Loretta Anderson IBCLC Lactation Consultant In Brisbane, Qld

Little Tweaks That Make A Huge Difference

Breastfeeding In The Hospital – How To Find Your Confidence

Breastfeeding In The Hospital – How To Find Your Confidence
Reading Time: 3 minutes

Once you get past the miracle of your birth, the challenge that scares most mums is the first few breastfeeding sessions.

This can be tricky, especially while you’re still in hospital. 

Your hormones are everywhere, your body is tired and aching, and you’re in a foreign environment with so many eyes on you.

The midwife is watching. Your partner is there. Maybe your parents (or HIS parents!) and any friend who decided to visit!

None of this helps with your CONFIDENCE… 

And in the middle of all this – with all that’s going on – you have to breastfeed (assuming you want to.)

In fact, this early on… you have to fit up to 12 breastfeeds a day in between visits from staff and family!

But Don’t Worry. I Got You 100% Covered!

There are two aspects to getting into “breastfeeding rhythm”. One is the technical aspect. The “what to do” and “how to do it”. And I have a simple 7-Step Guide For Perfect Latching Every Time that answers that. 

But more important, we need to talk about keeping YOU sane and confident throughout all this!

And that aspect – the mindset aspect – is what I’m talking about in this post.

And if you ask me, it’s more important than the “technique” you use. Because if you’re not confident, everything will feel even more overwhelming and scary. 

The One Key Thing Every New Mother Must Know About Breastfeeding

Here is the most important piece of advice I can give you after seeing over 17,000 babies come into this world:

It doesn’t matter what you do, you won’t stuff it up!

So PICK UP your little bundle of joy and… cuddle! 🙂

No need to rush for your new breastfeeding pillow. No need to take your bra off in advance. No need to be prepared, sit in a special chair and await the midwife’s command.

None of that! 🙂

Just lift your baby out of their cot, and place them on your chest for a cuddle.

Your baby will either quickly settle down and go back to sleep. Or they will will start to bob up and down on your chest – they’re way of signalling that  they want to breastfeed. 

When every session starts with a cuddle and following the natural cues your baby is giving, the whole experience shifts. 

You don’t need directions from the midwife, your partner, or your parents.

You and your baby will understand each other on a level I can’t even describe in words. All it takes is to take a deep breath, cuddle, and watch their actions. 

Next, remember that learning to breastfeed is a skill. Like riding a bicycle. It may take a few tries, but very soon it will become second nature!

And while you learn, you will go through lots of emotions. And that’s perfectly normal. However, there’s one emotion that you need to pay attention to. 

It is the #1 confidence crusher…

Feeling Embarrassed

You’re learning a new, very personal skill… and chances are, you’re doing it with an audience!

There may be your mother, mother-in-law, midwife, students and many others watching you breastfeed!

That is a lot of people. Want to know the SOLUTION? Want to know how to not feel embarrassed in front of all these people? 

KICK EVERYONE OUT!

You simply ask your partner to be your voice, (while your busy with bub!) and kick everyone OUT!

You don’t need an audience. Your first breastfeeding sessions may feel awkward and intimidating. That’s what most mothers experience.

Confidence comes naturally as you do it more and more. In the beginning, it is very normal to feel afraid!

So please, BE KIND TO YOURSELF!

Kick everyone out, and let yourself discover motherhood at your own pace. Just you, your baby, and your special people.

And now that you’ve kicked everyone out and are cuddling your little beautiful munchkin, here are the 7 Simple Steps For Perfect Latching Every Time. Read it, apply it, and in no time – you’ll be showing everyone HOW IT’S DONE! 🙂

7 Steps to Latching Success!

Breast Pump Comparison – Choosing The Right Pump

Breast Pump Comparison – Choosing The Right Pump
Reading Time: 5 minutes

Pumps can be really useful in your breastfeeding journey.  But how do you choose from the wide range of pumps available?

There are many different pumps on the market. And if you don’t know your needs – selecting the right one becomes extremely confusing. 

