Master the Latch Technique for Successful Breastfeeding

Even though breastfeeding is a natural way to nourish your baby, the skill of it is often more a practiced exercise than an inherent instinct. Learning how to latch your baby onto your breast for breastfeeding increases the flow of your milk and satisfies your baby more. If the baby is not latched onto the breast properly, breastfeeding can be a slow and painful ordeal.

When preparing to breastfeed, be sure to place your baby on her side facing you. Aim to have your bellybuttons touch. A good investment is a Boppy pillow, or you can always use a regular pillow to prop your baby up so that her mouth can be leaned up to your breast. It is important that you not lay your baby flat and then lean your breast over her as this positioning is incorrect.

Hold your breast with your thumb and fingers around the area of your areola. Slightly tilt baby's head back and touch her mouth with your nipple so that she opens it. Wait until baby opens her mouth at its widest before you place the whole area of the areola in her mouth. Place your breast on her lower jaw first below the nipple.

As the baby first latches on you will probably feel a surge of intense pain, but the sensation usually only lasts for a few seconds to a minute or two. If the painful sensation continues during the time while you're breastfeeding, then this will signal that your baby is not latched on properly, and you can ease this discomfort by repeating the steps again.

Discomforts such as those that arise after you've had a c-section can be alleviated by placing your baby on her back on a pillow close to your side.