Proper Breastfeeding Techniques

By Emma Darling 

The first breastfeeding technique is called the traditional or cradle position. This position is the most comfortable for mothers, and the most often used. For this position mothers should sit upright in a chair with their feet up and a pillow behind their back for comfort. Babies need to be supported by an arm going across the mother's midriff, with their heads in the elbow and their thighs being supported by the hand of the same arm. The baby's head needs to be in a position where it is facing the nipple, it shouldn't need to move to access it and if necessary a mother should move, aiming to have the nipple in front of the baby's nose is the best position as the milk will hit its palette.

Mothers need to support their breast with the opposite hand, keeping fingers out of the way of the baby when it feeds, and pulling the breast tissue back to help the nipple protrude. When the baby begins to feed, move them to have the nipple centred in their mouths, and pull their lower body in to help them feed better. Mothers can then relax and monitor their baby as it feeds, ensuring they don't begin to chew on the nipple.

The second technique is the football or clutch hold. This technique requires mothers to hold their babies head to the nipple, whilst tucking their bodies under the arm of the same side to support them if they wriggle. This technique is particularly useful for parents with active children who move a lot as they feed, as without the added support they could well lose proper grip of the nipple and become aggravated.

The third breastfeeding technique is simply known as lying down. The technique calls for mothers to position themselves on their bed with baby opposite them, their breast resting in front of their faces. Mothers should put pillows all around them to ensure they don't feel the need to roll over or move away from their baby during feeding. This technique is quite enjoyable, and can end with both mother and baby dozing gently after feeding.

Mothers should try different breastfeeding techniques to see what works for them, as they may find they're able to do other things whilst breastfeeding, for example read a book, watch a movie or even chat to someone on the phone. There are more breastfeeding techniques than have been mentioned here, though these are the main techniques mothers use around the world.

To many women the proper breastfeeding techniques are a complete mystery, which is why Emma Darling wrote this article, in the hope that finding out how to properly breastfeed a baby will become as easy as researching [http://www.dorothyandtheodore.com]1st baby girl gifts online.

Article Source:  Proper Breastfeeding Techniques


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