Memo to a nursing mother: how to feed a newborn with breast milk. Asymmetric Breastfeeding: User Manual Baby Latching Rules

It is important for young mothers to know how to properly feed a newborn with breast milk, what should be the regimen, the necessary norms, acceptable postures when breastfeeding. The health of the woman and the child depends on this process. Improper attachment is one of the causes of lactation disorders. To avoid problems, you need to remember the basic rules, which will be discussed.

The rules for breastfeeding children in the 21st century have changed a lot compared to the previous century. Many strong recommendations were refuted or softened.

You don't need to wash your breasts before every feeding.: the fat layer will be washed off the skin. This protective film protects the nipples from cracks and scratches. Frequent use of soap will dry out the skin and nipples. It is enough to take a shower at the beginning and end of the day.

In most cases, babies under 6 months of age do not need to be given water. Additional soldering is allowed in case of constipation, but this rarely happens on GW

It is not necessary to offer water to the baby before the age of 6 months if he is breastfed. Mother's milk replaces food and drink. He will find all useful substances in milk and will not feel thirsty.

A nursing woman is recommended to drink a glass of liquid - pure water, rosehip broth, tea with milk 15–20 minutes before the start of the process. This will increase lactation and give strength.

chest grip

Mother's milk is the most suitable food for newborns. This is important for the full development of the child. In order for the first attempts to be successful, you need to know some of the subtleties of the process.

First time

The first feeding of the newborn should occur within the first hour after delivery.. This stimulates the woman's nipples and activates the lactation system, thanks to which the contraction of the uterus in the postpartum period is better. The baby has a feeling of hunger, colostrum starts the process of formation of the correct microflora.

The benefits of the first servings of milk (colostrum) are determined by its composition. The table describes its main components.

The first application initiates the feeding process. This is a natural process, important and necessary for a child to grow and develop safely.

5 stages of breast capture

In how to properly feed a newborn with breast milk, the most important thing is breast capture (read if you need it). First, wash your hands thoroughly. A few drops of milk can be squeezed out of the nipple to lubricate the nipple. It will become softer, it will be easier for the baby to grab it with his mouth.

Stages of capturing the breast with the baby's mouth:
1
Place pillows or cushions under the child so that his back is straight. Mom clasps her breasts with her fingers, not touching the circle of the areola. He brings the baby to his face. He will smell the milk, open his mouth. If this does not happen, it is necessary to squeeze out droplets of milk on his lips, put the nipple on his mouth.
2
The chin touches the mother's breasts, and the nose faces the nipple. The mouth should open wide. The nipple and part of the areola should enter the mouth.

3
The baby will start suckling. Babies are different - some immediately suck actively, others do it slowly. If the milk leaks a little from the corner of the mouth, the baby's head should be raised, put the index finger under the lower lip. The baby will press the lips tighter.
4
When the baby has eaten and begins to fall asleep, put your index finger between the chest and the corner of the mouth. This will help to pull out the nipple without effort.
5
You do not need to immediately dress, it is advisable to let the milk dry on the nipple. The child must be held in an upright position so that he burps air. After a characteristic sound, put him to bed.

With the right technique, the baby will develop high-quality sucking. This will prevent future nipple injuries. It will be easier for mom to cope with the baby when he grows up and gains weight. If the mother has, it is imperative to find out the reasons, because this is fraught with serious diseases.

The following video shows how to properly breastfeed your newborn.

Attachment in different postures

The choice of position for feeding the newborn remains with the mother. The process should take place in a relaxed state. It is important to take the load off the woman's back.

sitting position

In this position, it is convenient to feed throughout the day. Be sure to provide support for the back to give rest to the spine.

A suitable position when mom folds her arms in the form of a cradle. One hand supports the head, and the other the rest of the body. The baby's body is turned towards the mother, it is convenient for the mouth to reach the nipple.

For weak and premature babies, it is better to lay a pillow under the body. It will be convenient for mom to control the baby's head with both hands.

Lying position

If the mother had a cesarean section or she has stitches in the perineum, then it is better to lie down during the whole process. How to feed a newborn with breast milk lying down is shown even in the hospital.

There are several provisions:

• Mom is on her arm. She puts the child on her side, she lies next to her side. In order for the baby to eat from the upper breast, it is placed on a pillow. For the bottom pillow is removed. The head rests on the mother's hand.
• Child on mother. In this way, the baby is fed with severe colic, as well as a large rush of milk from the mother, so that the newborn does not choke. Mom lies on her back, puts the newborn with her tummy on her stomach so that he can reach the nipple. Mom can put a pillow under her head and shoulders.
• From under the arm. The nursing woman half-sitting, leaning on her thigh and forearm, the baby lies on a pillow between the mother and the supporting arm. She holds the child's head from below, gives him a breast from above.

During the day, the positions change depending on the preference of the woman and the circumstances.

Negative consequences due to incorrect application

Proper attachment of a newborn during breastfeeding will help to avoid many troubles. The baby can damage the nipple. He sucks hard, but improper attachment prevents him from getting milk. This will cause pain to the woman, some refuse for this reason to try again to breastfeed.

It also provokes inefficient sucking of milk. Because of this the gland will coarsen, swell, inflame. We advise you to read and advice on how to prevent it.

Nursing mothers sometimes have to feed their babies in public places. If you plan a long walk, then you need to consider that the child will get hungry, so you need to prepare. Take with you a large scarf or diaper, a set of wet and dry wipes, a small snack.