So what I am going to do here, is first help you define which kind of breast pump you need. Once you know that, I’ll point you the ones my clients  like the best. 

And the first question you need to answer is…

Manual Pump VS.  Electric Pump

With a manual pump the suction action is triggered by the squeezing of your hand.   The electric pump on the other hand uses a motor to drive the pump. 

But which do you choose!  Well this is why you are here.  Below is a table to help you work this out! Just read through the questions and see where you lie. 

Now let’s delve a little further into each question in case you need more clarification. (Or if you need advice on pumping head over to my Pumping blog!)

Question 1: First up pumping less than once a day. This means you are a “sometimes” pumper.  You prefer to breastfeed but want the option to pump just in case. It may be weeks or months between pumping or once a day.  A manual is good for this.

Question 2: Pumping more than three times a day is more like a necessity.  For example, you may have damaged nipples and are resting them.  You may be needing to top up your baby with extra milk over and above a breast feed. In these circumstances an electric pump will  be more beneficial for you (most of the time).

Question 3: If you are on a budget and rather save your dollars then a manual wins out.  Except if you fall under the other categories then see if someone can gift a pump to you!  Everyone wants to buy the new parents something!

Question 4: The next question surrounding low milk supply is important.  If you are trying to increase your supply and decrease the use of formula, Then first, you NEED to read my blog on How to cut down formula without more pumping!

I know this sounds silly, cut down formula without pumping! But what I mean is extra pumping.  You will see when you read it. Just think about investing in a good electric pump to save you time! 

Question 5: Finally, a baby born early, under 37 weeks is considered premature.  A premature baby takes longer to learn how to breastfeed so you will need to do lots of pumping to help bring your milk in!  An electric pump is worth it!

Just a little word about recommendations!  As a Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) I cannot recommend a particular pump.  I will say many of my clients let me know what they like.  But always do your own research and make an informed decision.

Manual Pumps Mums Like

So here are a few manual pumps that mothers have found great, you can look at these two first:

Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump and Feed Set
Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump and Feed Set

And:

Philips AVENT Comfort 330 Pp Manual Breast Pump
Philips AVENT Comfort 330 Pp Manual Breast Pump

Electric Pumps Mums Like

When it comes to best electric breast pumps, the mothers I work with are raving about these three: 

https://spectra-baby.com.au/shop/breast-pumps/electric-breast-pumps/spectra-s2-hospital-grade-double-electric-breast-pump/
Medela Swing Single Electric Breast Pump (2-Phase)
Medela Swing (2-Phase) Single Electric Breast Pump
Medela Breastpump Swing Maxi Double Electric (2-Phase)
Medela Swing Maxi (2-Phase) Double Electric Pump

But wait! How do you know if you need a single or a Double pump?! Here comes the answer:

Single Pump VS Double Pump

Single pumps are just as they sound.  They come with one kit for you to pump one breast at a time. Double pumps come with two kits to pump both breasts at the same time. 

The double pumps generally have an option to do single or double but with a single pump you don’t have the option.

Double are more expensive so before you spend your dollars check out my table to work out what is the best option for you! 

Single Versus Double Pump

Now you have a snap shot, a little about the benefits of double pumping so you have all the facts. 

There are two advantages of double pumping. Firstly, you will spend less time on the pump. Secondly, pumping both breasts together can stimulate your hormones to make more milk as you are extracting both breasts together.

This does not mean you NEED a double pump.  However, I do recommend you invest in a double pump if you have a premature baby.   Pumping will be a big part of your life therefore maximising your pumping sessions is a must.

Now………Once you have read the table you can make a decision for your circumstances.  But, if you are still pregnant and shopping for a pump then my recommendation is set a budget and see what fits into this.

Before you go I will address a few tips that will help you on your journey!

Pumping Tips

Tip #1: Every breast is a different size as well as different size nipples.  So there is not a one size fits all.  You can buy different size flanges for your pump.  The flange is the plastic part of the pump that covers your breast and nipple.

