Step-by-step guide
Breastfeeding is a skill that you and your baby will learn together. It's not difficult but it does take a little bit of practice. Getting it right means your baby will be happy, content and feeding properly and you are less likely to suffer from soreness or other problems. We've broken the process down into simple steps with photographs to help you. Remember if you do have difficulties, you can also talk to your midwife, health visitor or visit a breastfeeding support group.
Get comfortable
Make sure you are sitting comfortably either in a chair or lying down. Pillows may help to support your back. If you want to use a pillow to support your baby, make sure it won't raise your baby up too high. You can ask someone to pass the baby to you once you’re settled if you need to.
Holding your baby
Hold your baby with his body and head in a straight line, not turned or twisted, pressed firmly against you. He needs to be in close to your body. Depending on your breast and nipple size and shape, his body may be turned towards you or tucked slightly under the breast. His neck needs to be extended slightly – not tucked into the chest. Think of the way you tip your own head back a little to drink from a glass. These directions are good for most feeding positions but ask your breastfeeding advisor if you have any difficulty.
Positioning
Align your baby so his nose is pointing at your nipple and support his neck. Allow the head to tilt back and if he is ready to feed, his mouth opens. You can encourage this by gently stroking his bottom lip with your nipple or a finger. You can support your breast from underneath with your hand if you need to, but be careful to remove it once your baby is feeding.
Attachment
Allow your baby to come up to your breast from below, resting against you so you can make eye contact with each other. When his mouth is wide open, and his tongue is down and forward (almost like a yawn) with his head still tilted back, bring him even closer. Do this swiftly but gently, so he can scoop up the nipple with his tongue and get a good mouthful of your breast. His chin will come to the breast first, and his nose will probably remain free. Your nipple should point towards the roof of your baby's mouth. Bring your baby to your breast not the other way around, try not to 'post' your nipple into his mouth, and don’t feel tempted to push your baby's head as this can frighten some babies.
Feeding
The baby’s chin should be directly on the breast and his bottom lip curled out. He should have a good portion of your breast below the nipple in his mouth, with his chin pressed into your breast. You should be able to see more areola (the circle of darker skin surrounding your nipple) above your baby’s top lip than below the bottom lip. His sucking will change from short sucks to longer ones with pauses. His cheeks will remain rounded, not sucked in, and you will hear him gulp. You may feel a tingling or tugging, but pain-free, feeling as milk lets down. You should be comfortable, though you might feel you need to get used to the new sensation. Some baby's will tighten or purse their lips, especially the lower one. If the lower lip turns in try pressing down gently on the chin to turn the lip outwards.
Stopping feeding
There is no "normal" length of time for feeding. Let your baby finish nursing on one side and if they’re still hungry offer the other breast. Wait for signs that your baby has finished eating like a slowing down in active sucking, although many babies will fall asleep or come off of the breast on their own. On average babies nurse for around 20-30 minutes but this can vary quite widely so tune in to your own baby’s rhythms. If you feel pain, or the baby doesn’t seem to be sucking properly, it’s a good idea to stop and start again rather than carrying on as you may end up with sore nipples or your baby may not get enough milk. You will need to break the suction first by putting your finger in the side of the baby's mouth between the gums. It’s important to break suction as your breast is made up of delicate tissues and you don’t want to damage it. If you’re having problems, try our Troubleshooter
