly attach a baby to the breast

Correct attachment during breastfeeding is the key to the successful development of the baby. Negative experiences can cause both mother and baby to give up breastfeeding.

Let's look at the sequence of actions:

1. Choosing a pose. Mom should feel comfortable and relaxed. You can place a pillow under the lumbar region to make feeding even more comfortable. Holding the baby should also be comfortable. The baby is turned to face the chest, lies horizontally (some experts still recommend some tilt: the legs are lower than the head), the head is in the crook of the mother’s elbow.

Do not fix the position of the baby's head - he adjusts the position of the nipple in his mouth.

1. The baby latch onto the nipple on his own. Do not try to force the nipple into his mouth. You can stimulate breast latch: press the nipple with your fingers to squeeze out a drop of milk and move the nipple around the mouth - if the baby is hungry, the reflex will not take long to appear.
2. The mouth includes the nipple and part of the areola. A small distance between the nipple and the mouth should be maintained for the baby’s comfort. If it is necessary to bring the nipple closer, then they move the baby closer, rather than trying to reach.

This is a very important point - the baby must stimulate part of the areola, otherwise milk will be obtained with great difficulty and is fraught with cracks in the nipples for the mother.

1. The nose may touch the chest, but not rest against it. Those with large busts should be especially careful.

The position of the chest with an overhang towards the nose is very dangerous due to asphyxia due to the blocking of nasal breathing.

Every nursing mother should know how to properly latch on to her baby.

Signs of proper attachment of a newborn:

1. the child's mouth is wide open;
2. the area of ​​the halo above the mouth is larger than the area that ended up in the mouth;
3. chin touches chest;
4. the nose is adjacent to the chest, but not pressed against it;
5. sucking movements are deep and prolonged;
6. no extraneous sounds;
7. the mother does not experience pain during sucking.

Incorrect latching of the baby to the breast leads to a number of negative consequences:

1. Long feedings. The baby does not get enough, and getting milk is not an easy task for him. As a result, stagnation of milk in the mammary glands. An extreme case is .
2. Decreased lactation, as a result of decreased milk suction. Violation of the integrity of the nipple, cracks.
3. The child is not gaining weight. Becomes restless and anxious.
4. Refusal of breastfeeding.

That is why the correctness of all actions will ensure reliable success when breastfeeding.

How to feed a child?

There are two main feeding styles: routine and on demand. Proponents of the “regime” style argue that the baby should not be fed more than once every 3 hours. This approach has been common before.

Their opponents assure that frequent contact between mother and child ensures psycho-emotional stability for good development. The baby must be applied as many times as required.

Practice shows that everything is very individual. It is rarely possible to strictly adhere to a specific style.

It all depends on the child and the mother’s choice, which is again based on many factors: the baby’s weight, his state of health, etc. After good feeding, the child’s physiological need for nutrition does not occur earlier than after 2 hours. If a child is worried and crying, the reason should be looked for in something else.

Only the mother decides how many times to put the newborn to the breast. The number of feedings at birth reaches 10 times a day, then decreases to 7-8 times. Normally, one baby meal lasts 10-30 minutes. Babies who are underweight can feed for about an hour.

Do not confuse feeding with holding a “sedative” in your mouth. Sometimes a child is not hungry, but it is easier for him to endure discomfort or illness by holding his mother’s breast in his mouth.

There are no clear time limits - even a baby who sucks quickly can do so for a long time at a certain feeding.

It is easy to determine the moment when the baby is full – he lets go of the breast or goes to sleep. If there is a need to forcibly stop feeding, lightly press the areola area with your index finger to let air into the baby’s mouth. This way he can easily release the breast from his mouth.

If the child does not lack nutrition, then:

1. he is gaining weight well and growing proportionally;
2. sleeps well;
3. Quite active for his age.

Be sure to remember that there is nothing better than mother’s milk and gentle hands. This is the greatest happiness given to a woman. Stock up on strength and patience - your baby will be grateful.