If you have a large nipple then a larger size is best for you.  The size refers to the diameter of the part that surrounds your nipple. Most pumps come with a standard medium size flange which is 24mm.

If you are unsure have a look at the Medela website for your personal fitting guide.

Tip #2: Assess the reason WHY you are pumping.  Pumping can get very time consuming and is hard to sustain.

So if you are pumping to relieve pain, experiencing low milk supply or trying to cut down formula then you may need more help. Contact me for a consult 0414 403 208 or visit my services page.

Tip #3: You CAN hand express if you don’t want to buy a pump.  You can get just as much out by hand after some practice. It can even be quicker than a pump.  SO, if you are strapped for cash head over to my hand expressing video to learn more.

Tip #4: If you are unsure about which one to buy then hiring a breast pump may be the option for you.  Just add up the price to hire versus buying your own.  Mostly you will be charged a deposit, a weekly fee and you will have to buy a kit that connects to the pump to use it.  It all adds up!

Just do the math and see what is better.  My advice, if you are planning on more children then investing in your own good electric pump would be the go.

Tip #5 : Before you think a double might be better; watch my video’s on 3 steps to pumping success. In this video I talk about breast massage or squeezing your breast while pumping.  You need a second hand for this so single pumping is better.

Time to head off, just before I go you can head over to my blog 3 Steps to Pumping Success to read even more!!

Good luck on your breastfeeding journey!! Don’t forget to contact me if you need targeted help 0414 403 208.

Blocked Ducts – The 5 Common Causes (And What To Do About Them!)

Blocked Ducts – The 5 Common Causes (And What To Do About Them!)
Reading Time: 3 minutes

Blocked ducts…

They happen to EVERYONE, but do you know what causes them? And more important… How to prevent them from recurring? 

Let’s dive in and find out!

Blocked Ducts Cause #1: Lots of milk

If your body is producing more milk than your baby needs, this can cause blockages in your breast. These blockages happen because your baby can’t take all the milk.

Mothers may produce lots more milk than their baby needs naturally, this is not your fault and can be managed. But quite often lots of milk or oversupply is caused by expressing over an above what your baby needs.

Note: Producing too much milk doesn’t always lead to a blockage. But it often contributes to it.

Blocked Ducts Cause #2: Pumping too much

Your body is incredibly smart. It is designed to cater for all your baby’s needs. But sometimes this can make a small problem into a big one!

For example, your body cannot distinguish whether it is your baby that is sucking at your breast, or a breast pump.

So if you pump too much, your body will be tricked to think that your baby needs more milk. So what happens next? You will produce EVEN MORE milk!

So if you are pumping on top of breastfeeding, you need to start paying attention to how much you pump. 

Anything over 100 millilitres a day (in addition to regular breastfeeding) will tell your body to make milk.

And making more milk can then lead to even worse problems of oversupply. 

If your baby is not breastfeeding, then this 100ml guideline does not apply. You will be pumping more than that just to feed your baby.

Tip: If you are stocking up for a particular event, then take small amounts. Try to keep the extra pumping to under 50 millilitres in a 24 hour period. So instead of pumping three times as much in one day, spread it over a few days and add t it all together.

This way you can stock up for your occasions without affecting your overall milk supply. Perfect!

Blocked Ducts Cause #3: Scheduled Feeding

Are you feeding your baby according to some fixed schedule? Or are you letting them tell you when they want to feed?

If you’re waking your baby up for a feed, they might be too tired, or not hungry enough for an effective feed.

Similarly, if your baby woke up too early and you waited till the “designated feeding time” – they might be too tired to feed now.

In both of these instances, your baby’s suck is tired. A tired suck means your baby will not remove milk effectively. Which can lead to blocked ducts.

The solution? Read this:

A Calm, Settled Baby In 72 Hours – Here’s How

Blocked Ducts Cause #4: Tight Bras

Female controlling breast for cancer, golden blurry background.

