Some babies are able to drink properly from your breast right away, others may need some help. Breastfeeding is a learning process that you both have to go through. During your baby’s first few weeks, you will both learn in tandem what works and what doesn’t. This way you become completely attuned to each other. In this article we will give you some tips to make breastfeeding even better.
Search reflex and latching reflex
Your baby is not totally clueless. For example, a newborn baby is very capable of finding and latching to its mother’s breast. For example, if you place your baby on your stomach after giving birth, your baby will put their hands in their mouth after half an hour. If you place your child a bit higher on your body, he or she will automatically pull up his knees and move up your chest towards your breast. If your baby is positioned with its cheeks next to your nipple, it will its mouth towards the nipple. This is your baby’s search reflex. In a next step, your baby will open its mouth to latch onto your breast, the latching reflex. Your baby should then suck so as to create a vacuum in order to stimulate milk production. We will gladly give you some tips in this regard!
Tip 1: Find a comfortable, convenient posture
Make sure that you lie comfortably and conveniently, and that the arm with which you are holding your baby is also firmly supported by, for example, a pillow. This makes it easier for you to stay in the same position for longer and allows your baby to drink in peace. Support your baby with one hand and your chest with the other hand. When supporting your chest, make sure your fingers don’t touch the areola. This way, your hand does not get in the way of your child.
Tip 2: The correct posture of your baby
Make sure your baby’s body is aligned with its head, neck, shoulders, and back in a straight line. Babies sometimes want to keep their hands in front of their mouths. In this case, try to position your baby’s hands on your chest as well. Place your baby’s tummy on your own tummy and provide sufficient support between its shoulder blades. Make sure that your baby’s nose is at the same level as the nipple, so that your baby has to keep his head slightly back. Always bring your baby to the breast, and not the other way around!
Tip 3: Activate the search reflex
We have already mentioned your baby’s search and latching reflex. These reflexes are extremely important when it comes to breastfeeding! Is your baby resting in a comfortable position? Then gently stroke your nipple against your baby’s upper lip. This will help your baby recognize the signal and search for your nipple with his mouth open. The search reflex! If your baby’s mouth is wide open, you can insert the nipple and part of the areola. Never do this when the mouth is not yet wide open. When your baby only sucks on your nipple, the sucking will block your milk ducts and prevent milk from coming out of your breast.
Tip 4: Make sure that your baby is properly latched
Not sure if everything is going well? There are several things you can check to see if your baby has latched on properly:
- Your baby is sucking not only on the nipple, but also on part of the areola
- Your baby’s chin, jaws and ears move with it
- Your baby’s lips are curled out
- Is your baby making smacking noises, or are its cheeks dimpling? That is precisely a sign that your child has not latched on properly
- Your baby’s nose must be unobstructed so he or she can breathe freely
Tip 5: Allow your baby to drink from both breasts
Especially during the first few weeks, it is important to let your baby drink from both breasts at each feeding. This serves to stimulate milk production. When it’s time for feeding, let your baby drink first from the breast it drank from last at the previous feeding session. Some babies continue to drink from both breasts, others will at some point be satisfied with one breast. Always make sure that you let your baby drink the first breast smoothly before letting your baby drink from the other breast.
My baby refuses breastfeeding. What now?
Does your baby refuse to drink or does your baby turn his or her head away when you give him or her your breast? This can happen for a number of diverse reasons. For example, try a different position! Maybe your baby isn’t lying in a relaxed, comfortable position. Have you changed your shower gel or perfume? Or is your baby distracted? This may occur for a number of reasons. If your baby refuses to breastfeed or does not latch on properly, contact the childcare clinic or obstetrician. They can help you with your issues.
Do you need any more tips to help your baby latch?
It can be frustrating if your baby doesn’t lie comfortably against your breast or doesn’t latch on properly. Remember that you are not alone! As mentioned earlier, you can always seek advice from your doctor, obstetrician, lactation consultant or midwife. Did you know that you can also share tips and experiences with other parents who experience the same issues? Download our app and join the discussion in the forum!
