5 Tahapan Cara Menyusui yang Benar dan Minim Rasa Sakit
For new moms, actually the best way to learn how to breastfeed correctly is to ask for direct guidance from a midwife, lactation consultant, or relatives who have breastfed. This helps you, Mom, to set up the breastfeeding position and latch the baby directly to the breast. However, you also need the knowledge of how to breastfeed correctly before practicing directly, which can be easily obtained in this all-digital era.
Steps to Breastfeed Correctly
The following is a step-by-step guide on the correct breastfeeding position so that you and your little one are both comfortable, breast milk flows smoothly, and there is minimal pain.
1. Set a Comfortable Position for Breastfeeding
First, before performing the correct way of breastfeeding, adjust your position before nursing your little one. Ensure you are sitting comfortably while leaning back. If necessary, use pillows, and your shoulders and arms should be relaxed.
2. Baby's Position is Correct and Ready to Nurse
Position the baby's head and body in a straight line so that it is easy for them to swallow breast milk. Hold the baby's body close to you and directly facing your chest.
Position your little one sideways with their nose facing your nipple. Support their neck, shoulders, and back so your little one can tilt their head back and swallow breast milk easily.
3. Bring Your Little One Close During the Latching Process
Hold your breast from underneath and lean it close to your little one's lips.
Position your fingers far behind the areola or nipple so that the baby can grasp your breast.
Touch the baby's lips with the nipple while encouraging your little one to open their mouth wide.
Ensure your little one's mouth is wide open as if yawning, then immediately bring the baby to the breast by moving their chin in first.
4. Maintaining a Good and Comfortable Latch
Attach them so that the baby's lower lip is far below the areola and not in the center. Essentially, an optimal latching position is when your little one's mouth covers the nipple and almost the entire areola area.
Continue holding your breast until your little one is sucking and swallowing breast milk with a deep rhythmic pattern. Let your little one nurse on their own and avoid pushing your breast too deeply into the baby's mouth as this can cause a poor latch.
5. Release the Latch If the Position is Uncomfortable
If you experience pain and soreness when your little one starts swallowing or the baby starts biting the nipple, gently release the baby from the nipple. Do this by inserting your clean finger into the corner of the baby's gums to break the latch and stop them from sucking. If it feels comfortable and your little one wants to nurse again, try the latching position once more.
How to Know Your Little One is Nursing Comfortably
After following the step-by-step correct breastfeeding position, there are several ways to know if your little one is comfortable with the breastfeeding position and is drinking enough breast milk.
The baby starts nursing with quick sucks followed by longer sucks. Once the breast milk starts to flow, your little one will suck more slowly and deeply with pauses, indicating they are drinking breast milk comfortably.
Notice your little one's rounded cheeks and the sound of them swallowing breast milk.
Their chin touches your breast and they breathe through their nose.
Your little one appears calm while nursing and will release the breast when they feel they have had enough milk.
Hegen Accompanies Your Breastfeeding Journey
Learning techniques and the correct way to breastfeed directly or DBF certainly requires patience to keep it comfortable for both mother and baby. You also need sufficient support from those closest to you throughout this pleasant breastfeeding journey.
Do not hesitate to ask parents or a lactation consultant to ensure your breastfeeding process remains comfortable, enjoyable, and with minimal pain. Fortunately, Hegen has various baby breastfeeding supplies that you will surely need, starting from breast milk storage, multifunctional feeding bottle, manual or electric breast pump, teats, and many more.
Why choose a feeding bottle from Hegen? Hegen baby teats feature a super soft elliptical-shaped silicone teat, designed to resemble a mother's nipple. This ensures the little one does not experience nipple confusion and gets an experience similar to direct breastfeeding. So, you can breastfeed without worrying about nipple confusion.
Do not hesitate to trust Hegen in helping to meet your little one's breastfeeding needs that are pleasant, easy, and sustainable. Visit and shop online now at the official Hegen Indonesia website.
References:
- NHS. Breastfeeding: positioning and attachment. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/breastfeeding-and-bottle-feeding/breastfeeding/positioning-and-attachment/
- The Royal Women’s Hospital. How to breastfeed. https://www.thewomens.org.au/health-information/breastfeeding/breastfeeding-overview/how-to-breastfeed
