Breastfeeding is extremely important for the development of newborns, as it is rich in the proteins and immune substances that children need, effectively enhancing infants’ resistance, and is superior to formula feeding. To ensure the healthy growth of infants, breastfeeding is particularly crucial. So how should mothers properly breastfeed?
During breastfeeding, mothers should support the infant’s back and shoulders with their forearm, while their palm and four fingers should firmly hold the infant’s waist and back, ensuring the infant’s stomach is close to the mother’s, with the head and shoulders directed towards each other, and the mouth and breast at the same horizontal level. If necessary, a pillow can be used to assist in supporting the infant. Mothers should pay attention to the proper extension of the infant’s head and neck, avoiding pressure on the nose that could affect breathing, while also preventing swallowing difficulties. When feeding, the other hand should encircle the base of the breast with the thumb and four fingers, bringing it to the infant’s mouth as a whole, rather than just pinching the nipple.
Sometimes, infants instinctively turn their heads from side to side to search for the breast; in these cases, directly moving the infant’s cheek with a hand is not very effective, as infants have a natural rooting reflex that causes their face to turn toward the direction of the touch. The correct approach is to guide the infant’s face toward the breast, allowing the rooting reflex to help them find and suckle naturally, ensuring that the entire nipple and most of the areola are included in the infant’s mouth for effective suckling.
The accuracy of the suckling position directly affects the smoothness of feeding and the quantity of milk. Proper suckling can stimulate the surrounding nerves, promoting milk secretion. If suckling is incorrect, with only the nipple held and not the areola, not only will the infant be unable to obtain enough milk, but it may also lead to crying, maternal pain, and decreased milk production.
Furthermore, some mothers may have a rapid flow of milk, which can make it difficult for the infant to synchronize swallowing, potentially causing milk to enter the respiratory tract and lead to choking. At this time, mothers should gently pinch the areola with their fingers to slow the milk flow, helping the infant to adjust.
Although breastfeeding is a detailed process that requires gradual proficiency and poses a challenge for mothers, every mother will do everything possible to overcome difficulties for the sake of their baby’s health.
