Position - sitting
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If your baby sucks only on the nipple he will get frustrated because he will not get enough milk. As a result he will probably try to suck harder and you will get sore nipples. If it feels painful start again. If your baby is not keen to take the breast, express a few drops of milk onto her lips so that she can smell and taste it. Twenty minutes is average but feeds can last between 10 minutes and an hour. If it really hurts when your baby latches on, slide a finger into the corner of her mouth to break the suction and try again.
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Sit in a chair that supports your back and has arms or on a bed with a lot of pillows. You should bring your baby to your breast not the other way round. You may feel more comfortable with a pillow or special V shaped cushion on your lap to support your baby and cushions behind your back. If you are sitting, your feet should reach the floor so that your lap is level. Rest your feet on a footstool if necessary. Hold your baby close so that his whole body is facing towards your breast. Think tummy to mummy, chest-to-chest, nose to nipple, chin to breast. Your baby shouldn’t have to twist his body or turn his head to come to your breast. Cradle your baby’s head in the crook of your arm. Extend your forearm and hand down his back to support his neck, spine and bottom. Bring your baby towards your breast. He should open his mouth as soon as he feels the nipple (this is called the rooting reflex). Your baby should take the nipple and a good proportion of the areola into her mouth in order to produce the milk. There should be more of your breast in your baby’s mouth below the nipple than above it.
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