Breastfeeding - Positioning

• There are just a few important things to consider:
  • Make sure your baby has a good part of the areola (as much as you can comfortably fit in) in his or her mouth, not just the nipple. This is necessary for a number of reasons: First, the milk sinuses (where the milk collects) are located beneath the areola. The baby needs to apply pressure to those to get the milk out. Second, if you let your baby suck on just the nipple, you may suffer from sore nipples as well as insufficient milk.
  • Your baby's nose should be touching your breast. Otherwise, not enough of the breast is in the baby's mouth. Don't worry, your baby will breathe just fine (you don't need to pull your breast away from the baby's nose).
  • Your baby's tongue should be covering the lower gum. Her or his lower lip should be turned out and pushing against the lower side of your breast. If the lip is sucked in, your baby is not latched on correctly.
  • To take a baby off the breast, insert a finger into her or his mouth to break the suction. Don't just pull the baby of the breast, or you'll damage your nipple.
• Here are some web pages on latching on (most have pictures):
  • Breastfeeding Tips: positioning (from the Nursing Mother' Counsel
  • Attaching Baby to the Breast. By Dr. William and Martha Sears, RN, IBCLC * From Parents Place)

Back to the breastfeeding main page

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