Proper breastfeeding: everything you need to know about putting on and taking off from the breast
How do you properly latch your baby? That’s a question many new moms ask themselves. In our graphics you can see how you can put your baby on correctly and also find out what you should pay attention to when removing it from the breast.
Properly placed on the chest
The latch works properly by holding your breast with one hand and guiding your baby to the nipple with the other. Take your nipple between your thumb and forefinger to put it in your baby’s mouth. Make sure it sucks most of the areola with it. But it shouldn’t hurt you.
Do it correctly: which breast to start with?
Start breastfeeding your baby on the breast that seems fuller than the other. It is best for your baby to always empty one breast completely and then if possible continue to drink from the second breast until hunger is satisfied and it lets itself off the breast. The next time you breastfeed, start with the second breast. You can find out more about breastfeeding times in our articles “Is my child drinking enough when breastfeeding?” and “How often should you breastfeed?” .
If you are breastfeeding your newborn, it may take a long time to feed. Up to 30 minutes per breast is not uncommon. Later, it should not drink more than ten minutes per side.
Proper slimming from the breast
It is not only important how you can put the baby on correctly, you also need to learn how to remove it from the breast. When your baby is full and only sucks at your breast, you can carefully detach it from the breast. When your child sucks, there is a vacuum in their mouth. If you were to just pull it away from your breast, it would not let go and painfully elongate the nipple. So it’s better to release the vacuum by putting a finger between your chest and the corner of your mouth. When air gets into your baby’s mouth, it will automatically let go and you can remove it from your breast. Our article “How long does a breastfeed last?” gives you the best clues that your baby is full.
Put it on correctly: tips from the midwife
Immediately after the birth, the midwife will help you so that you can position your baby correctly. In order to prevent problems such as a breast infection, let us show you how to latch your baby correctly as often as necessary. The midwives in the hospital or your aftercare midwife are always there for you. In the hospital you can also have the most common breastfeeding positions shown to you so that you can offer your breasts some variety and you don’t get sore nipples . Always latch your baby when it is hungry. Sometimes it takes more, sometimes less time and patience until it has found its breastfeeding rhythm.
Tips for your well-being while breastfeeding
When breastfeeding, it is always best to remain calm and try to relax. Also, make sure you drink enough: at least two liters of liquid throughout the day, more if possible. Water or tea is best. To stimulate milk production, you can, for example, drink so-called breastfeeding tea: a herbal tea with fennel, anise and caraway. But non-alcoholic wheat beer or malt beer also have a stimulating effect on your milk production. If you think that too little milk is flowing, you can warm your breast with towels or breastfeeding oil before putting it on. However, the most effective way is to let your child drink more frequently. The more frequently you breastfeed, the more milk you will produce. Your breast always adjusts quickly and all by itself to the increased needs of your child. If you have any problems or questions, you can always ask your doctor or aftercare midwife for help. As long as you are breastfeeding, you can always call your midwife.
More information about breastfeeding?
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that babies are exclusively breastfed for at least six months. But a longer breastfeeding period is good for your child. You can find out more about baby nutrition in the first year in our nutrition plan. In our special “Breastfeeding” you will find many more tips and hints.