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Home › Articles › Breastfeeding Basics › The Nursing Mother's Companion

The Nursing Mother's Companion

By Kathleen Huggins, R.N., M.S.

Pages:  1  2  3  4  5  

Side-lying position. The side-lying position is an especially good choice for nursing when:

  • You must be flat after a cesarean birth.
  • You are uncomfortable sitting up.
  • You need help from someone else to get the baby latched on.
  • The baby is sleepy and reluctant to begin nursing or stay awake very long.
  • You are nursing during the night.

You and your baby lie on your sides, tummy to tummy, as with the cuddle hold. Place your fingers beneath the breast and lift upward, then pull the baby in close after he roots with a wide open mouth.

Ending the feeding
.
Waiting until your baby lets go of the nipple is the ideal way to end a feeding. If the baby does not come off the breast by himself after 20 to 25 minutes on a side, and you want to switch breasts or rest awhile, you can take him off by first breaking the suction. Even if he is not actively sucking, his hold on the nipple is tremendously strong. To release the suction, pull down on his chin or insert your finger into the corner of his mouth, pushing your finger between his gums until you hear or feel the release. You can also try placing your finger on the corner of the baby's mouth and pulling the skin gently towards his ear.

After taking the baby off the breast, leave your bra flaps down so that the air can dry your nipples. Air drying helps to maintain healthy nipples.

Back to Part One here.

Pages:  1  2  3  4  5  

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