How to properly attach your baby when breastfeeding. How to properly attach a baby during feeding How to attach a baby for the first time

The birth of a baby is a great joy in the family, accompanied by no less excitement, worries and questions. But there is one that stands up straight from the very first seconds - this is the correct attachment of a newborn to the chest. A lot depends on how quickly feeding is established - both lactation itself and the health of all its participants.

It is easier and safer (in terms of consequences) to master the technique of attaching a baby as soon as the baby is born. If you miss the moment, you will have to relearn it for a long time and deal with the consequences.

Why is this so important

Breastfeeding is a vital necessity for newborns. Mother's milk provides them with nutrition, fully taking into account the needs and characteristics of a particular child's body. This is an important aspect of establishing a psycho-emotional connection between mother and child. When feeding, a relationship arises and strengthens, which gives the child a feeling of protection, peace, and the mother - peace. If feeding is overshadowed by unpleasant sensations for any of the participants (pain in the nipples, hunger, inability to get enough milk, etc.), there can be no talk of any happiness or peace.

Regular breast stimulation promotes the development of lactation. This is how the mother’s body “studies” the baby’s needs and adapts to them. To do this, it is recommended to feed the baby often and do it strictly according to his request. If the latch is incorrect for a long time and the problem is not given due attention, the milk gradually “leaves”, because the body receives information that it does not need as much of it and “curtails” lactation. If you don’t start working on the problem in time, the mother will have to switch to formula milk and solve the problem of weight loss - after all, the child did not receive enough nutrition.

Correct attachment during breastfeeding gives the baby the right amount of milk. If he grabs the breast incorrectly, he only gets what has accumulated next to the nipple. The child is hungry, he lacks healthy “hind” milk, and the mother develops cracks in her nipples, which develop into lactostasis and even mastitis. And pumping will not help here, because the root of the problem remains unresolved.

Incorrect attachment to the breast is accompanied by tummy problems in children. After all, along with the milk, they swallow air, which provokes pain, colic or excessive regurgitation (due to which the child remains hungry, because he “lost” part of the milk eaten).

If the child grabs only the papilla, he injures it, causing pain to the mother. The biological significance of the nipple is to serve as a conductor of milk, but not its source. The position of the nipple in the mouth should be such that it takes only an indirect part in feeding. To stimulate the milk ducts, it is necessary to influence the areola located around the nipple. There are several ways to position mother and baby when feeding, but this point remains key.

How to apply after childbirth

The first time a newborn is put to the breast usually occurs immediately after birth, under the supervision and guidance of a doctor or midwife. They will tell you how to do everything right and point out mistakes. But some theoretical preparation will help you get used to each other and avoid the most common mistakes.

Finding out how to properly attach your baby for feeding is now quite simple. Mom has a lot of detailed videos and pictures at her disposal that show the whole process. Having prepared, it will be easier not to get confused at the most crucial moment.

Mom learns how to attach her baby quickly, developing her own system. It can take up to two months for a baby to master the correct grip. All this time, the mother needs to carefully monitor the process and quickly correct all “problems.” The most active movements in a child when sucking are made by the lower jaw; it grasps the breast deeply, and the nipple is directed upward, towards the sky.

How to do it right

Mastering the breastfeeding technique is simple in theory. But it’s not easy to apply the acquired knowledge right away. But even in this case, mom absolutely must not despair and give up - a lot depends on her perseverance and positive attitude!

First of all, decide on the position. You can feed while lying down, sitting/half-sitting, standing (after an episiotomy, for example). When choosing a position, keep in mind that the baby can suckle at the breast for quite a long time, which means the mother should have the opportunity to relax and spend time in comfort.

In any position, the baby should be pressed tightly to the mother with his tummy and lightly reach for the nipple. The baby's mouth is wide open and deeply grips the areola, the nipple is directed towards the upper palate, the baby's lower jaw actively works when sucking, and the nose has access to air.

It is important to place a newborn for feeding while lying down in such a way that the mother lies flat (her head is not raised on a bent arm), and the baby’s mouth is at the same level as the nipple. Otherwise, it will pull on the chest, causing cracks and microtraumas. Lying on her side, the mother holds the baby by the butt and back, holding him close to her.

You shouldn’t fix the baby’s head, at most you can direct it towards the chest at the very beginning, and then the baby should be able to move it freely.

Many mothers worry that it will be difficult for the child to breathe because the nose rests on the chest. In fact, he feels completely comfortable in this position, receiving enough air through the edges of the spout. By pressing the breast from above with her fingers in order to help the baby breathe, the mother only makes it more difficult for him, because this impairs the flow of milk.