You can wear special clothes for nursing women - these are blouses, T-shirts with slits for the chest, sewn-in bras. When it’s time to eat, it’s better to be proactive: don’t wait for demanding crying, feed the baby before he asks.

You should find a secluded place where there will be fewer people. If this is not the case, then just sit down, turning away to attract less attention. Throw a scarf or diaper over your shoulders to protect your baby from prying eyes. Feed him and vilify vertically (read in this article), as the newborn should be kept in this position after feeding to spit up air.

Eating outdoors excites a good appetite and gives sound sleep. Mom allows you to take a break from the everyday work of caring for the baby. If feeding outside the home is not possible, you can bring a bottle of expressed milk with you. How to use a breast pump in this case and which one is better to choose is a topic.

Basic Rules

Breastfeeding must be done correctly. When applying, various difficulties arise that affect feeding.

How to alternate breasts

Milk in the gland is not homogeneous. First, the baby sucks the so-called "front" milk. It is more liquid, it contains less fat and nutrients. Then comes the “back”, more saturated portion. This combination allows the baby to eat a balanced diet. When feeding, you need to give one breast, and the next - the other.

If at one time the baby sucked first from one gland, then a little from another, then he received two not very nutritious portions, and the saturated remnants no longer want to eat up. It is reasonable to alternate breasts only when establishing a feeding regimen, and not on ordinary days.

Mode or requirement - which is better?

Modern pediatricians are inclined to believe that it is better to feed newborn babies on demand, and not by the hour. After all, the baby calls his mother not only during hunger. When sucking, it is easier for him to calm down. With his mother, he is not so scared, cold or exciting. Lactation with on-demand feeding will be stable.

The hourly feeding schedule for a newborn baby is convenient because it is predictable. When feeding on demand, the mother becomes “attached” to the baby. This is especially unusual for young women with their first child.

Be sure to feed at night. The hormone prolactin responsible for lactation is produced at night. The most effective are meals from 2 am to 8 am.

Mom is not able to sleep with this newborn feeding regimen, but you need to use the baby’s daytime sleep hours for your rest. In the future, the child will grow up and stop eating at night.

How much should a newborn suckle

Each baby is individual. From birth, he has his own character. One sucks briskly and actively for 15 minutes, the other - slowly, with pleasure, almost 40 minutes. With prolonged feeding, cracks may appear on the nipples. But if you take the breast earlier, the fattest and most useful portion will not go to the baby.

There is a norm for breastfeeding a newborn- from 10 to 40 minutes. Next, you need to observe the child, whether he eats during this time.

A few signs that the baby is full

Many breastfeeding women worry about whether their child is full at the rate of feeding a newborn. There are several signs by which you can understand that the baby is full:

• the newborn is gaining weight normally and feels good (in this publication you will familiarize yourself with by months);
• urine is excreted about 10 times a day;
• the chair looks like a porridge, up to 8 times a day;
• the skin is clean, pink;
• The development of the baby goes according to the timing.

Capricious behavior between meals cannot be a symptom of a lack of milk. He may be tormented by colic or an uncomfortable posture. How much a newborn should eat in one feeding can be determined with a pediatrician. It depends on birth weight and age.

7 times you shouldn't breastfeed

There are situations when the use of mother's milk is contraindicated, as it can transfer drug residues or bacteria from the mother to the baby.

Diseases and conditions of a woman that exclude breastfeeding:

• oncology;
• open form of tuberculosis;
• deadly infections - plague, cholera;
• mental disorders- schizophrenia;
• taking drugs for nervous disorders - antidepressants, lithium salts:
• hepatitis.

For some diseases (chickenpox, measles), milk must be expressed, sterilized and then given to the baby.

Conclusion

Breast milk is essential for the growth and development of a baby's immune system. But in order for this process to be beneficial, you need to remember the basic rules for applying and grabbing the chest. You need to understand that some diseases impose restrictions on breastfeeding and even prohibit it. Therefore, in a timely manner, ask for information about the rules of artificial feeding, as well as about for a newborn.

