Breastfeeding - Techniques For Getting Your Baby to Latch On

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jamela_T_Smith]Jamela T Smith
As a breastfeeding mother you are special because you can make the food that is uniquely perfect for your baby. Invest the time in yourself and your baby, for your health and for the bond that will last a lifetime.
Breast milk has disease-fighting antibodies that can help protect babies from several types of illnesses like:
Ear Infections
- Respirtory infections
- Meningitis
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Asthma and a host of other diseases
- It can also help cut down on any reflux and constipation
issues associated with digestion.
Remember breastfeeding is a learned technique, it requires patience and practice. For some women, the first three months can be frustrating and uncomfortable. The good news is that it will get easier, and support for breastfeeding mothers is growing.
To begin breastfeeding gather all the information available for a helpful start. Also try feeding your baby at the first sign of hunger to prevent frustration for the both of you.
There are basic positions for successful breastfeeding: Football hold, Cradle Hold, Side-laying, and Cross-Over Hold. These position can be awkward at first, so experiment with them until you find the one that work best for you and your baby.
Football Hold
This breastfeeding position is great for mothers who have pain in their abdomen, such as after a caesarian, because it gets the baby off that area. Like the cross cradle hold, the football hold allows the mother to guide the baby's latch more easily.
Cradle Hold
So the first and most important thing to remember is to keep your babies belly facing your own. This should keep their spine in a straight line. You can check this in a mirror or get your partner or a friend to help you.
Secondly there is no need to hold the babies head in position. Once you have the baby attached and settled into the feed there is really no need for your other hand to be involved in holding either the baby or your breast in any position. The arm on the side which you are feeding from should have the baby's head nestled in the elbow and the forearm should then go along the baby's back.
Side Laying
The goal is to keep your back and hips in a straight line. With your baby facing you, draw him close and cradle his head with the hand of your bottom arm. Or, cradle his head with your top arm, tucking your bottom arm under your head, out of the way. If your baby needs to be higher and closer to your breast, place a small pillow or folded receiving blanket under his head. He shouldn't strain to reach your nipple, and you shouldn't bend down toward him
Note: You may want to nurse lying down if you're recovering from a cesarean or difficult delivery, sitting up is uncomfortable, or you're nursing in bed at night or during the day
Cross Over
Also known as the cross-cradle hold, this position differs from the cradle hold in that you don't support your baby's head with the crook of your arm. Instead, your arms switch roles. If you're nursing from your right breast, use your left hand and arm to hold your baby. Rotate her body so her chest and tummy are directly facing you. With your thumb and fingers behind her head and below her ears, guide her mouth to your breast.
Note: This hold may work well for small babies and for infants who have trouble latching on.
For more tips on breastfeeding or other newborn related issues visit: http://www.newborngrunting.com
Jamela T. Smith
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Breastfeeding---Techniques-For-Getting-Your-Baby-to-Latch-On&id=6654238] Breastfeeding - Techniques For Getting Your Baby to Latch On