The remaining rules can be grouped as follows:

correct application. Every child from the first seconds of life reflexively seeks the breast - this is an innate unconditioned reflex. To make the task easier for him, at first you can help a little - point the head towards the chest, move part of the areola along the lips. In response, the baby's mouth will open wide and he will be able to latch onto the breast correctly. At the same time, its lower lip will turn slightly outward and capture the lower edge of the areola. By the way, not all of it ends up in the child’s mouth – the lower part is larger than the upper. This type of grip is also known as an asymmetrical attachment - because the areola is not grabbed symmetrically.
correct sucking. During the process, the mother can see part of the baby’s tongue covering the lower gum and sponge. It is the tongue and lower jaw that actively stimulate the milk ducts and “squeeze out” the milk. The cheeks move in rhythm with the sucking, the baby swallows deeply. The nose and chin are pressed tightly to the chest.

Signs of correct attachment

There are several signs of proper breastfeeding that will tell the mother that she is on the right track:

During feeding there is no pain or it is insignificant and passes quickly. In the first days of feeding, the skin may be too tender and painful to react to constant irritation. Then the epithelium is renewed, and the painful sensations go away. Severe pain is a sign of a feeding problem. If the baby has latched onto the breast correctly, there should be no pain.
If after feeding the breasts become empty and soft, mother and baby are doing everything right. The child receives and eats well.
The baby grasps the breast with a wide open mouth and during feeding there is no corner between the lips, the cheeks are not tense, the lower lip is slightly turned out and covered with the tongue. The chin is pressed tightly to the mother’s chest, sometimes drowning in it.
During feeding, there should be no noticeable work of the muscles of the face, lips, or cheeks. Only the lower jaw and tongue work.
When sucking there are no “extra” sounds - smacking, whistling, etc. Only throats can be heard.

If the mother determines that the newborn’s attachment was incorrect and the baby is not latching onto the breast correctly, you need to carefully pull the nipple out of his mouth and offer it again. And so on until the correct grip is obtained. To remove the breast from the baby, you need to carefully insert the tip of your little finger between the lips at the corner of the mouth to break the vacuum. Otherwise, damage to the nipple is very likely.

Signs of improper attachment

Sometimes it’s possible to put a newborn to the breast correctly the first time, but more often than not, mother and baby have to go through the process of adjustments and establishing contact and interaction. Along the way, it is important not to ignore the signs of an incorrect grip and correct them immediately.

The following points can tell your mother that there is a problem:

When feeding lying or sitting, the baby's tummy is not pressed against the mother. He lies on his back, turning only his head towards the nipple. This makes sucking difficult and prevents you from fully eating.
the baby's chin is not pressed to the chest;
When latching onto the breast, the baby does not open his mouth wide. As a result, he only grabs the nipple, which after feeding takes on a transversely flattened shape;
lips are extended forward or, conversely, turned inward;
when sucking, the baby's cheeks tense and/or are pulled inward;
there is no necessary asymmetry when grasping the chest. Normally, the child grasps the areola asymmetrically - the lower part is larger than the upper. If most of the areola remains below or it is equally in the mouth, then the grip is incorrect;
the breast becomes tense or stretched when feeding;
decreased lactation. If the baby does not suck out all the milk, which always happens when the latch is incorrect, the mother’s body perceives this as a signal to curtail the production of “extra” milk. If the problem is not solved in time, the milk may disappear completely;
breast problems. Constant incomplete emptying of the breast leads to stagnation of milk, lactostasis and even mastitis. In addition, if the child grasps incorrectly, he often injures the skin of the breast, causing cracks in the nipples.

Incorrect latching of a baby to the breast can cause many problems of a very different nature. We must pay maximum attention to this issue from the very first days. You need moral support from loved ones, because a positive attitude is no less important than knowledge of technology.

Often, a young mother does not yet know all the intricacies of feeding a baby, so the question of how to properly feed a newborn with breast milk is the most important for her.

Breast milk is a natural food that provides the baby with good digestion, stimulates mental development, can protect the baby from many diseases, and also promotes the formation of immunity.

Features of GW

Breastfeeding newborns can cause a lot of fear and anxiety in the early days and weeks.

But believe me, everything is simple here.

Put in a little effort and time, understand the basic laws of breastfeeding, and then you will watch with a smile as your baby gains weight, grows and develops.

