5 of 23

Write now Article Tools

Page 3 of 3

can be difficult to tell if the pain is from an improper latch. If you aren't sure, check with the lactation consultant. With a proper latch, the baby's mouth should cover most of the areola (the darkened skin of your nipple).

9. If your baby hasn't gotten a proper latch, break the suction and start again. It is important to ensure that your baby learns how to latch properly and not to continue nursing if your baby has latched on poorly. If allowed to continue, your baby will develop a bad habit of latching on poorly which is not only painful for you in the long run but makes feeding time more inefficient for your baby.

10. Crying during the early days is often a sign of hunger and it is important to feed your baby before he or she starts crying. If a calm baby has trouble latching on, you can bet that a distressed baby will have even more trouble. To avoid baby crying from hunger, this may mean you have to wake your baby to begin breastfeeding. Babies in the early days, especially jaundiced babies, can be very lethargic and often don't wake up for feeds. Waking your baby for a feed is even more important in a jaundiced baby because breast milk helps your baby excrete the excess bilirubin that causes jaundice. A good guide to follow is to wake your baby up if it has been four hours since the last feed.

Breastfeeding can be a challenge, especially at the start. Don't despair if you find it difficult. Just remember that it takes time and practice to get better at it. Take it one day at a time and before you know it, you and your baby will be professionals at the nursing game.

Learn more about this author, Shen-Li Lee.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2
• 3

Add your voice

Know something about Breastfeeding tips?
We want to hear your view. Write now!