Both pediatricians and breastfeeding specialists attach great importance to the correct attachment of a baby to the breast. It is under comfortable and correct conditions for mother and child that breastfeeding is established and sufficient milk production is ensured.

Why is breastfeeding so important for a baby?

Natural feeding is extremely important for the development and health of the baby. Mother's milk has no exact analogue. All the world's research in the development of artificial infant formula has led to the creation of only a semblance of milk, but they are not able to completely replace it.

After all, with breast milk, children receive not only a set of nutrients. Immunity, vitamins and other substances that provide protection from diseases and the proper development of the entire body are transmitted from the mother.

How to organize feeding?

It happens that the child takes the nipple in the wrong way, thereby causing pain to the mother. Then the feeding process turns into torture and, as a result, gradually fades away. But you just need to teach your baby to latch on to the breast correctly - and feeding will become the most enjoyable moment for both.

Basic Rules

1. So, the first important rule is to make sure that the baby takes the breast correctly.
2. In addition, the mother should take a comfortable position in order to relax. There are posture options for feeding the baby in a lying position - on the side or on the back, but most often women prefer to feed the baby while sitting.
3. The feeding area must be arranged in advance. The woman should have level support for her back and may also need a footrest. Everything you need should be located nearby.
4. The feeding regimen should be convenient for the child and the mother. The basic principle of establishing breastfeeding is to put the baby to the breast on demand. It is then that the mother produces exactly as much milk as needed, and stagnation and lactostasis do not occur.

1. Supplementary feeding should be avoided whenever possible. If a mother wants to establish breastfeeding, she just needs to put her baby to her breast more often. Nature is often smarter than us - in most cases, milk is produced as much as the child needs.

Common mistakes that lead to breastfeeding problems

Using a pacifier

Babies drink from a bottle and from the breast differently. It is no secret that it is easier to “get” milk from a nipple, so the baby may not want to return to a more labor-intensive method. If your goal is natural feeding, it is better not to use a bottle with a nipple.

5 minute feeding

The so-called “foremilk” in the breast is always thinner. If the baby has eaten for only 5-10 minutes and falls asleep, no matter how sorry it is, he will have to be woken up. After all, firstly, he did not eat enough, which means that after a short period of time he will become hungry again.

And secondly, very little milk has left the breast and in the future less and less milk will come. The body listens carefully to the needs of the child. As a rule, it takes a child 20-25 minutes to eat.

Introduction of supplementary feeding

Often the mother thinks that the baby does not have enough milk. In fact, true hypolactia is quite rare. The fact that the baby is worried and often reaches for the breast does not always mean that he is hungry.

In order to make sure that the child is eating enough, you just need to count how many times he wet the diaper (or diaper). From 6 times a day is already the norm. If your general condition is normal, there is no need to worry.

Cracked nipples can cause a lot of problems

Here you need to pay attention to whether your baby is taking the breast correctly. We will talk about this separately below. Another point is the mother’s excessive concern (often provoked by older relatives) about hygiene.

Simply washing your breasts with water is enough. Frequent washing with soap removes the protective layer from the skin that protects against the penetration of germs. Soap dries the skin, promoting the formation of microcracks.

Pumping

If breastfeeding is successfully established, there is no need to express milk additionally. Feeding your baby on demand in the best way stimulates milk production and protects against stagnation. Additional pumping is recommended only if lactostasis occurs.

Feeding according to the schedule

Again, most likely, this idea will be presented to you by representatives of the older generation. To establish natural feeding, you need to latch on to your baby at his request. Over time, the baby will develop an approximate eating and sleeping schedule for himself.

Technique for breastfeeding

One of the main points that ensures successful breastfeeding is the baby's correct latch on to the breast.

If the baby takes the breast as expected, it is convenient and easy for him to suck milk, and the mother does not experience any inconvenience or discomfort. How to do it?

