Core Breastfeeding Techniques

Core Technique #1: The Correct Latch

A proper latch is the most critical factor for successful breastfeeding. An incorrect latch leads to nipple pain, poor milk transfer, and a hungry baby.

1. Preparing to Latch

• Get Comfortable: Ensure your back, arms, and legs are well-supported (use pillows, a nursing pillow, or a footstool). Mom must be relaxed.
• Align Baby's Body: Ensure baby's head, neck, and spine are in a straight line. Baby's tummy should be touching your tummy ("tummy-to-tummy").
• Nose to Nipple: Position the baby so their nose is opposite your nipple.

2. Guiding Baby to a Wide Latch

1. Stimulate the Gape: Gently tickle your baby's upper lip with your nipple (don't push it in). Wait for them to open their mouth wide, like a big yawn.
2. Bring Baby to Breast: Once the mouth is wide, quickly bring the baby to your breast (not your breast to the baby).
3. Cover the Areola: The goal is for the baby to take in a large mouthful of the breast, including most of the areola, not just the nipple. The chin should be pressed into the breast and the lower lip flanged outward (like a fish).
4. Check the Latch: You should feel a tugging, not sharp pain. You should hear deep, rhythmic swallowing sounds. After feeding, your nipple should look normal (not flattened or lipstick-shaped).

Core Technique #2: Common Feeding Positions

Try different holds to find what's most relaxing for you and your baby.

1. Cradle Hold

• How: The classic position. Baby's head rests in the crook of your elbow, with your arm supporting their neck, back, and bottom.

2. Cross-Cradle Hold

• How: Use the opposite arm to support the baby (e.g., left arm for right breast). Your hand supports the baby's head and neck. This gives you more control. Great for newborns.

3. Football / Clutch Hold

• How: Tuck the baby under your arm, like a football. Your hand supports their head. Ideal for C-section moms (avoids pressure on the wound) or moms with large breasts.

4. Side-Lying Position

• How: You and your baby lie on your sides facing each other. Perfect for night feeds so you can rest.

5. Laid-Back / Biological Nurturing

• How: Mom reclines in a semi-lying position (supported by pillows) and places the baby tummy-down on her chest. Great for newborns and moms with a fast letdown.

Core Technique #3: The On-Demand Principle

Successful breastfeeding follows the "Feed On Demand" principle.

The Principle & Cues

• The Principle: No clock-watching. Feed your baby whenever they show signs of hunger.
• When to Feed? Watch for early hunger cues, not late-stage crying.
  • Early Cues: Head turning (rooting), mouth opening, "smacking" lips, sticking tongue out.
  • Late Cue: Crying (a crying baby is often too frantic to latch properly).
• How Long? Let the baby feed until they detach naturally. Start the next feed on the breast you finished on last time (or the fuller-feeling one).

⚠️ The Importance of Colostrum & First Latch

Further Reading