HOW TO BRING BABY TO BREAST

1. Tickle baby's lips to encourage him to open wide.	2.Point nipple to roof of baby's mouth and when open wide, pull him onto the breast, chin and lower jaw first.	3. Watch the lower lip and aim it as far from base of nipple as possible, so the baby's tongue draws lots of breast into the mouth.
Click on the start button for a demonstration

More tips on proper positioning for baby's mouth when holding baby:

• You can support your breast with your thumb on top and four fingers underneath. Keep your fingers behind the areola (the darker skin around the nipple). You may need to support your breast during the whole feeding, especially in the early days or if your breasts are large.
• Hug the baby in close with his or her whole body facing yours. Your baby will take a mouthful of all of the nipple and most of the areola. The baby should never be latched onto the nipple only.
• Look for both of your baby’s lips to be turned out (not tucked in or under) and relaxed. If you can’t tell if the lower lip is out, press gently on the lower chin to pull the lower lip out. The tongue should be cupped under your breast.
• You may see your baby’s jaw move back and forth and hear low-pitched swallowing noises. Your baby’s chin may touch your breast.
• Breastfeeding should not hurt. If it hurts, take the baby off of your breast and try again. The baby may not be latched on right. Break your baby’s suction to your breast by gently placing your finger in the corner of his/her mouth.

View a video on how to establish a correct latch.

Current as of August 2007