Good attachment really is the key to successful breastfeeding. Scroll down for our picture guide to help you get it right from the start, but, if you find you are still struggling – ask for help and/or use the Real Baby Milk DVD to get it right (preview below). {flv avcss=”align_right”}RBM{/flv}
Before you start – Make sure baby’s head and body is in a straight line – a baby cannot suckle or swallow easily if the neck is twisted. Good attachment is difficult for a baby to maintain if his body is twisted at the waist. The baby should be held so that the back of his shoulders is supported, mums should not hold the back of a baby’s head.
Picture Guide:
The baby should face the breast with nose to nipple – this allows the baby to tilt his head back so that the nipple is aimed at the roof of the mouth.
When baby gapes wide open, press on the back of his shoulders to bring him in quickly – and you will need to move quickly!
Chin and tongue leading, head tilted back, the nipple goes into the back of the roof of the mouth
Attachment shouldn’t be painful, baby should keep suckling and should let go on his own at the end of the feed. The nipple should look the same shape as at the beginning.
Credits:
Pictures Helen (Mum) and Patrick Shanahan (photographer)
Text: Helen Shanahan
Copyright Real Baby Milk