Let's agree right away: immediately before feeding, there is no need to carry out hygiene procedures, which include rinsing the entire breast with cool water, with or without soap. I also don’t wash the nipple.

Important: The protective glands of Mangomery are located on the areola. They produce a protective secretion that prevents infection of the breast, protects it from drying out and cracked nipples.

Application rules

The preparatory stage has already been completed, and now you need to figure out how to properly attach a newborn baby when feeding.

The first thing to do is get comfortable. Feeding a newborn in the first weeks after birth is a long process. The baby can spend from 10 to 60 minutes at the breast, perfectly combining feeding and sleep.

An equally important problem is the formation of cracks, due to which feeding becomes a rather painful process.

To prevent their formation, you can use your own milk, which has antibacterial properties, and lubricate your breasts after each feeding.

Thanks to the special substances contained in breast milk, the healing process proceeds much faster, and new inflammation is also prevented.

Favorable positions for feeding

Choosing a feeding position is no less important for a young mother. There are a lot of options for the arrangement of mother and baby, the main condition is convenience and comfort, because the process can take up to 15 minutes, as a result of which, instead of pleasure, the mother will get a bad mood and painful sensations in the back or arm.

Each mother has her own ideal position in which she feels comfortable feeding her baby while enjoying the process. But while there is no experience in this matter, you can experiment a little and try feeding in a lying or sitting position.

So, how to properly position a newborn for lying down feeding?

You need to start feeding by lying on your side. The child is located next to the mother in the same position. The prepared breast is directed into the baby's mouth.

This feeding option will be very convenient while the mother has not yet fully recovered from childbirth. Only the mother decides which side to lie on, especially since during the feeding process the breast is given alternately: right or left. If the previous feeding ended on the right breast, then the next feeding should begin on the left.

You can use the pose in a sitting position. This feeding option is popular among many mothers, but to do this you need to know how to properly position a newborn for sitting feeding?

Mom can sit either on the edge of the bed, with her legs hanging down, or rest her back on the wall. In this case, your feet must be placed on a pillow. This will allow you to comfortably attach the baby, placing him right under the chest.

In addition, this position allows you to experiment with the position of the baby. You can place the baby with his legs along his stomach or armpit.

This feeding is especially convenient for mothers of twins, due to the simultaneous feeding of two babies at once.

Baby feeding frequency

In order not to make a mistake and not leave your baby hungry, you need to know how often to feed your newborn with breast milk. Following modern trends that practice “feeding on demand”, it is necessary to attach the baby at his first request and not take him away until he wants it. In this case, milk production in the breast will be exactly the amount needed for your baby.

Important: This feeding principle is only suitable for breastfeeding, since artificial formulas have a longer absorption period.

Also watch my video on on-demand feeding:

Does the baby have enough milk?

It is necessary to remember that all children are individual, so the mother should answer the question of how to determine that the child is getting enough breast milk by watching her baby.

You cannot overfeed your baby with breast milk; he will eat exactly as much as he needs to be full.

The break between feedings can be from 15 minutes to 2 hours. The signal for feeding will be a whim, crying, or the opening of the baby’s mouth (as if he is looking for a nipple). By putting your baby to your breast as soon as you want, you will save your nerves and make your baby’s life easier.

In addition, you need to pay attention to the baby’s weight, or rather, its increase over the month. If the child has gained 500 grams or more, it means the child is eating enough milk.

Human milk contains all the substances a baby needs. It is important to establish proper breastfeeding from the first days to avoid problems with lactation in the future.

In the maternity hospital they will show you how to attach your baby for feeding and how to do it correctly. At home, the mother will have to learn how to properly attach the baby herself.

The importance of proper latching of the baby to the breast

Correct application requires endurance, attention, and certain knowledge. If applied correctly, the baby will suck out valuable hind milk.

If the nipple is not properly latched on, the baby swallows air, which causes bloating. Proper attachment helps get rid of colic.

If the baby is uncomfortable, he rushes to finish sucking faster. Hind milk will not enter the body, and the baby will quickly get hungry. The young mother will make the mistaken conclusion that the baby does not have enough breast milk, and will supplement it with formula.

Application rules

The baby's face is turned towards the mammary gland, the body is pressed against the mother's belly.
To establish lactation, proper latch during breastfeeding is important. If the child only grasps the tip of the nipple, you should gently press on the chin and the latch will be corrected.
During the latching process, it is correct to support the newborn's bottom.
Doctors recommend feeding a newborn on demand. Previously, women taught children to follow a routine. Times have changed, and now the baby is applied when he wants to eat.

