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As he opens his mouth, pull him swiftly slightly (about an inch) towards you so he gets the breast fully into his mouth. Sometimes mothers are taught to hold the breast in a ‘scissor’ hold (first and second finger each side of the areola) to enable the baby to take the breast when it is tiny, or to support the breast or to enable the baby to breathe. Occasionally it is useful to assist the baby to latch on by lifting the breast up slightly from underneath. Consistent manipulation of the breast can cause blocked ducts and is unnecessary. The baby’s nose is designed so that he can breathe even with his face apparently buried in the breast as he feeds - little air gaps exist around the sides of his snub nose - and as long as he is able to freely move his head back, he will pull away to breathe when he needs to. Some mothers are quite upset when they tell me how they have been manhandled by midwives anxious to get the baby latched on. The trick is to wait and keep offering, making sure that he can reach, he will latch on in his own good time. The changes in position that I suggest most frequently are (i) Moving the baby across the mother’s body (from elbow towards centre) while in the crook of her arm and (ii) Pulling the baby closer tucking his body right in close to hers. For all of this to work and the baby to have a lengthy and satisfying feed can take some time - time that midwives are often not allocated and why I feel that breastfeeding counsellors would be a useful resource within the maternity services. Many nipples appear flat and if the breast is full the newborn may have difficulty latching on. New babies have such tiny mouths. A glass of iced water held onto the skin at the side of the breast can sometimes cause the skin to feel harder with the cold and enable the baby to latch on. You have to be quick while the effect lasts. Expressing a small amount of milk to soften the breast can also help. Once the breasts have softened after the initial rush of milk and extra blood supply there is usually not so much difficulty in latching on. Babies grow so quickly that the size of their mouth changes and they find the breast easier to grasp. It takes practice. Mothers feel pressurized to get it right quickly or give formula. The determined ones try again once they get home and often this is the time that I come into contact with them. | ||
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CATHERINE HOLLAND Tel: 0701 7415310 Email: catherine@catherineholland.co.uk | |
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