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What are Some Breastfeeding Tips?

Margo Upson
Margo Upson
Margo Upson
Margo Upson

Breastfeeding is a great experience for both a mother and her child. It encourages bonding, and provides the nutrients that an infant needs to thrive. There are many breastfeeding tips that can help a new mother make her breastfeeding experience be a lot more pleasurable.

One of the most important breastfeeding tips is to make sure the infant is correctly latched on to the breast for each feeding, especially during the first several weeks. First, clasp your breast in a C-hold, with your thumb on the top of the breast and the fingers on the bottom, supporting its weight. Brush the nipple across your baby’s lips, getting him to open his mouth. When the mouth is opened wide, present the nipple and draw him in towards it.

Olive oil, which can soothe cracked nipples.
Olive oil, which can soothe cracked nipples.

For a correct latch, the baby’s jaw should come around the areola (darker skin around the nipple) and his lips should be sealed tight. Any pain that lasts past the first several sucks is a sign that the latch-on is incorrect. Remove the nipple by inserting your pinky into your baby’s mouth and between his jaw, and try again. Getting the correct latch-on technique takes a lot of practice; be patient.

A breast pump.
A breast pump.

There are many breastfeeding tips to help new mothers treat and prevent sore nipples and other breast problems. The best way to prevent most of these problems is to ensure that your infant is correctly latched on to your breast before feeding him. An incorrect latch-on can cause cracked, bleeding nipples and a lot of pain. The best way to treat these problems is with lanolin ointment. Rub a small amount of the ointment onto dry nipples, and allow it to set. Lanolin is safe for infants, so it is okay to leave it on your breasts. Olive oil and breast milk can also help soothe cracked nipples. Allow nipples to air dry after a nursing session, and change breast pads regularly.

There are numerous breastfeeding positions to experiment with.
There are numerous breastfeeding positions to experiment with.

One of the best breastfeeding tips for treating engorgement is to keep nursing on that breast. If your baby has finished nursing, express as much milk as you can, either manually or with a breast pump, until the engorgement goes down. A warm washcloth can help stimulate the let-down reflex, relieving engorgement, and easing pain. Mastitis can also be treated by extended nursing or expressing the milk. Doctors may prescribe an antibiotic to help treat the mastitis infection.

Some women find that a firm pillow to support the baby is a helpful breastfeeding item to have on hand.
Some women find that a firm pillow to support the baby is a helpful breastfeeding item to have on hand.

There are many breastfeeding positions available for new moms to experiment with. The classic position, called the cradle hold, is the most common. Also common is the reclining position, done with both mom and baby lying down next to each other. One of the greatest breastfeeding tips is to nurse in a way that is comfortable for both you and your infant. A rocking chair with a foot rest is what many moms choose. There should be a place for a large cup of water, a couple of books, a few burp cloths, and a box of tissues within easy reach. A breastfeeding support pillow is a great help for new moms, and should also be kept where a mom does the most nursing.

Breastfeeding promotes bonding between mother and child.
Breastfeeding promotes bonding between mother and child.

Your doctor or a lactation consultant can provide you with more breastfeeding tips. Because breastfeeding is so important, it is essential that mothers get all of the support they need to make it the best experience possible. Breastfeeding is not always easy, but it is one of the best things a mom can do for her child.

Margo Upson
Margo Upson

Margo has a varied academic background, which has involved everything from psychology and culinary arts to criminal justice and education. These wide-ranging interests make her an ideal WiseGEEK writer, as she always enjoys becoming an expert on new and unfamiliar topics.

Learn more...
Margo Upson
Margo Upson

Margo has a varied academic background, which has involved everything from psychology and culinary arts to criminal justice and education. These wide-ranging interests make her an ideal WiseGEEK writer, as she always enjoys becoming an expert on new and unfamiliar topics.

Learn more...

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    • Olive oil, which can soothe cracked nipples.
      By: grekoff
      Olive oil, which can soothe cracked nipples.
    • A breast pump.
      By: Vladan Andrejevic
      A breast pump.
    • There are numerous breastfeeding positions to experiment with.
      By: Svetlana Fedoseeva
      There are numerous breastfeeding positions to experiment with.
    • Some women find that a firm pillow to support the baby is a helpful breastfeeding item to have on hand.
      By: karam miri
      Some women find that a firm pillow to support the baby is a helpful breastfeeding item to have on hand.
    • Breastfeeding promotes bonding between mother and child.
      By: Svetlana Fedoseeva
      Breastfeeding promotes bonding between mother and child.
    • Experts recommend alternating the breasts during feedings throughout the day.
      By: dgrilla
      Experts recommend alternating the breasts during feedings throughout the day.