! The correct technique for breastfeeding is demonstrated in courses for pregnant women.

First application immediately after birth

In the maternity hospital, a newborn baby is often put to the breast immediately after birth.

The first feeding is important for a newborn: the baby receives colostrum, which is irreplaceable in composition.

A couple of drops are enough for the newborn body to receive the most valuable proteins, hormones, antibodies, and immunoglobulins. Correct first attachment helps to establish further lactation.

Attachment after childbirth occurs if the woman in labor and the baby feel well. The baby should not be placed immediately in the following cases:

C-section;
Rhesus conflict;
Poor health of the mother and newborn;
Premature birth.

Conditions for comfortable feeding

Correct attachment should take place in a comfortable environment. The process may take a long time, so the position should be comfortable. It is better to lean on the back of the chair if feeding will take place while sitting. The room should be at a comfortable temperature. A breastfeeding woman may feel thirsty. Place a bottle of drinking water nearby.

From the first latches, the newborn learns to grasp the nipple correctly. The nipple should point toward the baby's palate. With proper latching on the breast, the baby's tongue is located on the gum, the lips are slightly turned out, and the aureole is almost completely in the mouth.

A short frenulum is the reason why the baby cannot suck all the milk.

Many inexperienced mothers make mistakes when breastfeeding when they do not try to change the latch from the wrong position. You can adjust the grip during application to make it correct.

Signs of proper attachment

The chest is completely empty. Residues of milk can trigger the onset of stagnation;
The baby is gaining weight well;
A nursing woman does not experience pain, the nipples remain without cracks;
The baby correctly grasps the areola around the nipple;
The child makes swallowing sounds;
A well-fed baby closes his eyes blissfully and smiles. Correct attachment means a strong emotional connection between the baby and the mother.

Signs of improper attachment

The woman feels pain, the nipple becomes covered with cracks;
The mouth is not fully opened;
The baby's chin does not touch the mother's breast;
The halo remains outside;
The baby's cheeks are drawn in;
The baby makes strange sounds: smacking, moaning. The woman should only hear the sound of swallowing milk.

Positions for breastfeeding

Successful long-term lactation depends on ease of application.

Soviet women fed their children according to the regime. The correct position was for the woman to sit using a footrest. It was believed that this pose is the prevention of stagnation. After pregnancy and childbirth, the weak female body had to endure another discomfort. But the duration of feeding in Soviet times was a maximum of half an hour, so women endured inconvenience.

Sitting poses

The position is convenient because the baby can be attached to the breast outside the home: while walking, in public places. Usually older children are fed while sitting, but babies can also be fed while sitting.

The pillow should lie on mom's lap.
The child is placed on a pillow with his face facing him.
Correct posture: the nursing woman’s back rests on the back of the chair.

Lying poses

The position lying on your side is convenient for night applications. The baby lies on its side, the head is turned to the mother’s chest and lies on the elbow of the mother’s arm, the mouth is located next to the nipple.
Belly to Belly Pose good for restless, overly active children. A woman is reclining on a pillow in a relaxed position, the baby is lying with his tummy on his mother’s stomach.

Standing pose

When you need to attach the baby without being distracted from household chores, a standing position is suitable. It is also used to calm a crying baby. An upset baby is fed and rocked at the same time.

The baby is picked up, the head is placed on the bend of the elbow, and the baby’s buttocks are supported with the hand. The baby's belly is turned towards the mother's belly. With your free hand, you should correctly attach the baby to the nipple.

Feeding twins

There is no correct position for attaching twins; the woman herself searches for the correct position. It is advisable to use a special pillow for feeding twins.

The babies are placed in a “jack” position: their heads lie in their mother’s arms, their legs are crossed. It would be correct to place a large pillow under mother's back.
It is convenient for mothers to feed twins while lying down, placing pillows under their backs. The babies are positioned on the sides, receiving nipples at the same time.

Other important points about breastfeeding

Women who gave birth prematurely worry that they will not be able to feed their premature babies with milk. Lactation does not depend on the date of birth of the child.
A nursing woman's regimen, breast shape, and heredity do not affect the lactation process. Proper lactation begins with putting the baby to the breast. At first, the baby should be applied as often as possible.
Night applications are of particular importance. At night, prolactin is actively produced, which is responsible for milk production. By latching your baby at night, you guarantee good lactation throughout the next day.

