Proper positioning: 7 basic rules for breastfeeding
Amid all the reports of sore nipples, tension, or one might almost get the impression that breastfeeding is a permanently painful ordeal for new moms. However, many of these breastfeeding problems can be prevented from the outset by paying attention to a few things. :) We have compiled 7 basic rules for proper latching to ensure that breastfeeding becomes a beautiful ritual for you and your baby from the very beginning.
1. Good preparation
Especially at the beginning, a breastfeeding session can take a little longer. In fact, breastfeeding is more like a leisurely meal than a quick snack: As an appetizer, the thirst-quenching, low-calorie Pre-milk from the chest and only then follows with the more nourishing, calorie-rich Back milk the main course. For this reason, it's best to let your baby decide for themselves when the meal is over. And since it can sometimes take up to an hour, it's convenient to have everything you might need during this time within reach (book, magazine, headphones, …). A trip to the bathroom before breastfeeding can also sometimes be beneficial. ;)
2. Comfortable posture
Make yourself really comfortable while breastfeeding. After all, how are you supposed to convey the necessary calm to your baby if your back is aching, your leg is falling asleep, or you're experiencing shoulder pain? Cushions, (breastfeeding) pillows, and rolled towels are valuable helpers for a comfortable breastfeeding position.
3. Your Baby's Posture
So that your little explorer can drink comfortably, his nose or upper lip should ideally be positioned directly in front of your nipple while his arms rest on the right and left sides of your chest. To protect his spine, make sure that ear, hip, and feet form a line. Regardless of the the rule "tummy to tummy" also applies, meaning your baby should always face you with his body.
4. Child to the chest, not chest to the child
To avoid tension caused by a hunched posture, you should always position your baby instead of your breast in the correct position. This also ensures that your child can fully surround the nipple, thereby preventing breastfeeding problems and soreness.
5. Offering the breast
To offer your baby the breast at the beginning of a feeding session, you can hold it in the C-hold.
This involves grasping your breast with all your fingers from below, with only the thumb resting 3 to 4 centimeters away from the areola on top.
This way, you can guide your breast well and, for example, gently stroke your baby's upper lip with your nipple.
This triggers the sucking reflex and your baby will open its mouth.
Once it is wide open, you can quickly bring your baby to your breast and "latch on".
6. Asymmetric positioning
The asymmetrical latch describes how your baby's mouth attaches to your nipple. But why is this even important? The asymmetrical latch has various benefits – for you and your baby: your little explorer has the nipple deeper in their mouth, making sucking easier and significantly reducing strain on your nipple. Additionally, it allows for a more effective emptying of the breast, ensuring your baby's weight gain without them having to suck for hours.
In these graphics, you can see the difference. The dashed line symbolizes your baby's mouth – while in the symmetrical latch (left image), the nipple is centered in the baby's mouth, pointing straight towards the throat, in the asymmetrical latch (right image), it is in the upper part of the mouth and therefore directed upwards and towards the palate. His mouth is more open, and his lips are not tucked in. In the asymmetrical latch, your baby's head is also slightly extended, and he touches your breast with his chin. Signs that your baby may be latching onto the nipple symmetrically and therefore not correctly include, for example, a visible double chin, sucking or clicking sounds while feeding, or experiencing pain during breastfeeding.
7. Regular position change
By switching between different breastfeeding positions, you avoid uneven strain, which can lead to sore nipples and tension. Additionally, your baby presses on different areas of your breast with their face, depending on how they are positioned. When you change positions, all areas can be emptied evenly, helping to prevent milk stasis. An illustrative overview of the most common breastfeeding positions can be found in our magazine article "". Furthermore, LILLYDOO midwife Sissi explains the most important aspects of breastfeeding in this video.
If you have any questions or problems, you can always contact your midwife and/or a breastfeeding consultant. Even if it takes some time for you to get the hang of it: don’t worry, because breastfeeding is not witchcraft. ;) Surely you and your baby will soon be a well-coordinated team and be able to enjoy the daily moments of togetherness to the fullest!