When I start talking about the correct or incorrect attachment of a child to the breast, I very often hear the following phrase: “What do you mean? Is it possible to suckle the breast incorrectly? When I first started working as a lactation consultant, it especially upset me if I heard this phrase from the maternity hospital staff ...
Breastfeeding is a very delicate thing. 20-30 minutes after birth, when the newborn has a desire to suck, the baby begins to look for the breast, opens his mouth, nods his head and tries to crawl towards the nipple. And at these moments, when the instinctive sucking activity of the child has not yet been spoiled by anything, only 30% of children correctly grasp the breast and begin to suckle productively! The rest need to be helped, to give the chest several times before the attempt can be called successful.
In most Russian maternity hospitals, no one delivers the baby after relaxation phases. Immediately after birth, the umbilical cord is cut, shown to the mother, and taken away for “processing”. In the best case, the baby will see his mother in 2 hours, and most likely in 6-12 hours. Mom is usually told that the baby is resting after childbirth, he is not in the mood for sucking now. At this time, the baby is usually given 1-2 times water or a mixture from the nipple. This is called pre-breastfeeding, which often forms the habit of sucking on the nipple rather than the breast. Doctors and nurses usually protest and say: "They say, what kind of nonsense, it's okay, then he will suck on his breast, he won't go anywhere." In my experience, this is not entirely true.
Coming to the postpartum ward, I constantly meet children at the age of 2-3 days of life who do not even try to suckle the breast if it enters their mouth. The kid demonstrates active search behavior, opens his mouth, shakes his head, sometimes shouts. If I try to put him on the breast, he opens his mouth wide, but does not try to start sucking. It happens that the child immediately begins to cry as soon as the breast is put into his mouth. Very often there is a situation when a child simply stops opening his mouth wide during search behavior. This behavior is typical of children who have had experience sucking on a pacifier or pacifier.
Such a “wonderful” picture is often observed: a mother sits over a plastic maternity hospital bed, admires a peacefully sleeping baby sucking on a pacifier that says “I love you, mama”. (Recently, such pacifiers have been very common in Moscow). I ask my mother if the baby is breastfeeding, to which my mother replies that she tried to give it a couple of times, but somehow it’s not very good ... The second day after giving birth ...
Usually, when I start telling my mother that if you periodically give your child to suck a bottle with a nipple, then the child may refuse to breastfeed, my mother says: “Yes, it is easier to suck from a bottle. And here (in the maternity hospital) the holes are so big.” Meanwhile, the matter is not at all in the holes, and not in the ease of sucking.
The thing is that when sucking on a pacifier, the child makes fundamentally different movements. It is actually easier to suck on the breast, as the baby is "helped" by the reflective process in the mother's body, which reduces smooth muscle cells around the lobules of the gland and pushes the milk into the duct. Thanks to this reflex, the milk seems to be injected into the baby's mouth.
It should be noted here that the baby needs to suck to get rid of the feeling of discomfort. The child does not care what to suck, everything is determined by habit. There is a widespread misconception that if a baby is given a breast first and then a bottle, then the baby will not refuse the breast. Many mothers also believe that if only water, tea or juice is given from a bottle, the baby will not refuse the breast. In fact, it does not matter at all when and in what quantities he sucks on a pacifier or pacifier. There are children who have problems with attachment to the breast, it is enough to suck on the nipple 1-2 times. There are babies who “suddenly” begin to act up at the breast at 2-3 months. There are children who are happy to suck everything they are given, but gradually stop gaining weight.
The World Health Organization, in its bulletin on infant feeding, puts it this way:
“In a normal newborn, the sucking reflexes required for breastfeeding are quite strong at birth. Practice confirms that some babies born at the 32nd week of pregnancy weighing only 1200g able to suckle effectively more before they learn to suck from artificial nipples. However, these crucial reflexes may be weak or absent in cases of too early termination of pregnancy, in children with extremely low birth weight, and in sick children ... ... However, the most common reasons for the reduced effectiveness of these reflexes are the use of sedatives or painkillers during childbirth and interference with learning after childbirth. The instinctive movements of the child must be fixed in the correct behavior in the postpartum period. The use of other oral objects, nipples, or pacifiers during this period may set the baby up for other mouth movements that are unacceptable for breastfeeding.

…. In order to successfully establish breastfeeding, factors that reduce the duration, effectiveness and frequency of breastfeeding by the child must be eliminated in any way possible. These factors include: limited feeding times, scheduled feedings, uncomfortable feeding positions, use of other oral objects, other fluids such as water, sugar solutions, vegetable or animal dairy products.”

For the formation of full lactation in the mother, for long-term and successful breastfeeding, the importance of proper attachment is enormous.

Only with proper attachment, the baby stimulates the breast for sufficient milk production. Only with proper attachment, the baby can suck out as much milk as he needs. Only proper attachment will not cause the mother any discomfort during feeding and will never lead to the need to interrupt feeding due to pain, because. they simply won't.

What is the correct attachment of the child to the breast?

The child should grab the nipple and areola with an energetic “butting” movement of the head, raising the chest, and then, as if putting it on the chest moving down, on the wide-open mouth, with the tongue lowered under the chest, but not protruding. It is necessary that this capture be complete and deep enough so that the nipple is a hard bump on the palate in the mouth. , i.e. the nipple together with the areola should actually fill the entire oral cavity of the child. Such a grip requires a very wide mouth, and if the baby does not immediately open his mouth correctly, then you can help the child by running the nipple along his lower lip, causing a reflex movement of the lips and opening of the mouth. Often the first reaction of the child to the mother's breast will be her licking, and only then the capture.

With the correct grip on the chest, the child retains a wide-open mouth, the lower lip is completely turned out (it is pushed out by the front edge of the tongue lying on the lower jaw). The areola completely enters the baby's mouth if it is small. If the areola is large, then its capture is almost complete, asymmetrical. From below, the child captures the areola more than from above.

The effectiveness of suckling is determined not through the creation of negative pressure, but through the rhythmic massage of the areola, carried out by the movements of the child's tongue.

A baby sucks a bottle of any shape and with any hole size in the same way as an adult sucks from a straw: by creating negative pressure. The tongue is not involved in sucking from a bottle. There are no milking movements of the tongue. The tongue is usually located behind the lower jaw. Therefore, when a child who is used to sucking a bottle gets a breast in his mouth, he does not know what to do with it. In the extreme case of improper attachment, the nipple falls between the jaws, the child sucks the breast in the same way as a bottle. If the nipple is between the jaws, the mother usually experiences quite strong discomfort. The severity of pain depends on the thickness of the skin of the areola and the individual sensitivity of the woman. But in any case, the nipple is injured very quickly and often already on the second day after childbirth, with improper attachment, abrasions appear that turn into cracks if the attachment is not corrected. This situation is so common that many women consider cracking to be a necessary evil associated with breastfeeding.