Duration of one feeding

The duration of feeding depends on the age of the baby. A newborn has a small stomach, he needs to eat often, in small portions. In older children, attachments occur less frequently, but the sucking process lasts longer. Do not be alarmed if the baby stays at the breast for a long time; perhaps he needs emotional closeness. Long-term feeding does not pose a risk to the health of the baby. Enjoy the moments when the little person lies next to you and eagerly sucks milk.

Should my baby be given both breasts at one feeding?

Many women apply the baby to both mammary glands at once in one feeding. Experts remind: natural feeding is based on the correct alternation of the mammary glands. It is best to alternate breasts, otherwise there may not be enough milk at the next feeding. It's simple: apply it once to the left breast, the next time to the right.

How often should I feed?

It is necessary to put the baby to the chest when he behaves restlessly, cries, and asks to be held. Some women adhere to the rule of feeding by the hour, and a certain interval is maintained between feedings. But we must not forget: milk is produced during the latch process.

The more the baby nurses, the more milk is produced.

How do you know that your baby has enough milk and is full?

It is difficult for a young mother to determine whether her baby has enough milk or not. Many people make the mistake of immediately switching their baby to artificial feeding. What signs indicate a sufficient amount of milk:

The baby gains weight;
A well-fed child immediately falls asleep;
Urination occurs regularly, at least every 3 hours;
Between feedings the baby is cheerful and active.

If your baby cries while feeding

If a baby cries while latching on, there may be several reasons for this:

Individual characteristics of the baby;
Mistakes in establishing breastfeeding.

If the baby is uncomfortable during the latching process, you need to change the position. The baby may cry because the jet pressure is too strong. It is correct to express a small amount of milk before applying. When it is inconvenient for a baby to grasp a flat nipple, special silicone pads will help.

How to wean the breast correctly at the end of feeding

The satiated baby releases the nipple. But sometimes he falls asleep without letting the nipple out of his mouth. In this case, the following correct techniques will help:

Gently press the side of the nipple so that it slides out of your mouth.
Carefully insert the tip of your little finger into the corner of your mouth. The baby will reflexively open his mouth.

Important! It is wrong to hold a baby's nose! This will make him feel uncomfortable and he may lean back with the nipple in his mouth.

Breast care

The health of a nursing mother depends on daily breast hygiene. How to care for your breasts:

Wash your breasts with warm water;
Use baby liquid soap;
Just blot the bust with a soft towel;
Wear the right bra made from natural fabric;
Use a breast pump to express properly;
Give your mammary glands daily air baths.

The most common mistakes of young mothers

Incorrect technique when breastfeeding without proper attachment.
Feeding according to the schedule. Frequent application will help to establish proper lactation.
Avoid night feedings. The baby's stomach digests milk regardless of the time of day.
Introduction of infant formula. If the baby is constantly at the breast, the woman may decide that there is not enough milk. In fact, a newborn can suckle up to 17 times a day.
Drinking large amounts of liquid. There is a misconception that water, tea with milk, and birch sap increase lactation. The drinking regimen of a nursing woman does not affect the proper production of milk.

Hold your breasts with your hands

Many women try to hold their breasts with their hands during latching for greater convenience. You need to hold the baby, not the breast!

A large bust can be supported with the palm from below, creating a cup under the breast. But there is no point in holding the gland additionally.

Frequently wash your breasts with soap

Before each application, nursing mothers thoroughly wash their bust with soap. The skin subsequently becomes thinner and the nipples become cracked. Baby soap is used several times a week, the rest of the time it is enough to rinse the bust with warm water.

Giving your baby water or tea

Soviet women always gave their babies boiled water between feedings. Now pediatricians advise not to give water to infants until they are 6 months old. Mother's milk satisfies the need for food and quenches thirst.

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The birth of a child is a great miracle. A newborn baby is defenseless and needs care and, of course, breast milk. Doctors around the globe encourage all young mothers to breastfeed as long as possible, as milk has a unique composition. That is, it is 100% suitable for the baby. But every year more and more young mothers have problems with lactation - the baby’s milk runs out after six months. What is the reason?

Doctors put forward the theory that the wrong behavior of women is to blame. This is precisely why women in labor need to learn breastfeeding skills and how to properly place a baby on her. In this article we will talk about the specifics of breastfeeding and how to understand what the baby wants. In a word - so that the child receives only positive emotions while breastfeeding.

