All babies are born with the ability to suck, however, most of the time a newborn needs to be taught how to breast feed. New mothers often feel discouraged or alone in this adventure. Breast feeding can be frustrating or it can be the most enjoyable experience. Taking the time to learn the proper technique will make both you a baby enjoy the Breast feeding experience.

1. Make sure you are in a comfortable position. If you aren’t comfortable, then the baby won’t be either. Sometimes it helps to sit in a rocking chair or lay sideways on a bed.
   You might also try playing some relaxing music and dimming the lights.
2. Step 2

   If you are sitting up, make sure baby is sideways facing you. Her stomach should touching your stomach and knees pointing toward your waist. Her head should be cradled in your arm with her ear pointing down. I have found this is the easiest position for myself. You can also try laying on a bed. She should still be facing you and her body should be parallel to yours with her stomach touching yours. It helps to have the arm that is between you and the bed up above your head. This is a great position for night time feedings.

3. Step 3

   Now it’s time to latch on. Making a c shape, cup your hand over your breast close to the nipple. Try to flatten the breast like a sandwich so that baby can easily fit the nipple into her mouth. Point the nipple just above the top of her upper lip and wait until her mouth opens wide, then direct it down into her mouth. Doing this ensures that the majority of the areola is in her mouth. If you find it continues to hurt after a few seconds, put your finger in the side of her mouth and pull your nipple out. Try this again until you feel she is sucking well.

4. Step 4

   Breast feeding can be enjoyable but sometimes it does take practice and a little bit of patience. At times you might feel like the pain is too much to bear. If this is the case, there are ways that you can minimize the discomfort. You can try using nipple shields. They are thin, flexible silicone barriers that fit over the nipple. It is used to draw the nipple out while baby nurses. You can also try lanolin products that you rub onto your nipples to soothe and heal them over time. Keep in mind that the adventure has only begun with your new baby and the journey should be an enjoyable one. Making sure that you are well informed is a great step in enjoying the tiny moments in your newborns life.