It turns out to be very "insidious" painless variant of improper attachment.

In this case, the nipple itself falls behind the jaws and lies on the tongue along with a small part of the areola. The child expresses it ... In this case, the mother does not hurt, because. the baby does not bite on the nipple. The baby even receives some amount of milk. But the breast does not receive sufficient stimulation and does not empty well. This gradually leads to a decrease in the amount of milk. Usually the child in this case does not put on weight very well. Or there is a gradual decrease in the increase. For example, in the first month the child added 900g, in the second - 600, in the third - 450. If the child is somatically healthy, feeds on demand, does not suck anything except the breast, then most likely there is a painless variant of improper attachment.

If a woman has never seen how a baby should suck, if no one has shown her how to properly breastfeed a baby and how he should suck, how to control the quality of attachment during sucking, it is very likely that she herself will attach the baby not quite correctly and not will be able to teach him the correct behavior at the breast. She does not know that there is something to learn here ...

In those distant times, when breastfeeding in our society was a common occurrence, and not a rare exception, every woman could help a mother who was starting to feed, correct her mistakes, and show the necessary techniques.

Currently, most women do not have the opportunity to learn motherhood practically. Many people read a variety of magazines or books for parents, and then try to care for their baby and feed him, based on the theoretical knowledge gained.

Unfortunately, proper attachment of a baby to the breast cannot be learned from books, magazines and pictures. Practical training is required. In maternity hospitals, where most of today's babies are born in industrialized countries, no one is doing this kind of training. The vast majority of health workers do not have the knowledge necessary for this. What is needed to successfully teach another woman is, first of all, a positive personal experience of breastfeeding. Nurses and midwives, like most modern women, do not have such experience. Incorrect attachment, being a widespread phenomenon, does not cause any concern on the part of the medical staff. Women are given only routine advice to heal abrasions or cracks, if any. If the baby and mother have painless improper attachment and the lack of milk associated with it, then the problem is solved by prescribing supplementary feeding and ends with a rapid transition to artificial feeding. Supplementation is given from a bottle with a nipple. The problem of improper attachment is joined by refusal of the breast.

What should a woman do when she puts her baby to her breast?

Try to find someone who knows how to breastfeed your baby. let it be a mother who is not feeding her first child, who monitored the quality of attachment, fed for a long time, did not use nipples and pacifiers, never had and does not have problems with nipples (abrasions, cracks). Watch how she breastfeeds her baby and how her baby sucks. It could be your roommate.

If you experience discomfort or pain while suckling the baby, and the medical staff cannot fix anything with their manipulations, try to find a mother who does not experience discomfort when feeding and consult with her.

The best option for a mother is when she is taught how to apply by a woman who has extensive practical experience and is able to distinguish between different options for applying when different forms pacifier.

For example, at the first glance at two nursing roommates, especially from a distance of one meter, it may seem that one mother is doing well, while the other is not very deep. But upon closer inspection, it turns out that the first mother's grip turned out to be insufficient, although the mother does not hurt, the child actually licks the nipple and the mouth is not open wide enough. The baby will need to be retrained and the mother will need to monitor the quality of attachment. In another case, it turns out that although the baby has a very small mouth, and the mother has a large nipple, the baby stuck out the tongue very well, positioned it correctly and pumped the breast perfectly.

When attaching a child, try to follow the general recommendations:

1. Breastfeed your baby ONLY IN A WIDE OPEN MOUTH! Do not try to push the nipple into the half-open mouth, most likely the child will clamp it in his jaws or he will not take it deep enough.

2. Try to act quickly, because. the child holds the mouth wide open for a second or two. If you didn't make it, wait until next time. Help your baby open her mouth by running the nipple over the bottom lip several times in a row.

3. Be patient. Very often I observe such mother's actions: mother takes the baby, tries to attach it, the child shows active search behavior, turns his head. Mom says: "He doesn't want to!" The instinctive behavior of the child, aimed at finding the nipple, is perceived by the mother as a negative response from an adult! Or, for example, it often happens when a mother touches the child's lower lip with her nipple, he squeezes his mouth. Mom again immediately says that the child does not want to suck. Meanwhile, if she continued the sentence, the baby would definitely open his mouth. After all, the child does not yet understand what they want from him. He does not know what is expected of him to open his mouth. Most children need at least two weeks to develop a stable habit of proper nipple latching, in response to their mother's suggestion!

4. Very often, having grasped the breast correctly, the baby, while sucking, slides onto the tip of the nipple and begins to bite it. Mom has painful sensations, but she endures them. Painful sucking is unacceptable! The child does not know that he is sucking incorrectly! He needs to be taught how to suck properly. If the baby begins to slide onto the tip of the nipple, the breast must be properly picked up (opening the baby's jaws, quickly putting the tip of the finger into the corner of the mouth) and reapplying.

5. Usually the baby slides onto the tip of the nipple if during sucking he does not touch the breast with his nose. In most maternity hospitals, it is recommended to hold the chest over the nose with a finger to make it easier to breathe. But the baby feels the chest with his face! He should touch the breast with his nose while suckling. This position should be maintained during the entire sucking and at any age of the baby. If he does not touch the breast with his nose, the newborn does not know that he is already in the “place”, and can make search movements with the nipple in his mouth! His mother immediately says that the child does not want to suckle. The baby’s nose is designed in such a way that it makes a “hole” in the chest with its tip and breathes through small triangular slits at the wings of the nose. Therefore, there is no need to hold the chest with a finger over the nose. Not only does this maneuver spoil the attachment, it also contributes to the occurrence of lactostasis in the upper lobes of the gland, because. Mom pinches the ducts with her finger and makes it difficult for the outflow of milk.