How to properly attach your baby to the breast

First of all, you need to choose a comfortable position, because the feeding process can take a long time, and the woman can get tired. Feeding can occur from different positions, and as usual, each young mother chooses exactly the one that suits her. And during the entire procedure, the baby should be positioned with his stomach towards his mother and facing the nipple. The baby's head must be firmly fixed so that he can change the position of the nipple inside his mouth and “signal” to his mother that he is full.
Attention! The baby's nose should be close to the chest, but not buried in it. Since when a newborn craves the nipple, the likelihood of capturing it superficially increases. This concerns the question - “how to properly apply large breasts?” Women with large breasts need to be especially careful.
The baby should take the nipple without the help of the mother. You should not put it in the baby's mouth. If the child has grabbed only the tip, then by gently pressing the chin the mother can free herself at any time.

Chest grab: how to do it correctly?

How to properly put your baby to the breast? Pay attention to the feeding process itself. It should be like this:

the child grasps the areola and nipple, and the lips turn outward;
the nose is tightly adjacent to the mother’s chest;
During feeding, only the sounds of sips should be heard;
the mother is comfortable during lactation, she does not experience any discomfort.

Do I need a schedule?

Correctly attach the baby to the breast. Feeding regimen is another difficult point for young mothers. The older generation of women argues that feeding should be done strictly according to the clock.

Today, children's doctors refute this technique and argue that breasts should be given to babies only on demand. Depending on how much milk the baby eats, the mother will produce as much milk. Of course, the more feeding processes occur, the better the production will be.

Duration of feeding

There are no specific boundaries here. It all depends on the desires and personal abilities of the baby. One thing is clear - a healthy little person should actively eat for at least half an hour. The maximum is for the kids to determine for themselves.

Some babies suck intensely, get satiated quickly and let go of the breast. Others suckle slowly and sometimes fall asleep at the breast. If you take out the nipple, they want milk again. To wake him up, you can touch his cheek or remove his nipple.

As a rule, at the beginning of lactation, a newborn is put to the breast about 10 times a day. After some time - about 7-8 times a day.

Is the child full or not?

The child is full, and that’s why he’s happy. This can be said to be an axiom. The baby simply lowers the breast or falls asleep. A well-fed child can be recognized by the following signs:

the baby lets go of the nipple after feeding on his own;
grows proportionally and gains weight;
the baby has a healthy sleep;
the child is active.

Left or right breast

It is recommended to give only 1 breast at a time. In subsequent times, alternation is possible. This strategy has the potential to establish the correct supply of milk to the mammary glands. Feeding one breast is the supply of both liquid milk to the child's body (it serves as a drink), and thick milk - which serves as food. But if the baby hasn’t eaten enough, give him a second breast.

If the milk produced by the mother’s body is not enough, then it is recommended to give both breasts during one feeding. This phenomenon occurs when the baby reaches the age of 2 months. Believing that breasts are soft means that there is no milk is a delusion. If a mother sees that her child has already had enough from the 1st breast, then there is no point in offering the 2nd. You can overfeed the baby.

How often to put your baby to the breast

Practice has proven more than once that a baby can be overfed. It all comes down to how often the baby demands to “eat.” If he is full after feedings, then presumably the feeling of hunger may occur after 3 hours. However, if the baby asks to “eat” more often, then you should not refuse him feeding. Perhaps he didn't eat enough last time. It is for this reason that feeding on demand is the golden rule of breastfeeding in our 21st century.

Many women in labor are afraid to overfeed the baby, fearing negative consequences. The main thing is don’t panic! This is not excluded, but he will certainly regurgitate everything unnecessary. Therefore, there will be no harm to your well-being.

How quickly does a child digest food?

If a little person eats often, will his digestive system cope with the load? There are no motives for worry here at all. Mother's milk has such an ideal composition that the baby's stomach can easily cope with processing food.

Crying and feeding

Young mothers are faced with different situations - in particular, the fact that the newborn is crying at the breast. Here the question arises: “how to give breastfeeding without him crying?” In such a case, the baby needs to be calmed down, rocked in your arms, held close to your body, sung a song, and talked. In any case, the breast is an alternative for calming the baby. In view of this, it is not possible to force the nipple into the mouth for a long time.

How to stop feeding

In our article, we talked a lot about how to properly attach to the breast for the first time and more. It is important not to forget how to properly wean your baby. In order to avoid negative feelings and not provoke problems in the future (cracks in the nipple area, for example), we remove the breast only after the baby has released it. To do this, you need to insert your little finger into the corner of your mouth and make a slight half-turn movement or gently press on your chin.

