Breastfeeding for sure has its ups and downs, but while it may not always feel like the best choice for you some days, rest assured that it is without a doubt, always the best choice for your baby. Breastfeeding is so natural that we've been doing it for millions of years. It may be natural, but it's also a practiced skill, almost an art form. Although you can reads lots and be very well informed, a bit like playing an instrument, you won’t really learn how to do it until you do it!

Perhaps we have lost the advantages of the extended family where young girls would have observed and assisted mothers, aunts, or sisters who were breastfeeding. They also would have had the assistance from them when they in turn had their own babies. Or simply that our generation of mothers were told that formula was better in the midst of the “formula craze”. Many new mothers today may have never handled young babies let alone seen one being breastfed. The art of attaching a baby to the breast is therefore a skill to be learned.

Success will come from a combination of motivation, knowledge and practice practice practice. Good thing these little angels do love to suck!

In a relaxed birthing atmosphere, the newborn baby will seek out the mother's breast and attach and suckle with little intervention necessary. However, few mothers have this opportunity as birthing may be fraught with many interventions and procedures. In some cases it may be a number of hours before the mother gets to hold and feed her baby. Drugs used during labour and surgical procedures may result in the mother, baby or both being sleepy, tense or in pain when it comes to feed time. If a mother and baby were left alone after birth (theoretically should be possible!), allowed to co-sleep in hospitals, and even left to their own devices with no formula threats we’d all do a lot better!
Incorrect advice and assistance during initial attempts at attachment may often confuse and hassle both mother and baby.

The results of poor attachment can be far-reaching. The first symptom noticed may be sore, grazed or cracked nipples. The well-attached baby causes no pain to the nipple, milks the breast well ensuring a good supply and grows accordingly. 

The first thing that a mother can learn (even before birth!) is to induce the “rooting” reflex by stroking the corners of the baby’s mouth. This reflex makes the baby open his mouth and search for the nipple, making the “latch on” easier. Mum then holds the breast with the nipple between the forefinger and mid finger to make the nipple more prominent and the baby can then put its gums on the areola and not on the nipple. This position also allows the baby to breathe when feeding. To release the latch in case the baby is not positioned correctly, place a little finger alongside the nipple and into the babys’ mouth to release the seal (stronger than you think!).

It does take a couple of days, even weeks, for the milk supply to regulate. If the baby is gaining weight, having wet and dirty nappies, and there is no pain for the mum, then position is good!

For the baby to get milk from the breast, the baby must first latch onto the breast. The term “latch” means the way that a baby takes the breast into his mouth. The better the latch, the less the problems for everyone! Remember sore nipples usually mean a problem with the latch technique. It takes practice, but so worth it!

• Get comfortable. Sit so that your back is straight and your hip is at 90 degrees.
  (Some people find that lying down to feed is the best and most relaxing way.)
• Use a pillow (boppy pillow) to support the baby.
• Turn your baby towards your tummy with the baby’s head just resting on the elbow beside its head.
• Tuck baby’s bottom in under the other elbow.
• Hold your baby with the other hand behind the neck and shoulders.
• Start with the baby’s “nose to nipple”
• Allow his head to tilt back.
• Move his mouth across your nipple until his mouth opens really wide. Induce the rooting reflex if you need to by stroking the corner of his mouth, this will also help the mouth to open.
• Once his mouth is open, bring the baby quickly to your breast (his bottom lip and chin should touch your breast first)

If it's right

• It feels comfortable
• The baby is relaxed
• You relax!
• You can hear soft swallowing

If it doesn’t feel right, start again! It all takes a bit of practice with a 1st time mum and 1st time baby!! Ask for help!

heres an animated version:

http://www.breastfeedingmadesimple.com/bms%20new%20home%20page_files/Latch%20Animation.swf  

To check that baby is attached properly, look for these signs:

• Chin is touching the breast and nose is clear.
• Lips are flanged out, not sucked in.
• Tongue is forward over the lower gum
• Your baby has much of the areola in his mouth, more so on the 'chin side'. There is no serious pain in the nipple (new mums may feel a tingling sensation as the nipple adjusts to being drawn out).
• You may notice your baby's whole jaw moving as he sucks and even his ears wiggling. He should not be sucking in air or slipping off the breast.

If the attachment does not appear to be successful or feeding is painful, take your baby off the breast by inserting a clean little finger in the corner of his mouth to break the suction, then re-attach. Sometimes some small adjustment of the baby's position can help, such as ensuring his lower arm is around your waist or his body is in a straight line. Chest to chest and chin to breast is a quick way of describing good positioning. Its all about the practice!

Dr Jack Newman handouts:

What if the baby won’t latch yet
When Latching-