Breastfeeding is crucial for newborns as it can provide unparalleled nutrition and ensure the baby’s healthy growth. The correct nursing position is essential: the mother should support the breast with one hand, shaping it into a cone, ensuring the baby is close, with the head and shoulders facing the breast. During feeding, the mother should keep her body relaxed, leaning slightly forward, supporting the baby’s neck with the base of the palm and stabilizing the head with four fingers. Whether day or night, the child should be lifted for nursing, starting by emptying one side of the breast, which helps stimulate milk production. Before feeding, it is essential to clean the nipple, express a few initial drops, and then proceed with nursing.
Guiding the baby to latch correctly is also crucial: gently touch the infant’s lips to encourage them to open, then place the nipple and most of the areola into the baby’s mouth, ensuring the lips wrap around the areola, with the chin close to the breast. If the baby resists opening, gently touch their lips with the nipple to trigger sucking, then quickly and gently place the nipple in the baby’s mouth.
As nursing nears completion, gently press the baby’s chin with a finger, wait for the release of negative pressure in the mouth before slowly removing the nipple to prevent pain or injury.
For new mothers, mastering these correct breastfeeding techniques is essential as they not only help you breastfeed more confidently but also allow you to promptly correct any improper practices, ensuring the health of both you and your baby.
