Technique of Breast Feeding

Technique of Breast Feeding :

1. Wash your hands before you begin a feeding.

2. Positioning : Cradle the baby close to your breast instead of bending over to reach the baby. This is easiest on your back. You may also lie on your side next to your baby.

3. Latching-on : Stroke your baby's lower lip with your nipple. This will get the baby to open wide. Help your baby suck on part of the areola (area around the nipple). If the baby sucks on only your nipple it could be painful. See latching-on.

4. One or Both Breasts : feed from both breasts. Start with a different one each time so each milk. Let your baby feed on one breast until it becomes soft, then burp the baby and switch breasts if the baby is still hungry.

5. Your baby may stop to rest and relax while she is feeding. This is okay. Don't rush.

6. Let y0ur nipples air-dry when done.

Latching-on:

Touching your breast to the centre of your baby's lips stimulates your baby to open his mouth widely. This is called the "rooting reflex". As this occurs, pull your baby straight forward onto the nipple and areola. Keep in mind that when a baby is correctly positioned, or "latched-on," your nipple and much of the areola are pulled well into the baby's mouth. Your baby's lips and gums should be around the areola and not on the nipple. This is why it is important for the baby's mouth to be open wide.
You can help your baby latch-on by holding the breast with your free hand. Place your fingers under the breast and rest your thumb lightly on top (back behind the areola). Make sure your baby is properly lined up at your breast. Also be sure your fingers are well back from the areola so they do not get in the way. When the baby first nurses there will be a tugging sensation. If the latch-on hurts, pinches, or produces pain, the lath-on may be incorrect. Break the latch-on by slipping your finger into the corner of your baby's mouth, reposition, and try again. It can take several tries. If your nipples are not sore, breastfeeding should not be painful. If it hurts while you breastfeed, then your baby may not be latched-on correctly and may need to be repositioned.

Correct Latch-on is very important. As it:

1. Makes milk flow better.

2. Prevents sore nipples.

3. Keeps your baby satisfied.

4. Stimulates a good milk supply.

5. Helps to prevent overly full (engorged) breasts.

Let-down Reflex :

The let-down reflex occurs every time you breast feed. The first few times you breastfeed this let-down reflex may take a few minutes. Afterward, let-down will occur much more quickly, usually within a few seconds. The signs of let-down are differents for each woman. Sometiems when your baby starts to nurse, your may feel a brief prickle, tingle, or even slight pain in your breast. Or, milk may start dripping from the breast that's not being used. These feelings and milk flow are signs of the let-down reflex. This means your body is making it easier for your baby to nurse.

To help the let-down process along, try these tips :

1. Sit in a comfortable chair with good support for your arms and back. Many nursing mothers find that rocking chairs work well.

2. Make sure your baby is in the proper position on your breast. Correct positioning is one of the most important factors in sucessful breastfeeding.

3. Listen to soothing music and sip a nutritious drink during feeding.

4. Do not smoke, drink alcoho, or use ilegal drugs. These all contain substances that can interfere with let-down and affect the content of breast milk. They are not good for y0u and not good for your baby.

5. Wear nursing bras and clothes that are easy to undo. Nursing bras have front closing flaps that come down to expose your nipple and part of your breast.

6. If your household is very busy, set aside a quiet place ahead of time where you will not be disturbed during feeding.

7. Sometimes just thinking about your baby helps let-down take palce.

FREQUENCY of Feeding :

Breastfed babies tend to feed more often than formula-fed babies, usually 8 to 12 times a day. The main reason for this is that their stomachs empty much more quickly because human milk is so easy to digest. Initially, your new born will probably nurse every 2 hours, regardles of whether it's day or night. By the end of the first month, your baby may start sleeping longer at night. Let your baby feed on demand-that is, whenever he is hungry. Watch for different signals from your baby, rather than the clock to decide when to nurse. When your baby is hungry, he may do any of the following :

1. Nuzzle against your breast
2. Show the rooting reflex.
3. Make sucking motions or put hand to mouth.
4. Cry.

Duration Per Feed :

While some infants nurse for only 10 minutes on one breast, it is quite common for other to stay on one side for much longer. Some feedings may be longer than others depending on your baby's schedule and the time of day. Some babies may be nursing even though they appear to be sleeping. If your baby has fallen asleep at your breast, or if you need to stop a feeding before your baby is finished, gently break the suction with your finger.