This isn’t just an old wives’ tale!

Tight bras (and tight clothing in general) can put pressure on your breasts. This pressure can stop the milk from flowing, and eventually lead to blocked ducts.

How can you tell if your clothes are too tight?

Take your bra off and stand in front of the mirror. Look under your breasts and down the side of your body. If there are strap marks on your skin, the bra is putting too much pressure on your breasts.

So if you see these strap marks or feel your bra or top is “digging into you” – remove them! Let your breasts be FREE!

If you wear breast pads, you have two options. you can wear a bra that is stretchy and comfortable. Or you can wear a firm fitting singlet. But make sure it has no elastic under the breasts.

Blocked Ducts Cause #5: Holding Your Breast While Feeding

Holding your breast while feeding can block areas of your breast. 

So make sure you move your hand often (or remove completely). Now, if you need to hold the breast all the time, then you probably need to make some adjustments to your latch. 

If you can’t let go of your breast while you feed, check out my blog post 7 Steps to Latching Success to learn more.

Already Have Blocked Ducts?

If you think you might already have blocked ducts, read the post below now.

It will give you the exact symptoms to pay attention to, and the five simple steps for “unblocking” blocked ducts and relieving pain in no time:

Blocked Ducts – How To Treat, When To Seek Help

Baby Not Gaining Enough Weight? Start Here

Baby Not Gaining Enough Weight? Start Here
Reading Time: 2 minutes

Worried about your baby’s weight?

Good news: By finding the real reason your baby is slow to gain weight, you can resolve this issue in one week (or less!)

So –– no stress, OK? Here’s what you need to know.

A baby from 2 weeks to 5 months is expected to gain 150g per week. (If you’re concerned about weight loss under 2 weeks, read this blog post instead.)

About 60% of the mothers I see experience some weight issues. Mother’s come to me because their baby is NOT gaining those 150 grams a week. And it’s almost always for one of the following three reasons:

Reason #1: Baby Is Overtired

If Your baby is under 6 weeks old and is experiencing slow weight gain, see if any of these symptoms sound familiar:

  • Your baby breastfeeds for long periods of time, sometimes well over an hour;  
  • your baby will only sleep on you or your partner;
  • your baby is sleeping for long periods of time (over 6 hours more than once in 24 hours). 
  • Poo and wee are normal – ie wet each nappy change and soft, yellow poop 3+ times per day.

Any of these ring a bell? Your baby is probably overtired, and that’s why they’re not gaining weight. Here’s how you fix it: Slow Weight Gain With A Tired Baby

Reason #2: Baby Not Taking Enough Milk

The second possible reason for slow weight gain is that your baby is not taking enough milk.

Note: This has nothing to do with your milk production! It’s more to do with your baby’s latch and sucking skills. (Low milk supply is much less common.)

Here are some early signs:

  • Breastfeeding is hurting
  • Your baby is fussing and wanting to feed all the time
  • Your baby’s amount of poo is slowing down

If these symptoms ring a bell for you, there is a good chance your baby’s slow weight gain is due to latching issues. Jump over to my plan Slow Weight Gain – Baby Not Taking Enough Milk for all your answers!

Reason #3: Baby Born Prematurely  

Premature babies (born under 37 weeks gestation) often experience slower weight gain.

If your baby was born a preemie, click here: Slow Weight Gain With A Premature Baby

Other Reasons?

If none of these symptoms rings a bell, don’t worry!

Every baby is different. There are many other reasons why your baby might struggle to gain weight – and most of them a very easy-to-fix – especially if caught on early.

So if none of the three main reasons I mentioned applies to you, give me a call (or text me) at 0414 403 208 for a free consultation call.

I promise you – your baby will be back on track in no time!

7 Steps to Latching Success!

7 Steps to Latching Success!
Reading Time: 9 minutes

After working with thousands of women, I can tell you that almost every mother has some frustrations or insecurities when it comes to breastfeeding. And here’s what I have learned. 