1. Getting ready to feed. We have already said everything about washing your breasts. Some mothers prefer to drink a cup of tea with milk to improve lactation, but in many cases this is unnecessary.
2. At one feeding you need to feed from only one breast so that the baby gets to the so-called “hind” milk, which is thicker and more nutritious. This is how he can completely empty the breast so that new milk comes in.
3. Take a comfortable position and offer your baby your breast. Young children have a pronounced search reflex - as soon as a nipple is attached to the corner of his mouth, the baby will immediately open his mouth and reach for the breast.
4. The breast latch must be complete, that is, the baby must take into his mouth not only the nipple itself, but also the areola. To do this, you need to slightly squeeze the breast with two fingers closer to the nipple and attach the nipple aureole to the baby’s lower lip, and then put the nipple itself and the upper part of the areola into his mouth.
5. With the correct grip, the baby's chin is pressed against the mother's chest, the lower lip is slightly turned out. There is no open corner visible between the child's lips.
6. If the baby takes the breast correctly, then during feeding there is no smacking or whistling sound as air passes through.
7. If you see that the baby has taken the breast incorrectly, or you experience discomfort during feeding, you need to remove the nipple from the mouth and insert it as it should. When removing the breast, you cannot pull it, just put your little finger in the corner of your mouth, in this case the baby will open his mouth on his own.

The video will tell you more about the technique of attaching a baby to the nipple:

Let's check ourselves: is the baby taking the breast correctly?

1. The baby's lips are slightly turned outward.
2. The baby's chin and nose should be pressed against the mother's chest, but not immersed in it.
3. Almost the entire nipple areola is hidden in the baby's mouth.
4. During sucking, the baby's cheeks do not retract. But the movements of the parotid muscles are clearly visible.
5. The child does not smack his lips when he eats, but if you listen, you can hear characteristic swallowing sounds.

Choosing a feeding position

The convenient and comfortable position chosen by the mother is also of great importance. The most common poses are lying or sitting.

Feeding while sitting

The mother places the baby's head on her hand, in the crook of her elbow. The child is positioned on his side. There is no need to force him to turn his head towards his mother's breast.

One variation of this position is “under-hand” feeding. The child lies on a pillow, slightly to the side of the mother. The baby lies on his side, his legs are behind his mother's back. The mother holds the child a little by the neck, and with the other hand hugs him from the back and head. This position is suitable for mothers who have undergone a caesarean section, as it avoids stress on the abdomen.

Feeding lying down

Lying down feeding is suitable for mothers after surgery, as well as for those who prefer to sleep together with the baby. The most common position is on the side. The baby is also placed on his side.

At the same time, the mother can lean on an arm placed under her head or lie on a pillow, and place the baby on her arm. The latter option is ideal for feeding babies from birth.

If there are signs of lactostasis, the “jack” position is good, in which the child lies on a pillow on his side, with his legs away from the mother.

Features of feeding for cracks and lactostasis

Unfortunately, various problems are possible during breastfeeding. In particular, the appearance of cracks or the formation of milk stagnation. All of them lead to pain during feeding.

Let’s say right away that the main reason for the appearance of these ailments is precisely the incorrect attachment of the baby. And the main treatment in this case will be to ensure proper latching of the breast.

Although some special measures will undoubtedly need to be taken. Their mother should be prescribed by a doctor, or better yet, a breastfeeding specialist.

In any case, such problems are not a death sentence for your breastfeeding. The best treatment for lactostasis is the resorption of stagnation by a child. Therefore, you will most likely be advised to attach the baby to the breast once again, ensuring - we emphasize - the correct latch.

Speaking about cracks in the nipples, I would like to warn young mothers against using special covers. Of course, they eliminate pain, but at the same time the baby gets the opportunity to receive milk from the breast, like from a bottle with a nipple.

Thus, the child may subsequently not want to “try” on his own, and the mother’s milk supply will decrease.

If you have problems, always contact a lactation specialist. The feeding process will be enjoyable for both mother and baby.