Milk stagnation

The process of breastfeeding is far from easy. And almost all women know this. It happens that the baby does not eat everything and milk stagnation occurs. At the same time, the chest turns to stone. If this phenomenon is left to chance, then you can get mastitis with subsequent surgical intervention. How to properly stop this problem? If lumps appear and the temperature rises, you should urgently go to the doctor or take action.

At the moment, shower massages, offering to suckle the baby's breast, or simply expressing milk help. Compresses such as cabbage leaves and honey also help. Compresses must be applied after each baby’s “meal”. If the temperature remains high for several days, then a visit to the doctor is necessary.

The main thing is common sense

Often, young parents take what they are told too literally and make trivial mistakes:

Wash your breasts before each feeding. In fact, it is enough to use the toilet with this part of the body only in the morning and evening. Otherwise, the protective lubricant that serves as protection against bacteria is washed off.
Do not hold your breasts with your hands while breastfeeding. This can lead to stagnation of milk.
It is forbidden to give your child water or baby tea. In the first months of life, mother's milk is both drink and food.
Refusal to breastfeed if you have a cold or cracked nipples. You can use silicone nipple devices. If you have a runny nose, for example, wear a mask.

Should I pump or not?

At the end of the feeding process, you need to express the milk. Expressing should be done in a small, clean container, with clean, damp hands. There are many breast pumps on the market, but they must be used carefully as they can injure the nipple.

How to properly attach to the breast for the first time, that is, in the 1st hour after the baby is born.

This is how milk production begins to be stimulated.
If the baby is hungry, he finds the breast on his own and smacks his lips.
If he does not smack his lips, the mother can independently apply the nipple to the baby's mouth.
The baby should grab both the nipple and the part near the nipple.
When giving the breast, you need to pay attention to the cheeks and nose that fit tightly to the chest.
During one feeding, it is better to feed the baby on one breast, since the baby may not receive enough nutrients contained in hind milk.

To start the correct mechanism for producing breast milk, the feeding process is as early as possible. Today, the interval between the birth of a child and the first breastfeeding should be about 2 hours. How to properly attach to the breast for the first time? This is very important for future feeding. In this way, the baby’s skills in correctly latching on to the nipple are formed. Consequently, the sucking process takes place with comfort.

Specific points when feeding

A nursing woman should eat foods rich in fiber and not overdo it with sugar. Alcohol and smoking are strictly prohibited. It is better not to eat eggs, citrus fruits, chocolate, and nuts during lactation.
Mom needs to watch less TV and spend time at the computer, as this disrupts the connection between mother and baby. Hold the baby upright after feeding (this will prevent colic).
The baby needs to be given the opportunity to burp.
Do not breastfeed if the mother has such diseases - AIDS, tuberculosis, pyelonephritis, etc. And for the child’s illnesses – diseases of the central nervous system, breathing.

You need to be able to properly put your baby to the breast in order to establish breastfeeding and give the baby the best nutrition.

A woman, while still pregnant, must make a clear decision to breastfeed. This forms a dominant in the brain for the formation and development of lactation. Proper breastfeeding is impossible without internal installation. The support of family and friends in this matter is important.

Second rule: the first feeding of an infant

Ideally, the first application of a newborn occurs in the delivery room. Early contact promotes the development of lactation and the colonization of the skin and intestines of the newborn with bifidum flora. The medical staff will show you how to properly position a newborn for feeding. If the condition of the child or mother does not allow this, the first breastfeeding is postponed. If the woman’s condition is satisfactory, the medical staff teaches her to express herself independently. This skill will prevent the extinction of milk production and the development of lactostasis. If there are no contraindications, the child can be fed expressed milk during a separate stay.

Third rule: proper attachment of the baby to the breast

The problem of how to properly put a baby to the breast, especially for the first time, is very important. It is still unknown to a newborn how to latch on to the breast. And mom needs to remember or learn that how to breastfeed your baby correctly:

immediately before feeding, the mother needs to wash her hands and pour warm water over her breasts;
decide on the position for feeding. This is usually sitting (reclining) or standing (after an episiotomy);
the baby is placed on the crook of the elbow, the other hand brings the nipple as close as possible to the baby’s mouth;
obeying reflexes, the baby will grab the nipple and begin to suck;
The breast should be given so that the baby captures the nipple and almost the entire areola with his mouth. At the same time, his lower lip will be slightly turned out, his chin and nose will touch his chest.

The child's nose should not sink. How to properly position your baby for feeding is also important for the health of the mother. If you breastfeed your newborn incorrectly, you can develop several breast problems. First of all, these are maceration and cracked nipples.

