Techniques for Breastfeeding
- Gently touch the baby’s lower lip with the nipple to stimulate the baby to turn toward the breast.
- Wait until the baby opens their mouth wide (like yawning).
- Bring the baby to the breast, not the breast to the baby.
- Move the baby’s whole body toward the breast, not just the baby’s head.
- Make sure the baby latches on as deeply as possible.
- Support the breast while the baby is sucking to ensure a tighter latch.
- If the mother feels nipple pain or the nipple cracks, stop the feeding by quickly removing the baby from the breast and start again.
6 Tips for Successful Breastfeeding
- Feed quickly, frequently, and correctly.
- Use the correct holding position.
- The mother should not be stressed.
- The mother should eat three complete meals.
- The mother should drink 8-10 glasses of water daily.
- Know how to express and store breast milk.
Correct Breastfeeding Positions
- Cross-cradle hold The baby lies across the lap, turned toward the mother. The baby’s tummy is close to the mother’s tummy. Use the arm to support the baby’s back, with the palm cupping the baby’s bottom and thighs. The baby’s mouth is aligned with the nipple. The baby’s head and body are in a straight line, with the head slightly higher than the body.
- Modified cross-cradle hold Change the hand from the cross-cradle hold. Use the hand on the same side as the breast the baby is feeding from to support the breast. The other hand supports the baby’s neck and nape.
- Football hold Half-lying, half-side-lying position. Hold the baby’s neck and nape with your hand, hug the baby close to your side, with the baby’s legs pointing toward your back. The baby feeds from the breast on the same side as the hand holding the baby.
- Side-lying position Mother and baby lie on their sides facing each other. The mother lies with her head elevated, keeping her back and hips as straight as possible. The baby’s mouth is aligned with the nipple. The lower hand supports the baby’s back, and the upper hand supports the breast during the initial latch.
Baby’s Posture While Breastfeeding
Baby’s body: The baby’s body is straight, the neck is not twisted, the tummy is close to the mother’s tummy, the baby faces the breast, and the baby’s body is well supported.
Baby’s sucking position: The baby opens the mouth wide, the chin touches the mother’s breast, the lower lip flares out (like a fish mouth), and more areola is visible.
5 Signs That the Baby is Sucking Correctly
- The mother does not feel nipple pain, and the nipples are not cracked.
- The sucking rhythm is slow and steady, with short pauses of 1-2 seconds.
- No clicking or smacking sounds are heard.
- The mother feels milk flowing in the breast.
- The mother may hear swallowing sounds if there is a lot of milk.
Important Notes for Breastfeeding on Your Own
- After the baby finishes feeding from the first breast, offer the other breast until the baby is full. For the next feeding, start with the breast that was left off.
- Let the baby feed until they stop sucking and release the nipple on their own.
- If the baby is still sucking, do not pull the nipple out as it may cause cracking. To remove the baby from the breast, press the baby’s chin or insert a finger at the corner of the baby’s mouth, then move the baby away from the breast.
How to Store Breast Milk and Storage Duration
| Storage Method | Duration |
|---|---|
| Stored at room temperature (> 25°C) | 1 hour |
| Stored at room temperature (< 25°C) | 4 hours |
| Stored in an ice pack | 1 day |
| Stored in a regular refrigerator 0-4°C | 2-5 days |
| Stored in a freezer compartment (single door) | 2 weeks |
| Stored in a freezer compartment (separate door) | 3 months |
- Do not place milk on the refrigerator door shelf because the temperature there is inconsistent.
- Once thawed, do not refreeze the milk. Use it all.