The challenges with breastfeeding break into 2 groups:

  1. Confidence and emotional issues and
  2. Technique

And the number one reason mothers struggle with breastfeeding is actaully lack of confidence. This is a biggie!

Is this what you’re thinking?

“You keep switching things around, you keep thinking your doing something wrong or your stressing yourself out!”

Let me tell you, these thoughts get in the way way more than your technique!

So if you’re feeling a bit stressed out make sure you read this blog post on mindset. As for technique, all you need to do is follow these 7 steps with confidence and  your off and running! 

Before We Start – How To Fix Any Latching Problem You Have In Under 10 Minutes

One of the THE HARDEST things about latching is figuring it out on your own. Well no more! Let me explain……….

With my level of experience I can guarantee you if you tell me the damage you are seeing I will be able to tell you the little thing you need to change to get to a perfect latch.

We can even do it over the phone in like 10 minutes! So if your really struggling, or in emotional and physical PAIN give me a call 0414 403 208.

Now let’s get on to the 7 steps to latching success!  Here is a quick break down of the steps:

  1. The Set Up
  2. Lead and Guide
  3. Close Contact
  4. Arm Angles
  5. Bring Together
  6. Shaping
  7. Hold

This is everything! From start to finish and everything in between.  You’ll feel like a pro in no time at all! 

Follow These Easy Steps Directions Lesson Learning 3d Illustration

Step #1 The Set Up

The first step starts with your baby crying. And your instinct is to go to your baby and pick her up.

Well you are spot on! Pick your little bundle up and give a lovely cuddle! Easy! This is the start of the first step, the Set Up! 

After seeing over 17000 mothers I know the set up is the most important step! But it may not come naturally to mothers. So some guidance is called for – which is what I’m here for!

Here’s what you do:

  • Pick a spot to sit (chair, couch, bed, whatever suits you). With your baby cuddled in your arms, lean back a little. Leaning back gives more room for your baby on your chest and lap.
  • Remove your bra on the side you want to feed on. Then place your baby facing you on the top of your bare chest.
Mother and newborn baby boy
  • Your baby can either have a nappy or clothes on.  But you want at least their face touching your bare skin.
  • Your baby feels your bare skin and knows where they are. This is HOME. Now they will get ready to breastfeed by bobbing and licking (so cute)!

For a visual, click on my video that will demonstrate this step.

Feeling your skin is crucial for them to start the move toward your nipple. 

Don’t worry if your baby gets upset in this process (I see this happen a lot!). There is no time limit, you don’t have to meet a deadline! Just keep cuddling until your baby starts bobbing and licking.

DONE that’s the set up! No big breastfeeding pillows or equipment needed. Just you and your baby.

Now what to do with all that bobbing and licking……..on to step 2.

Step #2 Lead and Guide

This next step answers the biggest problem I hear about latching! “My baby doesn’t open their mouth wide enough to latch!”

While your baby is bobbing and licking they do one awesome trick! They practice opening their mouth!  They are getting read to suck!

Let me explain. Your baby is bobbing around on your bare skin in search of your nipple. They know it’s in the downwards direction!

Some babies throw themselves toward your nipple! It’s amazing to watch! Others will need guiding down, both are right!

Here’s how to help lead and guide your baby:

  • Gently guide your baby towards the breast and nipple you want to feed on.
  • While guiding make sure your baby is kept in contact with your skin at all times. Remember they are not looking for your nipple they are feeling their way.
  • Don’t worry if your baby starts to cry. This is normal! Just start at the top of your chest again while soothing your baby.

You have it all wrapped up! Lead and guide your baby to your nipple. Enjoy the process! Step #3 will give you even more closeness. Beautiful!

Beautiful newborn baby boy in the arms of his mother

Step #3 Close Contact

This step is all about enjoying very close contact with your baby. You might be asking, “why is this a step?” or “why is it so important?”