The baby should not be allowed to pull the nipple or pass it between the jaws back and forth. It is necessary to hold the head while trying to pull the nipple. And take the breast if the baby starts to “play around”, causing pain to the mother. An older child should not be allowed to turn his head with a nipple in his mouth if he wants to look at some object. The kid should follow the object of interest only with his eyes. Or he should let go of his chest and turn his head, if it is so necessary for him.

6. Separately, I want to note the “uncomfortable” forms of the nipple - flat, inverted, long, thick nipples. Any newborn that can suckle can adapt to any shape of its mother's nipple. A mother with an “unconventional” nipple should be more patient and persistent in teaching her baby to suckle properly. And she should make sure that her little one never gets any other "oral objects" because. they will in any case seem to him more comfortable to suck on than the mother's breast.

7. For a mother with flat and inverted nipples, the moment the baby draws the breast into her mouth is very important. If a bottle, pacifier or nipple gets into the baby's mouth, he stops making a retracting movement. Both the nipple and the pacifier are already elongated, they do not need to be retracted additionally. Therefore, when the mother's flat nipple gets into the baby's mouth, he simply opens his mouth and waits, does not try to draw it in. A mother with flat or inverted nipples should try to prevent other sucking objects from getting into her baby's mouth. If necessary, you can give supplements or your expressed milk from a spoon, syringe or pipette.

If the mother has long and (or) large nipples, it is very important for her to put them into her mouth as deep as possible, bringing the nipple itself past the jaws. In the case of a long nipple, the baby very often closes the jaws on the nipple or just behind the nipple. The areola practically does not get into the mouth, the baby does not express it, it turns out that he just licks the nipple. He cannot express milk in this way, the chest is not emptied and is not stimulated. There is a shortage of milk. A large nipple cannot be inserted into an insufficiently open mouth. The baby, having sucked on a pacifier or a pacifier, ceases to open his mouth wide, because. for sucking these objects it is absolutely not necessary to open the mouth wide.

A child with the smallest mouth can suck on his mother's breast with the largest or longest, or any other “uncomfortable”, from our point of view, nipple. It is only necessary to correctly put the chest into the mouth, show patience and perseverance. All in all.

In conclusion, I would like to say that by teaching a child to suckle correctly, a mother provides him with full, ideal nutrition in the future, and for herself - long-term stable lactation.

Lilia Kazakova,
pediatrician, breastfeeding consultant of the Moscow public breastfeeding support group “Mothers for Breastfeeding”

Reading 7 min. Views 1.7k. Published on 11.06.2019

Why is the first attachment to the breast so important, when should it take place and whether it is worth applying the baby immediately after childbirth - we will discuss all the points in the article.

First hours after childbirth

Ideally, the first breastfeeding should take place within the first hour after delivery. If everything went without complications for both, the child is still placed on the mother's stomach in the delivery room, and he instinctively begins to look for the breast.

The benefits of colostrum for breastfeeding a newborn cannot be overestimated:

• it contains probiotics necessary for normal digestion;
• at the first contact with the skin of the mother, the first bacteria necessary for the normal functioning of the intestine enter the gastrointestinal tract;
• contains a large amount of type A immunoglobulins, which are important for the formation of one's own immunity, they also reduce the risk of allergies;
• much fatter and more nutritious than milk, a newborn is able to get enough of a few drops.

Early attachment of the baby to the breast is also important for a woman. It stimulates lactation. It also increases the production of oxytocin. And he, in turn, helps the uterus to contract and recover faster after pregnancy and childbirth.

If there are complications, there is no way to immediately attach the baby to the breast, do not despair. Ask the midwife to express some colostrum and give them to the baby. Even a small amount will be enough for him.

How to properly apply a newborn

The question of how to properly attach a newborn to the breast worries all primiparous women. Their fear is understandable.

But knowledge and observance simple rules will help you get it right:

1. The most important thing is the position of the newborn's head relative to the chest. Successful nipple latching requires the baby's roller to be wide open and the tongue pressed against the lower palate. This is achievable when the nipple is directed towards the baby's nose. In this case, the child's neck should be straightened, and your hand supports it and the back. Don't press on the back of your head.
2. The baby is close to the chest. Your hand creates support under the base of the skull, the back. Hold the baby tightly to you, contact belly to belly is important.
3. When the baby opens its mouth, bring it to your chest. Important: not breast to child, but child to breast. Roll the nipple into the baby's mouth. If you have flat or oversized nipples, help yourself with your thumb. Move forward, smoothing the nipple, guiding its mouth.

With the right grip, the nipple is completely in the baby's mouth, the lower lip is pressed against the areola. The upper part of the areola remains uncaptured.

With proper attachment, the mother sees only the cheeks and the head of the crumbs tightly pressed to the chest.

You can also understand that the newborn has correctly captured the breasts by puffed up cheeks. If they are retracted, carefully remove the breasts and try again.

The child's nose is slightly turned to the side, or slightly pressed to the chest. If he strongly rests against her, slightly change the position of the baby's body. To do this, move the baby down and press it closer to the chest.

Postures for feeding

There are several options for feeding positions.

The woman herself chooses the most convenient.

