BREASTFEEDING AWARENESS CAMPAIGN

Best nursing positions and appropriate

latching technique
Producing milk is from nature but delivering it to the tiny bellies takes a bit of
knowledge and loads of practice. The first attempts are always haphazard for new
mothers and babies. But you can make it less tiring by helping your little one learn
proper positioning and accurate latch. It can also prevent nipple cracking and
soreness along with other breastfeeding problems. With a little practice, soon you will
discover that which breastfeeding position works best for you. It will need lots of
patience but it is worth the effort because you and your baby will spend hours
breastfeeding every day probably for the next two years.

There are plenty of breastfeeding positions you may try and stick to what suits you
and your baby. I’m going to list down a few.
Why it is important to learn appropriate latching technique?
If your baby latches correctly, he can more easily empty your breasts. The efficient
removal of breast milk from your breasts is important for both the mother and the
baby. It helps your baby to get sufficient milk required for growth and make him
strong while it allows your body to produce more milk and maintain supply.
If your baby doesn’t latch well, it can lead to several breastfeeding issues. Your baby
may not get enough milk, gain weight slowly or even lose weight in the worst cases.
For mothers, it can lead to developing painful conditions such as plugged ducts,
engorged breasts or mastitis. It can also cause low milk supply.
 I just love those tiny hands coming in the way of breastfeeding. We have such a love
and hate relationship with those cute sweet-smelling hands. When it’s time to
breastfeed, those annoying little clawing paws won’t get out of the way of
breastfeeding. These small hands are like defensive linemen, blocking any entry to the
baby’s mouth.

What should a mom do if her baby is crying to eat but these tiny hands are blocking
any chance she has to feed him/her?
 Do not try to wrap or swaddle your baby’s hands while breastfeeding. It can disorient
him. Think about if you want to eat with your hands tied behind your back, you would
most probably feel clumsy and off-centered. Just like we adults need our hands in front of
us, similarly, babies need their hands to keep them calm.
 Allow your baby to suck on his fingers to calm himself. When he’s moving his hands, he’s
already at the restaurant and ready to take feed.
 If you have cracked or sore nipples, the thoughts of your baby clawing them makes you
panic, try laid-back position and keep baby’s face touching your breasts.

I hope this article will help many new mothers struggling with issues related to latching
and breastfeeding positions. Please visit my blog “Rants of a lazy mom” and read more
articles. Don’t forget to subscribe to my blog.
Dr. Tayaba Sarfraz