Well, there are 3 key reasons, let me explain:

  • Your baby feels your skin and feels safe, relaxed and at home (this means breastfeeding will be more relaxed!)
  • Your baby keeps practicing opening their mouth (also great when you latch!)
  • Your baby keeps using their in-built instincts to search and find the nipple making it super easy for Mum!

So you see how important this is! Close contact is all geared to help YOU! YAY! But don’t worry if this doesn’t come naturally to you. I have a list you can follow:  

  1. As your baby heads towards your nipple your tummy and you baby’s tummy need to be stuck together! You don’t want to see a gap between you and your baby. Not even an inch!
  2. Here’s a check to know if your close enough: “Can see your baby’s belly button?” If you can roll your baby into you by tilting their bottom to you.
  3. You can also lean back further to help your baby lie almost on top of you.   

The three points above will keep your baby close. Your baby will breastfeed a lot better with this close contact! Check out the video.

Next, where do you put all those arms that are now on your body! Step 4 will give you all the answers!

Step #4 Arm Angles

You have 4 arms on your body! Yours and your baby’s! Most mothers find this awkward and challenging. Where do you put them all?

Guiding mothers for decades, I have been able to come up with the most comfortable way to hold your baby.

Don’t worry, I have you covered. Here’s some steps (or check out my video):

  1. As your baby slides towards your nipple on your bare chest. Place your baby’s arm (the one they are lying on) around your side (the same side as the breast you are using).
  2. Try not to lift your breast up just bring your baby down to where your nipple sits naturally.
  3. Keep your baby close so their tummy faces your tummy and their face is still touching your breast.
  4. Then, circle your arm around your baby’s body (the arm on the same side as the breast you are using) .
  5. Your baby needs to be facing your breast remember tummy to tummy.

So now you are snuggled very close and your baby’s face is touching your breast.  A little like the picture below.

Young mother breastfeeding her cute newborn baby son, home bedroom

Just before we move on, I want to show you a simple tweak that I use with every mother with this step!

Your arm that is circling your baby (on the same side as your breast) needs to sit in just the right position on your baby’s back. I have broken it down below for you (or watch video here):

WRONG WAY – If your baby’s head is in the crook of your elbow then your hand would be holding your baby’s bottom. This pushes their nose into the breast and makes sucking difficult.  

RIGHT WAY – The palm of your hand needs to be either just above your baby’s bottom or at your baby’s lower-back. Depending how long your baby is. What this means is that your baby’s head is resting on the middle of your forearm rather than the wrong way in the crook of your elbow.

TO FIX IT – Just slide your hand up off the bottom until your baby’s head tilts back slightly then relax your arm. If you feel your baby is falling away from you, just lean back further so the weight of your baby falls on top of you.

Now you are looking like a pro! So let’s bring this together and latch!  It seems like lots of steps before we get to latch!  It will be worth it, I promise!

Step #5 Bring Together

You have come through Steps 1-4. Well done! Now it’s time to bring it together.

Your baby is opposite your nipple. When you see their mouth open simply cuddle your baby close to you. And see if they take the nipple in and LATCH!

Young mother breastfeeds her baby. Breast-feeding.

This seems simple, but remember, it’s about the set up FIRST and then the latch will follow.  Watch my video to really cement your knowledge!

Give it a go and see what happens. This is the trial and error phase, you are building your confidence, not striving for perfection!

So now your baby may be latched, well done!  But how do you know that you have the latch right?  This is a great question and I have 3 clues that answer it.

Just a side note: knowing you have a good latch has nothing to do with what you SEE!  So no-one can look at your latch and tell you it is correct you must feel, I’II explain below.

Clue #1 Pain Levels:

When you are learning to breastfeed you are going to have some PAIN in the first few days.  This is generally just the pain of your nipple stretching.  If you’re concerned about the pain and want to know more read my blog, Should breastfeeding hurt?

So this clue is about how long the pain lasts. If your pain lasts under a minute then you are on the right track!

After this minute you will feel a pull or a tug rather than pain. If pain increases and continues beyond the first few minutes it is time to take your baby off and start at step #1.  (Don’t worry this happens ALOT!)