Sitting "armpits"

This position is ideal for learning how to properly breastfeed.

It is suitable if the baby incorrectly captures the nipple:

1. Sit down, you should be comfortable.
2. The back remains straight throughout feeding.
3. Place a folded pillow or bolster under the side of the chest you give first.
4. Your palm is a support for the head and neck of the crumbs. And the hand is for the back.
5. The baby should be turned to you belly. It is necessary to ensure contact belly to belly.
6. The baby's legs should be under your arm.
7. When applying a newborn, make sure that his neck and back are straight.

Sitting "cradle"

1. Sit comfortably, your back should be straight.
2. If necessary, place pillows for support. You can’t do without them if the feedings are long.
3. Take the child in your arms.
4. Your elbow is the support for your baby's head and neck.
5. The palm supports the baby's back and buttocks.

Lying "Australian pose"

Breastfeeding while lying down in this position allows the mother to lie on her back. The newborn is placed along or across the abdomen, his head is next to the chest or on it.

With one hand, the woman hugs the baby, preventing him from falling.

Lying

1. Mom lies on her side, head on the pillow.
2. The child is turned to face her, full stomach-to-belly contact is ensured.
3. Mom's elbow is a support for the baby's head.
4. With the other hand, the woman supports the back of the crumbs.

Feeding frequency in the first week

The question of how often to feed a newborn worries every young mother. There is no single answer here, it all depends on the individual characteristics of the baby. Some children almost constantly “hang” on their chests, others ask to eat every two or three hours.

There is also no single norm for the duration of feeding a newborn. Everything is very individual. One kid needs 10-25 minutes, the other spends about an hour eating.

If the child is healthy and does not show anxiety, do not be afraid of long feedings. Babies often use their mother's breast as an anti-stress therapy. Feelings of warmth and mother's smell help them to adapt to new conditions more easily.

Most Common Problems

Young and experienced mothers often face emergency situations. And then the question of how to breastfeed properly becomes especially relevant.

Below we will look at common problems and how to solve them.

Newborn not breastfeeding

It happens that a newborn refuses to breastfeed. In some cases, it has to do with temperament. Future melancholic and phlegmatic people are more "lazy" to suck, more often they fall asleep on their chest. Because of this, the feeding process is stretched.

In this case, it is important for the mother to ensure that the newborn properly grasps the breast, and to arm herself with patience, not to interrupt the baby, to wake him up.

Refusal to breastfeed may be related to the physical condition of the infant. If no pathologies were found in the maternity hospital, an unscheduled consultation with a pediatrician is necessary.

In such a situation, it is important to properly breastfeed, observing an individual regimen. Co-sleeping and carrying the baby in your arms or in a sling will help. Skin-to-skin contact is very important. If possible, put the baby without a vest on your chest or stomach, take off your T-shirt or dress yourself.

To maintain lactation, drink more fluids, express milk residues. Try not to panic, stay calm.

Mom has little milk

Lack of milk often occurs in the first weeks and months after childbirth. The main thing is not to panic, not to get upset.

It is necessary to increase the amount of fluid consumed to 2.5-3 liters per day. Drink warm tea 10-20 minutes before feeding to stimulate milk flow.

Supplement your baby with formula only after breastfeeding. Do not replace night feedings with it. It is at night that the production of prolactin, the hormone responsible for the amount of milk, increases. Its peak is at 3-4 o'clock in the morning.

To increase lactation, put the baby to the breast more often. Watch your diet. Try to eat small meals 5-6 times a day. The main thing is to believe in yourself.

Mom has a lot of milk

There are frequent cases of hyperlactation, when the amount of milk exceeds the need of the baby. In such a situation, a breast pump and special inserts for a bra are useful.

Protects mom's underwear and clothes from leaks and stains. What is especially important during a walk or a visit to the clinic, when visiting.

Pumping will protect the breast from congestion and the accompanying mastitis. This is a great way to make a "stock" of provisions for babies for unforeseen situations (mom's illness, the need to leave or a long trip on business).

Expressed milk in special bags or containers is stored in the freezer, but not more than two months. Before feeding, it must be heated in the microwave. You can place the bag in a container of hot water.

When milk arrives abundantly before feeding, it causes discomfort to the baby. The problem is solved by pumping a little before feeding. It is important to control the correct grip of the breast so that the baby does not choke.

Do not despair because of hyperlactation, control the process of fluid intake (water, tea, other drinks). Reduce their volume, and remember, by about three months of crumbs, lactation will be established, the problem will be solved by itself. If this does not happen, consult with a breastfeeding specialist or pediatrician.

Conclusion

Before the first application, a young mother is not recommended to worry - if you yourself do not know how, ask for advice from experienced obstetricians.

Don't worry if your baby doesn't breastfeed for the first time - you can feed him with a few drops of colostrum and continue the "training" later.

Consider in advance the optimal position for the first application, make sure that it is comfortable for both the child and you.

Breast milk is the most invaluable and indispensable product for a newborn. Its composition is so unique that all attempts to create an artificial analogue are simply insignificant. The most adapted mixtures can never replace mother's milk: it is constantly changing in composition, adapting to the needs of a child at a certain stage of life.

Many women face a number of problems with lactation: adjusting it at the initial stage, choosing a position, etc.

In order for feeding to bring only positive emotions to mom and her baby, you need to know the rules of the right one.

