Breastfeeding, while enjoyable for some, does not come without some work and patience. Breastfeeding can also be more challenging for some moms than others. One thing that many moms find helpful is working with a lactation consultant if breastfeeding feels like a challenge or if it’s painful.
One thing to note is that breastfeeding shouldn’t be painful. If you feel pain, try repositioning your baby. If you’re experiencing continuous pain, most often it’s due to the baby not latching well. A proper latch will allow your baby to efficiently empty.
Shallow vs. Deep Latch
Shallow latching is common, especially in the early days of breastfeeding. It occurs when your baby does not open their mouth wide enough to take in a mouthful of breast tissue when latching. It can take some time and practice to work out the kinks. When your baby has a shallow latch, your nipple will be pinched, squeezed, flattened, or raw and blistered. They will also have a harder time removing milk so you may find they need to nurse more frequently, which exacerbates the pain and damage to the nipple. When your baby is latched on deeply, there should be little to no discomfort. You may struggle with milk supply, have painful raw nipples, or even an infection, while the baby is learning how to properly latch. These complications can be discouraging which is why we encourage reaching out to a lactation consultant for guidance, if you’re able to.
Breastfeeding Positions
It may take a few tries to find the breastfeeding position that works best for you and your baby. There’s no right or wrong way to hold and feed your baby and with time and practice, you both will find your own rhythm. You may find that as your baby grows, you will be progressing from one favorite position to another during your breast feeding.1,2
Cross Cradle Position:
This position is great for the early weeks of breastfeeding. It allows you to use your free hand to help sandwich your breast tissue into the baby's mouth.
Football Hold Position:
A good position for a mother who has had a Cesarean birth, as it keeps the baby away from the incision. Most newborns are very comfortable in this position. It also helps when a mom has a forceful letdown because the baby can handle the flow more easily.
Laid Back Position:
This position means getting comfortable and encouraging your baby’s natural breastfeeding instincts. This position is great for a fast letdown as it works against gravity but is also relaxing which can help your milk flow more easily.
Cradle Hold Position:
This position is most commonly used once baby has a good latch. Baby’s mouth should be covering at least a half inch of the dark area around your nipple. Be sure the baby's ear, shoulder, and hips are in a straight line.
Side Lying Position:
This position can be quite comfortable, especially at night. Both mom and baby lie on their sides facing each other. Have the baby's hips flexed and their ear, shoulder, and hip in one line to help your baby get more milk easily.
How a lactation consultant can help
Most hospitals offer free meetings with lactation consultants as part of your hospital stay. We would recommend you utilize them often (daily!) for advice. If you still need breastfeeding support, consider reaching out to an International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC) when you’re home. IBCLCs are lactation experts who have gone through rigorous training and education, and provide the highest standard of care to breastfeeding families. They provide guidance on any lactation challenges including latching, low milk supply, pumping, supplementing, engorgement, slow weight gain, clogged ducts, mastitis, formula, weaning, and more.3,4
Combo Feeding
Combo feeding is when you feed your baby both breastmilk and formula. There can be many reasons to combo feed: low breast milk supply, baby has slow weight gain or weight loss, parent going back to work, and a preference for flexibility and convenience, etc. There’s no one way to combo feed and it can look different for each family. For example, some families breastfeed first then follow up with a bottle to finish the feeding. Others breastfeed during the day and then bottle feed at night. This type of feeding is all about finding balance and what works for you and your baby.
Burp Breaks
Burping your baby is an important part of feeding. Babies have immature digestive systems and sometimes need some help releasing gas. It is recommended to burp the baby halfway during feeding, and then again after feeding is finished, both for bottle and breast. If air is not released, gas moves into the intestines which can cause bloating and discomfort. Most babies will outgrow the need to be burped by 4-6 months.
Burp Positions
Over your shoulder:
Hold your baby so their chin is resting on your shoulder and support their head and shoulders with one hand. Gently rub and pat your baby’s back.
Sitting on your lap:
Place baby on your lap in sitting position and the palm of your hand flat against their chest supporting their chin and jaw (be careful not to place pressure on their throat). Your baby will lean slightly forward while you use your free hand to pat your baby’s back.
Lying across your lap:
Lie your baby across your lap face down. Support your baby’s chin and use your free hand to rub their back.. Sounds silly but sometimes babies just need a bit of relaxation to work up the burp.
The breastfeeding experience is unique for every mom and baby. Remember to be patient as you and your baby find your own rhythm.
