This site is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for personal medical advice, attention, diagnosis or treatment. If you are concerned about your health or your baby's health, please consult your family's health care provider immediately.
You've watched (in amazement) and felt (in pain) your breasts grow to astonishing proportions over the past several months. And as you've traded up one bra size for another, and then yet another (who knew they made cups that big?), you may have wondered if your breasts were taking on a life of their own. In fact, your breasts are gearing up to take on a life of another, or at least take on the task of feeding that new life - your baby.
Whether you've been looking forward to nursing since you were a little girl (remember when you lifted up your shirt to "feed" your stuffed panda?) or the concept of breastfeeding is something you're still struggling to get used to ("I make milk and then my baby drinks from me? From me?"), once you get past the initial trial and error days of breastfeeding (and you will!), breastfeeding becomes one of motherhood's most rewarding responsibilities. Yes, there will be times when you'll feel more like a milk cow than a mother, and you might even worry that those breasts you're hauling in and out all day and night might morph into udders (a well-fitted nursing bra that offers proper support can help minimize that dreaded sagging). But rest assured, breastfeeding - whether you nurse exclusively or supplement with formula, whether you quit by the third month or keep going strong well into your baby's toddlerhood - it will become second nature. And since breast milk is nature's first and most perfect food, you will be giving your baby a head start on a healthy future.
read more about The Breastfeeding Guide
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Breastfeeding Positions
Having trouble getting your baby to latch on and breastfeed correctly? Here's how to hold your newborn and get her in the right position. Making milk comes naturally, but the delivery of it from breast to belly now that takes a little know-how, and a lot of practice. For just about every new mom and neophyte nursing newborn, the first attempts at breastfeeding are haphazard and hapless, at best — a shot in the dark (even if it's broad daylight).
Your baby will have an easier time accessing your breast milk (and you'll get much less sore) if you follow these steps:
1. Get your baby into the right position. Make sure your baby faces your breasts, with the front of his or her body facing yours, tummy to tummy.
2. Choose a breastfeeding hold. In the basic cradle hold, your baby's head rests in the bend of your elbow of the right arm (if you'll be nursing from the right breast), with your right hand supporting the rest of the body. Hold your breast with your other hand and compress it very gently so that the nipple points toward the baby's nose. If the cradle hold isn't working, you can try the crossover hold (when you hold your baby's head with your left hand with his or her body resting on your left arm if you're nursing from the right breast) or the football hold, in which your baby's legs are tucked under your arm (yes, like a football) on the same side as the breast you're nursing from. Hold your baby with that arm (on a pillow to lift him or her up), and use your other hand to cup your breast. (If you have twins you might try a combination of holds that allow double-barrelled breastfeeding action).
3. Latch your baby on your breast properly. As soon as your baby opens wide (you can help get the mouth open by tickling the lip with your nipple), bring your baby forward toward your breast (don't lean over and stuff your breast into the mouth) and let him or her suckle. Be sure that the baby's mouth covers both the nipple and the areola (newborns will suck on anything, even if no milk is forthcoming). When he or she's in the right spot, the action of the mouth, tongue, and lips will massage the milk out of the milk glands. It's important that your baby is latched on properly so that your nipples don't get sore: Improper latching is the most common cause of sore nipples.
4. Reposition your baby -- if necessary, Release your baby's grip if there is an improper latch. That grip on your nipple will be impressively powerful, but you can break the suction by gently inserting your finger into the corner of the mouth (make sure your fingers are clean) or by pressing on your breast near the mouth. Then begin the lip tickling anew and let him or her latch on again — properly (with the nipple and the areola in the mouth). In the beginning, it might take quite a few tries to get your baby into the proper position. Keep trying. He or she will be happier in the long run if those efforts bring a mouthful of milk rather than a mouthful of air.
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Breastfeeding Assistance
The Alex Community Center Breastfeeding Clinic
(403) 266-2622
Circle Medical/SCPCN Breastfeeding Clinic
(403) 726-0524
Lakeview Breastfeeding Clinic
(403) 246-7076
La Leche League Canada
(800) 665-4324
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Breastfeeding Problems
Milk that won't come in...babies who won't latch on...breasts as hard as rocks. Breastfeeding isn't always easy. Here are some common problems. Please remember if you have a question or concern, please consult your physician.
- Poor Breastfeeding Positions
- Poor Breastfeeding Latch
- Flat and Inverted Nipples
- Mouth Problems
- Poor Milk Supply
- Sore Nipples and Burning Nipples
- Breast Engorgement
- Leaking Breasts
- Plugged Milk Ducts
- Mastitis