Clue #2 Watch Your Baby’s Sucking:

What your are looking for is for the sucking to keep going! What I mean is that you will see lots of BIG sucks where your baby’s jaw drops low and you see movement at their temple.  

But the biggest giveaway that your baby is not latched correctly is they will FALL ASLEEP! If this happens then off to the start again! 

Clue #3 Check Your Nipple:

If your pain dropped AND your baby keeps sucking, the next thing to check is your nipple when your baby comes off. Here’s how:

Your nipple needs to be round, just as it went in.  If it is squished or flat on one side don’t worry! Just head back up to step #4 arm angles and check your placement. 

If you have checked everything and find you are still not latched, don’t worry! The next step will get you there! Remember this is all about PRACTICE not PERFECTION!

Step #6 Shaping

You have come through Step 5 and need a little more guidance. Your baby either hasn’t latched or latched and fallen asleep! So let’s bring in another trick, SHAPING!

As odd as it may seem your baby actually breastfeeds by shaping your breast tissue with their mouth. Rather than latching on to your nipple.

The good news is it doesn’t matter what your nipple looks like – Long, short, flat or inverted.

The tricky thing is, it’s hard work for your little baby to create the shape from your breast tissue. So they let go very quickly.

This means they slip off and on when trying to latch. The best thing is, YOU can help your baby by shaping your breast before they latch!

Here’s how to shape your breast.  

After working through steps 1-5 your will have one hand free. This is the hand you will use to shape your breast. Below are the steps (also take a look at my video on shaping):

  1. Bring your hand to the breast your baby is attempting to latch on to
  2. Look at the position of your baby. Notice an area on your breast opposite your baby’s nose. This is spot one for your index finger.
  3. Place your the pad of your index finger about 2 centimetres from your nipple on the breast. This will now be opposite your baby’s nose.
  4. Now you will use your middle finger and place it on your breast opposite your baby’s chin.
  5. Your fingers will look like scissors and are close to your baby put not touching.
  6. Next squeeze your fingers together to shape a piece of your breast tissue.
  7. Now your baby can grab on to this piece of breast tissue. It’s like biting a hamburger that is shaped the right way for your baby to take a big bite.

Now you are shaping, bring your baby to your nipple. Do this by pointing your nipple to the centre of your baby’s mouth and cuddle your baby close.  This will secure the latch.

But there is just one more step that goes hand in hand with shaping, it is THE MOST IMPORTANT PART! 

Step #7 Hold

It says it all in the title, HOLD!  Hold your fingers that are shaping your breast tissue. Check out my video on Step 7.

Hold the shape until your baby is sucking well.  Usually the first few minutes will do the trick!

You see, if you let go too soon your baby will lose their grip AND come off!

So don’t let go, not even a little! Even if your fingers are touching your baby, don’t let go! 

Give your baby the best chance to take a hold and get the rhythm going.  Remember you are waiting for the 3 cues.  

  • Pain eases after a minute,
  • your baby will keep sucking and
  • check your nipple is round after the feed.

After you see your baby take hold and suck well. You can loosen the grip, keeping your fingers on the breast. Then let go!  

ALL DONE! Now you can enjoy your latching and build on your skill.  Just have one last read of the final tip below and you are all sorted!

A Final Tip 

If you find you are not getting the latch try these things:

  • Give your baby a cuddle to calm and then start again
  • Let a family member have some cuddles while you take a breather (this is totally ok!)
  • Switch breasts and see if your baby will latch on the other side.  

I know this is a lot of information! Don’t worry if it seems foreign (most mums do!) Take it step by step and learn with your baby. Or give me a call or text and we can work it out together, 0414 403 208.

Free Consultation!

If you are struggling with breastfeeding (or just feeling a bit overwhelmed) – don’t go at it alone. I’m here to help.

Call me now at 0414 403 208 and let’s figure it out together! (Prefer text? Message me on WhatsApp!)

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