Preparation female breast to lactation passes already during pregnancy. Colostrum is the first milk that a baby receives in the first 2-3 days of life. Colostrum helps to create the intestinal microflora and has a slight laxative effect - it cleanses the child's intestines from meconium (original feces). It is produced in small portions, but constantly.

Therefore, frequent attachment of a newborn to the breast stimulates the mammary glands to produce milk in the right amount. Early attachment of a newborn to the breast is the main condition for successful breastfeeding. Nowadays, it occurs normally 1-2 hours after birth.

Poses for feeding a baby

The first attachment of a newborn to the breast after childbirth is a very important emotional event, it contributes to the further development of natural feeding and improves lactation. All the rules of breastfeeding must be known before childbirth.

There are many different positions for feeding:

1. "Cradle";
2. "Cross Cradle";
3. "From under the hand";
4. "Lying on the arm";
5. "Lying from the upper chest";
6. "Baby on Mom";
7. "Overhang";
8. "Riding Mom";
9. "Jack";
10. "On the hip";
11. "Swaying while standing", etc.

A pose is chosen based on individual preferences and characteristics, very rarely on the recommendation of a doctor. If feeding lasts a long time, it is recommended to change the position.

Let's consider the main ones.

Pose "Cradle"

It is one of the most common. Mom is sitting, holding the child in her arms. The whole body is turned towards the mother. The head of the baby is located on the elbow bend. Mom's hand supports the back, and if the baby is still very small, then the ass.

Pose "From under the arm"

The child is on the side of the sitting mother. It lies below the armpit of the mother, as if looking out from under her. For convenience, a pillow or blanket is used so that the nipple and mouth are close. Very good posture: allows you to control the baby's head, often there is a good grip on the breast, milk is "extracted" milk from the lower part of the mammary glands. This pose is used to prevent stagnation of milk. It can be used after a caesarean section: the mother does not hold the baby, there is no load on the stomach.

Pose "Lying"

Mother and child lie on opposite sides, turned to each other. On the mother's hand, which is located below, the baby's head and body are located, the mouth is at the level of the nipple. Mom put a pillow under her head for more comfort.

Attention! The pillow should be exactly under the head, and not under the neck, shoulders and part of the back.

There is another variation of this position: the child does not lie on the arm, but on a thin pillow. With her free hand, the mother holds the baby's body, helping to cling to the chest.

Back feeding

Great for relaxing. The child lies on top of the lying mother, and she holds him with her hands. The advantages of this position: it is quite easy for the child to make a correct grip on the chest; the intensity of the milk flow is controlled, it is easier to cope with the flow of milk if it is plentiful; gas accumulation prevention.

Sling feeding

For lovers of slings, feeding is possible right in it. This greatly facilitates the life of the mother: frequent feeding does not require unnecessary actions, the baby is hidden from prying eyes. Use the position of sitting, standing, in motion.

When feeding in a sling in a sitting position, there is no need for additional support with pillows, the mother's hands are free. When feeding on the go, many babies suckle more intensely, calm down and fall asleep.

For the sling, the Cradle poses are suitable, and the vertical position in the poses “In front of you” or “On the hip”.

How to feed twins

With twins, it’s a little more difficult: you need to ensure the convenience of already 3 feeding participants. You may need an assistant first. Twins should preferably be fed at the same time.

The most comfortable positions for twins:

1. both are fed “from under the arm” (we use pillows as a support);
2. both in the "Cradle" position. It is recommended for children of this age when they independently control the latch of the breast.
3. a combination of the pose "In the cradle" and "From under the arm."

How to prepare the breast for feeding?

The feeding process does not require special preparations. before each feeding it is not necessary, the natural fatty layer of the skin is washed off, which causes dryness and. Therefore, washing once a day is enough. Some experts argue that it also washes away the smell of the "milk mother", causes anxiety in the baby, and sometimes breast rejection.

How to properly breastfeed your baby

Proper attachment during breastfeeding is the key to the successful development of the baby. Negative experiences can make both the mother and the baby refuse to suckle the breast.

Let's analyze the sequence of actions:

1. Pose selection. Mom should feel comfortable and relaxed. You can put a pillow under the lumbar region to make feeding even more comfortable. Holding the baby should also be comfortable. The baby is turned to face the chest, lies horizontally (some experts still recommend some tilt: the legs are below the head), the head is in the bend of the mother's elbow.

Do not fix the position of the baby's head - it regulates the position of the nipple in the mouth.

1. The baby grabs the nipple on its own. Do not try to force the nipple into his mouth. You can stimulate breast capture: press the nipple with your fingers to squeeze out a drop of milk and move the nipple around the mouth - if the baby is hungry, the reflex will not take long.
2. The mouth includes the nipple and part of the halo. A small distance between the nipple and mouth should be observed, for the convenience of the baby. If you need to bring the nipple closer, then move the baby, and do not try to reach out.

This is a very important point - the baby must stimulate part of the halo, otherwise the milk will get to him with great difficulty and is fraught with cracks in the nipples for the mother.

1. The nose can touch the chest, but not rest against it. Especially careful should be the owners of a magnificent bust.

The position of the chest with overhanging to the nose is very dangerous for asphyxia precisely because of the blockage of nasal breathing.

Every breastfeeding mother should know how to properly apply a baby.

Signs of proper attachment of a newborn:

1. the child's mouth is wide open;
2. the halo area above the mouth is larger than the area that ended up in the mouth;
3. the chin touches the chest;
4. the nose is close to the chest, but not pressed against it;
5. sucking movements are deep and long;
6. no extraneous sounds;
7. mother does not experience pain in the process of sucking.

