Guide to breastfeeding

Breast-feeding positions

Breast-feeding is a time to relax with your baby. Get comfortable and use pillows to help support your arm and the baby. Vary positions to avoid sore nipples and to ensure draining from all the milk ducts. The following instructions are for feeding on the right breast. Reverse for the left breast.

The cradle position
This position allows you to nurse discreetly in public. Place your baby's head in the crook of your right arm so that baby is lying horizontally, with her mouth level with your areola. Turn the baby so that her stomach, chest, and knees are against your body. Place your baby's lower arm around your waist.

The side-lying position
When you master this position you'll be able to sleep and nurse at the same time. Lie on your right side, and place the baby so that his mouth is level with the areola on your bottom (right) breast. Use your bottom (right) arm to hold your baby in position. Take care not to lie on your baby's arm.

The football hold
This position is especially useful for smaller babies or for a mother with large breasts. Hold your baby under your right arm, with your hand supporting the baby's head and neck. Your baby will be facing you and should be close to your body. Cup your right breast with your left hand and offer it to your baby.

Feeding schedule -- What schedule?

Feeding a newborn usually takes five to twenty minutes per breast, but thirty minutes per breast is not unusual. Don't look at your watch to see if your baby has finished feeding. Let her feed for as long as she likes or until she falls asleep.

Give your newborn frequent, unrestricted opportunities to breast-feed -- a minimum of eight feedings in twenty-four hours. Since human milk can be digested within two hours, night feedings are essential. To stimulate and maintain your milk production, let your baby suckle at both breasts in turn at each feeding. For the subsequent feeding, let him start with the breast offered last. Can't remember which side to start on? Some women put a safety-pin on the bra strap of the breast with which the baby should start.

Feeding during growth spurts

When your baby suddenly nurses more frequently, she is probably going through a growth spurt. Typically, these growth spurts occur around two weeks, four to six weeks, three months, and six months. Help your milk production increase to satisfy your baby's hunger by resting, eating well, and nursing more often.

Burping

Some breast-fed babies never need burping. But if your baby tends to gulp back your milk, he may need to burp after each breast. Place him over your shoulder or legs and gently rub his back until he burps. Do not hit his back. And don't be surprised if the shoulder you're burping him on suddenly feels wet. Regurgitation is common with burping. You'll get in the habit of placing a towel or receiving blanket over your shoulder or leg before you burp the baby.