Hold your newborn at the same height as your breast, with the baby's tummy facing your body. Wait for your baby to open wide, and then bring the infant to your breast chin-first. Aim your nipple towards the top of the baby's mouth. Once latched on, your baby's lips should cover a large portion of the areola, with the top and bottom lips making a 140° angle at the corners. You should feel a comfortable tugging during suckling.
Count on our experienced team for guidance. Remember these tips:
- Feed your baby as soon as possible after birth
- Let your baby eat as often and as long as they want, on-demand, at the first sign of hunger. Average feedings can take 15 to 40 minutes
- Offer your breast for at least 8 to 12 feedings in 24 hours, although these feedings may not follow a regular schedule
- Finish the first breast before switching to the other breast. Your baby may not always feed from both breasts during each feeding. Sometimes, your baby may want to feed two to three times in a few hours
- Listen for your baby to swallow, which means they're getting milk
- Time feedings and track when they happen. This will help you know your baby is feeding well in a 24-hour time period. Your care book, Postpartum and Newborn Care, has a feeding log
- Avoid bottles and pacifiers for at least four to six weeks after your baby is born
Breastfeeding is a natural process, but it's not always easy. Breastfeeding can take time for you and your baby to learn. While most women are able to breastfeed, some are not due to medical conditions or other problems.
If you are unable to breastfeed, or if you decide not to, it's OK. There are other feeding options, and you will find the one that is best for you, your baby, and your family. Know that we're here to help and we'll do our best to teach you what you need to know to get started.
To prevent soreness and other concerns:
- Apply nipple cream if you have sore nipples
- Avoid putting lotion on the nipple. Lotions may clog the nipple and areola and prevent normal lubrication. The areola consists of Montgomery glands that have a scent and natural lubrication to help your baby feed
- Use comfort measures listed in the Mother-Baby Care book you’ll receive after birth
- Use expressed colostrum and breast milk on the nipple as a natural lubricant
