Breastfeeding is more than just a natural way to provide nutrition from birth. More than that, it provides valuable long-term protection for your little one—providing optimal nutrition for their age, providing a source of natural antibodies, and fostering a strong bond between mother and baby. This ensures the baby's healthy growth and development, both physically and emotionally.
Besides the great benefits for the baby, breastfeeding also provides many benefits for the mother's health.
While it may seem simple, the breastfeeding process requires knowledge, preparation, and adjustment. Every mother's experience varies, depending on her and her baby's circumstances. Therefore, understanding proper breastfeeding techniques will help mothers feel more comfortable and maximize the benefits of breast milk.
6 Important Things for Successful Breastfeeding
To support successful breastfeeding, there are several things that mothers need to understand and prepare from pregnancy until after the baby is born:
- Awareness and Motivation
Realize that breastfeeding is life-giving. Every drop of breast milk is a baby's right that must be fulfilled. - Choose a Hospital That Supports Successful Breastfeeding
Find information about hospitals that have breastfeeding-friendly policies, supporting mothers and babies from pregnancy. - Consultation with a Breastfeeding Counselor
Prepare yourself by consulting during pregnancy, during labor, and after delivery. - Early Initiation of Breastfeeding (IMD)
Perform skin-to-skin contact within the first hour after birth and continue for at least 1 hour. - Rooming-in & Bedding-in
Try to keep mother and baby together so that it is easier to respond to the baby's hunger signs. - Maintain Mother's Cleanliness & Nutrition
Wash your hands before and after breastfeeding, and consume a balanced, nutritious diet to support the health of both mother and baby.
Correct Breastfeeding Techniques & Skills
To make the breastfeeding process more effective and comfortable, mothers need to find the right position:
1. Find a comfortable position before breastfeeding.
Make sure both mother and baby are relaxed. Use a pillow under your back or a nursing pillow on your lap for added comfort.
2. Choose the Right Breastfeeding Position
Some positions you can try:
- Cradle Hold – classic position, baby is held in mother's arms.
- Cross-Cradle Hold – similar to a cradle, but the baby is supported with the opposite arm.
- Football Hold (Clutch Hold) – the baby is tucked in beside the body as if holding a ball.
- Side-Lying Position – breastfeeding while lying down, suitable when the mother is tired or after surgery.
- Laid-Back Breastfeeding (Biological Nurturing) – a semi-lying position, the baby is placed on the mother's chest, more natural and relaxed.
There is no most correct position, the important thing is that it is comfortable for mother and baby and helps with good latch.
How to Position Your Baby While Breastfeeding
To make breastfeeding more comfortable and breast milk flow more effectively, pay attention to your baby's body position:
Correct Position:
- The baby's face faces directly towards the breast (chin to breast), the baby's nose is aligned with the nipple.
- The baby's stomach/chest is attached to the mother's stomach/chest.
- The baby's ears, arms and body are in a straight line.
- The baby's entire body is held tightly and well supported.
- The baby's head is in the mother's arm (not in the crease of the elbow).
T you Wrong Position:
- The baby's neck is turned, so the body is facing away from the mother.
- The baby's body is not facing the mother's body.
- The mother only supports the baby's head/neck without supporting the body.
- Eye contact between mother and baby is difficult.
The correct position will make it easier for the baby to put the breast into his mouth, can prevent sore nipples, and strengthen the bond with the mother.
Correct Breastfeeding Techniques
Support Your Breasts Properly. Supporting your breasts is important for:
- Helps breast milk flow smoothly
- Makes it easier for the baby to latch on
- Do not press the baby's face
Use the C-Hold or U-Hold technique:
- Hand shape like the letter C.
- Place your thumb on top of your breast (12 o'clock).
- Place the other 4 fingers under the breast (6 o'clock direction).
- Keep your fingers away from the areola to avoid blocking the baby's mouth.
- Point the nipple at the baby's lips when he opens his mouth wide.
Correct Latch-on
Use the CALM formula:
C = Chin → baby's chin is attached to the breast
A = Areola → more of the upper areola is visible than the lower.
L = Lips → the baby's lower lip opens wide and folds out
M = Mouth → the baby's mouth is wide open, covering more of the lower areola.
How to help your baby latch on:
- Touch the nipple to the baby's lower lip.
- Wait until the baby opens his mouth wide.
- Immediately bring the baby close to the breast by pressing the baby's back and shoulders (not pressing on the baby's head).
- Point the nipple at the roof of the baby's mouth, inserting it as deep as possible.
- Make sure the baby's chin is tucked in, the lower lip is turned out, and more of the upper areola is visible.
By supporting the breasts properly and paying attention to attachment according to the CALM formula, breastfeeding becomes more comfortable, milk flows optimally, the baby is full, and the mother avoids pain or sore nipples.
Why is Proper Attachment Important?
Babies will get more breast milk if the breastfeeding process is effective, namely:
- The baby's sucking is deep, rhythmic, and slow.
- The sound of swallowing breast milk was clearly heard.
How to Breastfeed Your Baby Effectively
The baby should take in as much of the breast as possible (areola and surrounding tissue), not just the nipple.
This way, the baby's tongue can squeeze the milk ducts (lactiferous ducts) and allow the breast milk to flow properly.
When a baby suckles, he or she pulls on the areola and breast tissue, creating a "nipple"-like structure. The mother's natural nipple only extends about one-third of the way through the nipple.
If the baby only sucks the nipple, then:
- Mother will feel pain.
- Nipples may become sore or injured.
- Breast milk does not come out optimally, so the baby is not satisfied with breastfeeding.
So, remember, Mom: babies suckle at the breast, not just the nipple.
Tip: If you feel pain while breastfeeding, immediately stop sucking gently (for example, by inserting your little finger into the corner of your baby's mouth), then repeat the attachment process until it feels comfortable.
Stimulation of the Sucking Reflex
- Rub the nipple gently against the baby's lips so that he opens his mouth wider.
- Don't force the nipple in, give the baby a chance to latch on naturally.
- Spread a little breast milk around the areola to make it easier for your baby to recognize the smell of breast milk and find the breast.
Observe How Your Baby Sucks
Effective suction: deep, slow, rhythmic, accompanied by swallowing sounds.
The baby's jaw movements are seen to be regular.
If suction is not optimal: gently release, then help reattach.
Make sure the baby's nose is not covered
Check the position: the baby's face is attached to the breast, but the nose remains free.
If the nose is closed, pull the baby's body closer to the mother so that the head is slightly away from the breast.
You can also gently press the top of the breast with your finger to allow the baby to breathe freely.
How to Remove Breasts Safely
Do not pull the nipple directly from the baby's mouth. This can cause sore or cracked nipples. Safe steps:
- Wash your hands first.
- Position your little finger at the corner of your baby's mouth.
- Gently insert your fingertip until it touches the gums/palate.
- Let air in → suction releases.
- Pull the nipple slowly after the suction releases.
Breastfeeding Positions to Avoid
- Mother bends → makes her back ache quickly.
- Baby's body is far from the breast → attachment is not optimal.
- The baby's head and body are not aligned → the baby has difficulty swallowing comfortably.
- Breastfeeding from only one breast → milk production is not balanced, risk of engorgement or mastitis.
Breastfeeding is a learned skill that requires practice and patience. Don't hesitate to consult a breastfeeding counselor or lactation consultant if you experience any difficulties.
Article written by Dr. Erlina Masniari Napitupulu, M.Ked(Ped), Sp.A (Pediatric Specialist and Lactation Counselor at EMC Sentul Hospital).