Breastfeeding a newborn, especially the first few days, should be no more than 20 minutes each. This will allow the delicate skin of the nipples to harden and get used to the new impact.

Often this does not work out. The child may be restless or overweight and constantly demand to eat. In such cases, a nursing mother needs to take air baths more often and lubricate the nipples with healing ointments, such as Bepanten.

one feeding - one breast. If the child has eaten everything from it and is not full, offer a second one. Start the next feeding with the last one. This way the baby will receive not only foremilk, but also hindmilk.

Fourth rule: signs of milk production and flow into the breast

Symptoms of lactation are:

tingling or tightness in the chest;
secretion of milk when the baby cries;
For every suckling of the baby there is a sip of milk;
leakage of milk from the free breast during feeding.

These signs indicate that an active oxytocin reflex has formed. Lactation is established.

Fifth rule: feeding on demand

A newborn baby needs to be fed frequently. In Soviet times, there were rules according to which breastfeeding was carried out once every three hours and no more than twenty minutes. Nowadays, it is recommended to feed the baby on demand. Give breasts literally at the first squeak. Especially capricious and demanding children almost every hour. This allows you to feed the baby and give him a feeling of warmth and care.

Frequent feeding eliminates the need for mandatory pumping and serves as a prevention of lactostasis. And night feedings will serve as an excellent stimulation of the main lactation hormone - prolactin.

How long to breastfeed is ideally determined by the baby himself. If you turn away or fall asleep, it means you are full. Over time, the baby will eat less often.

Rule six: sufficiency of feeding

In the process of its evolution, human milk goes through certain stages: colostrum, transitional, mature milk. Their quantity and quality composition ideally meets the needs of a newborn. They also secrete early and late milk. The first is produced at the very beginning of feeding, rich in water and proteins. The second comes from the posterior parts of the mammary gland and contains more fat. It is important for the baby to get both.

There are times when a mother feels like she has no milk and the baby isn’t getting enough. To determine the adequacy of feeding, there are certain criteria:

restoration of body weight at birth by the 10th day of life with an initial loss of 10%;
6 - 18 wet diapers per day;
the child poops 6 - 10 times a day;
positive oxytocin reflex;
audible swallowing of the baby during sucking.

Seventh rule: accounting possible problems with feeding

flat or inverted nipples. In some cases, by the time of birth this difficulty resolves itself. Others need to remember that when sucking, the baby must grasp both the nipple and most of the areola. Before feeding, try to stretch the nipple yourself. Find an acceptable feeding position. For many mothers, a comfortable position is “under the arm.” Use silicone pads. If your breasts are tight and your newborn has a hard time sucking from them, express. The breasts will become softer in 1 - 2 weeks. And the child will not be deprived of mother's milk.

There is no need to try to “stretch” the nipples before giving birth. Excessive stimulation will lead to increased uterine tone. Over time, an actively sucking baby will normalize everything.

cracked nipples. The basis of prevention is proper breastfeeding. If cracks appear, use silicone pads. Make applications with lanolin ointment and Bepanthen as often as possible. If the cracks are deep and feeding is painful, use a breast pump;
leakage of milk. Easily solved by using special inserts. They are disposable and reusable;
there is too much milk and the baby is choking on it. Express some foremilk. When feeding, it will flow out under less pressure;
engorgement of the mammary glands. Occurs when milk overflows. The breasts are painful, swollen, hot to the touch and very dense. Milk does not flow out of it. If this problem occurs, it is necessary to quickly remove milk from the breast. Latch your baby or express your baby more often. Take a warm shower before feeding. Give a light massage of the mammary glands. This will improve churn. To reduce swelling after feeding, apply a cold compress;
lactostasis and mastitis. Occurs when the milk ducts are blocked. The body temperature rises, the chest hurts, the place of stagnation turns to stone. Pumping is painful. A warm shower, gentle breast massage and frequent feeding of the baby come to the rescue. When an infection occurs, antibiotics are required.

Infectious mastitis is a serious complication that requires medical intervention. Failure to apply may result in surgical intervention and even loss of the breast.

lactation crises. They develop at 3–6 weeks, 3–4 and 7–8 months of a child’s life. During these periods, the most important thing is to apply more often and be sure to feed the baby at night. Drink teas with lemon balm, fennel and cumin. Rest and eat well.

Feeding a baby with breast milk is a labor-intensive, but delightfully natural process. Remember this, and everything will work out.