Incorrect attachment of the baby to the breast leads to a number of negative consequences:

1. Long feedings. The child is not satiated, the extraction of milk for him is not an easy task. As a result, stagnation of milk in the mammary glands. Extreme case - .
2. Decrease in lactation, as a result of reduced suction of milk. Violation of the integrity of the nipple, cracks.
3. The child is not gaining weight. Becomes restless and anxious.
4. Refusal of breastfeeding.

That is why the correctness of all actions will ensure reliable success when breastfeeding.

How to feed a child?

There are two main styles of feeding: on-demand and on-demand. Supporters of the "regime" style argue that the child should not be fed more than once every 3 hours. This approach has been common before.

Their opponents assure that frequent contact between mother and child provides psycho-emotional stability for good development. It is necessary to apply the baby as many times as necessary.

Practice shows that everything is very individual. It is rarely possible to strictly adhere to a particular style.

It all depends on the child and the choice of the mother, which is again based on many factors: the weight of the baby, the state of his health, etc. After good feeding, the physiological need of the child for nutrition does not occur earlier than after 2 hours. If the child is worried and crying, the reason should be looked for in something else.

How many times to put a newborn to the breast is decided only by the mother. The number of feedings at birth reaches 10 times a day, then it is reduced to 7-8 times. Normally, one meal of the baby lasts 10-30 minutes. Babies with underweight can feed for about an hour.

Don't confuse feeding with holding a sedative in your mouth. Sometimes a child is not hungry, but it is easier for him to endure discomfort or illness by holding his mother's breast in his mouth.

There are no clear time limits - even the baby who sucks quickly can do it for a long time at a certain feeding.

The moment of saturation of the baby is easy to determine - he lets go of the chest or falls asleep. If there is a need for a forced cessation of feeding, the index finger is lightly pressed into the halo area to let air into the baby's mouth. So he will easily release the breast from his mouth.

If the child is not malnourished, then:

1. he is gaining weight well and growing proportionally;
2. sleep well;
3. quite active according to age.

Be sure to remember that there is nothing better than mother's milk and gentle hands. This is the greatest happiness that is given to a woman. Stock up on strength and patience - your baby will be grateful.

How to put the baby to the breast so that he eats up, and the mother does not experience pain?

1. Take a comfortable position, let your back lean on the back of a sofa or chair. Excess tension will only tire and annoy, so take care to be as relaxed as possible.
2. Hold the baby so that his head rests on your forearm. The baby should be turned with the body and facing you, the ear, shoulder and tummy should be at the same level. The bottom arm of the baby should be pressed against his body, and not between you and him.
3. You do not lean towards the baby, but bring it closer to the chest.

Baby breast latch

It is important to give the baby not only a nipple, but also a halo. Take your chest with your hand so that the thumb is below and the rest are on top. Slide the nipple along the baby's upper lip, he will respond by opening his mouth and searching for the breast. Put the nipple and halo into the baby's mouth so that his tongue is down, the lower lip is turned outward, the chin touches the chest, and the nose breathes freely. Point the nipple up towards the sky of the baby. The baby's mouth should be wide open, this will help him not to choke and swallow air. Your main task is to move the lower lip and jaw as far as possible from the base of the nipple. Thanks to this, the baby will take as much breast as possible into the mouth with his tongue and feed more efficiently in terms of milk output, as well as painlessly for the mother. Try not to lean towards the baby, but pull him closer to your chest. With proper application, it can only hurt for the first few seconds, if the pain is constant, practice more. Usually, all discomfort disappears after 2 weeks and the mother experiences the pleasure of breastfeeding.

Proper attachment to the chest - photo

Signs of proper attachment

With proper attachment to the breast, the baby will suck at the breast with a wide-open mouth and actively working with the tongue. At first, the baby will make several quick sucking movements, this stimulates the production of oxytocin and the flow of milk. After that, the baby will move on to slow deep sucking movements, you will hear how he swallows. Sometimes the baby will stop, then, the pauses will become more frequent as the feeding continues, and the flow of milk will slow down. If the proper latch on technique is done, the baby's body will relax as he feeds and he will not have difficulty breathing.

Throughout the feeding, keep the baby attached to the breast until he is ready to finish feeding, letting go of the breast on his own, being in a calm state.

Baby's behavior during feeding

It is normal for the baby to let go of the breast after a few minutes to burp and then return to feeding again. In this case, the flow of milk can be at its maximum. If the baby spits out the breast during feeding, while being in a state of anxiety and irritation, then most likely he was not properly attached to the breast.

The baby shows that he has finished sucking the breast, releasing it from his mouth. You can offer him another breast, which the child will take or not, depending on his appetite. Do not interrupt breastfeeding or try to speed up feeding by shaking the baby or the breast. You must allow the baby to suckle freely at the breast until he is satisfied. In the first days of life, a small child can suckle for a long time at the breast and take long pauses during feedings.

Pain during feeding

In the first two weeks after childbirth, almost all mothers experience pain during breastfeeding, to the point that thoughts appear whether it is necessary to breastfeed the baby. Don't worry, if you follow the technique of proper attachment to the breast, you will definitely begin to enjoy this most important process in your baby's life. Normally, discomfort can be in the first seconds after application, and then disappear, if, of course, the baby took the breast correctly. But these feelings will completely disappear after a while, and breastfeeding will become a joy for you and your baby.