Guide to successful breastfeeding
Guide to successful breastfeeding
Natural wonder
Learn how to breastfeed
Although it's considered the most natural thing in the world, breastfeeding can take a little time to perfect – that's why we created our breastfeeding guide, with advice on successful feeding. For example, propping yourself up with cushions can help you feel more
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Breastfeeding tips
Breastfeeding is undeniably best for your baby and completely natural for you both. But like any new
Breastfeeding Positions
There are a number of different positions you can breastfeed in. If one’s not working for you, try another. Often, if you lie back in a well-supported position with your baby on your chest, they will move themselves towards your breast to start feeding. Or you can do this lying on your side, just make sure their head and body are in a straight line and that you support their neck, shoulders and back while they reach for your breast.
It’s natural for your baby to pause from time to time. If you’re finding feeding uncomfortable, try using a supportive v-shaped pillow. Painful feeding could be caused by your baby not latching on properly, so changing positions may help. It can be helpful to slip your finger between your nipple and their mouth to gently dislodge them, move your baby away from your breast and try to position them again.
Being comfortable will help your baby feed as well as possible, so experiment with a few positions to see what’s best, and remember your comfort too, and make sure you’ve got a drink to hand as it can be thirsty work!
Following these tips can help with breastfeeding:
- Position yourself comfortably in a supportive chair or with cushions
- Hold your baby’s whole body close with their nose in line with your nipple
- Let their head tip back slightly so their top lip can brush against your nipple. This should help them open their mouth
- The back of the neck and shoulders should be supported but their head should be free to move around
- Once their mouth is wide open, bring your baby up to your breast (not the other way round)
- If your baby is latched on correctly their bottom lip will be curled back and the only visible area of your areola (the dark skin around your nipple) is above your baby's top lip
- Their cheeks will look full and rounded as they feed. Also look out for movement around the ear – a good sign they’re swallowing
- Their whole body should be facing you during feeding, so make sure their tummy is against you at all times
- Let their arms move freely as they feed. You’ll find that allowing them to press or touch your breast will stimulate the milk
Watch this short video from Aptaclub for a step-by-step guide on how to breastfeed your baby.
Next steps
Tips to enhance your breastfeeding experience:
- Support your back and neck with cushions
- Ensure your baby is properly latched on, this can ease nipple soreness
- Try to feed for 20 minutes at a time, from one breast
- Gently wake your baby if they fall asleep while feeding (before 20 minutes of feeding)
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Questions about feeding and nutrition?
Our nutritionists and feeding advisors are always on hand to talk about feeding your baby. So if you have a question, just get in touch.
Important notice
Breastfeeding is best for babies and provides many benefits. It is important that, in preparation for and during breastfeeding, you eat a varied, balanced diet. Combined breast and bottle feeding in the first weeks of life may reduce the supply of your own breastmilk, and reversing the decision not to breastfeed is difficult. Always consult your healthcare professional for advice about feeding your baby.