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Proper latching makes breastfeeding more comfortable and helps prevent pain. Your baby’s mouth should be wide open, the latch deep, and the lips flanged outward. Choose a comfortable position, support your back, and try to relax. If your baby’s cheeks sink in, feeding is painful, or you hear clicking sounds — stop and try again. Consult your paediatrician if needed.

What’s Inside

Create a Comfortable Environment Before Feeding

Find a quiet place and get comfortable — remember, you'll be in this position for at least 15–20 minutes.

What to do:

• Wash your hands

• Prepare a glass or a bottle of water for yourself

• Have a towel or cloth handy

• Sit in a comfortable chair or on a bed with back support

• Use a nursing pillow if needed

• Expose your breast

Position Your Baby for a Good Latch

• Find a comfortable position and relax your shoulders

• Align your baby's ear, shoulder, and hip in a straight line

• Aim your nipple at your baby's nose

• Wait for your baby to open their mouth wide

• Quickly and confidently bring your baby to the breast

• Ensure a proper latch

Check for a Proper Latch

An improper latch can lead to restless and prolonged feeding, insufficient milk intake, and sore nipples.

Signs of a good latch:

• Baby's mouth is wide open, as if yawning

• Lower lip is turned outward

• Chin touches the breast

• Cheeks are rounded, not sunken

• Nose is free, not pressed against the breast

• More areola is visible above than below

• You hear swallowing sounds, not clicking

• Sucking doesn't cause pain

Breastfeeding Positions

Football Hold

Ideal for:

• Mothers post-cesarean section

• Feeding twins

• Women with large breasts

• Babies with low birth weight

Cradle Hold

A classic position where:

• Baby lies on their side

• Tummy is against the mother's tummy

• Head rests in the crook of the mother's elbow

• Legs extend along the mother's side

Side-Lying Position

Convenient for:

• Nighttime feedings

• Postpartum recovery

• Resting during feeding

Signs Your Baby Is Full

If you notice these signs, you can conclude the feeding:

• Baby releases the breast

• Falls asleep or becomes calm

• Arms and body relax

• Sucking slows down or stops

• Breast feels softer

Common Breastfeeding Challenges

Many mothers encounter these issues. Here are techniques to help:

Improper Latch

If the baby latches only onto the nipple:

• Gently insert a finger into the corner of the baby's mouth

• Break the suction

• Re-latch the baby

Pain During Feeding

• Check the baby's position

• Ensure a deep latch

• Consult a lactation specialist if needed

Baby Falling Asleep at the Breast

• Change positions during feeding

• Gently stroke the baby

• Talk to them

• Check their body temperature (ensure they're not overheated)

• Try undressing the baby slightly

Tips for Comfortable Breastfeeding

• Listen to Your Body. Breastfeeding shouldn't be painful. If you feel discomfort, it's a sign something is wrong. Don't endure pain hoping it will pass — this can lead to nipple damage. It's better to break the latch by inserting a finger into the corner of the baby's mouth and re-latch.

• Don't Rush. Every baby has their own pace. Some feed in 15–20 minutes, others need 40–45 minutes. Allow your baby to feed at their own comfortable rhythm — this aids digestion and reduces the risk of colic.

• Create a Calm Environment. Dim the lights, eliminate loud noises, and ask family members not to disturb you during feeding. Soft music or white noise can help you relax and your baby to focus on feeding.

• Stay Hydrated. Keep a water bottle with a straw or a cup with a lid nearby — this allows you to drink without changing positions. Breastfeeding can be dehydrating, so try to drink a glass of water each time you feed.

• Use Pillows for Support. A nursing pillow should be at breast level, supporting the baby's weight. If you don't have a special pillow, use regular ones to support your arm holding the baby, your lower back, and, if needed, your feet. This reduces strain on your back, neck, and arms.

• Maintain Good Posture. Sit upright with your back supported. Keep your shoulders relaxed, back straight but not tense. Bring the baby to your breast, not the other way around. Placing a low stool under your feet can help keep your knees slightly above hip level.

• Seek Professional Help When Needed. Don't hesitate to ask for assistance, especially in the early weeks. A lactation consultant can help correct latching techniques, suggest comfortable positions, and address any challenges. Even if you're experienced, each baby is unique, and new insights can be beneficial.

Essentials for baby care many parents choose

Sources

• “Infant and young child feeding”, World Health Organization, https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/infant-and-young-child-feeding. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.

• “Feeding your newborn: Tips for new parents”, Mayo Clinic, https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/in-depth/healthy-baby/art-20047741. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

• Victora CG, Bahl R, Barros AJ, França GV, Horton S, Krasevec J, Murch S, Sankar MJ, Walker N, Rollins NC; Lancet Breastfeeding Series Group. Breastfeeding in the 21st century: epidemiology, mechanisms, and lifelong effect. Lancet. 2016 Jan 30;387(10017):475-90. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(15)01024-7. PMID: 26869575. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26869575/. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.

• Kent JC, Prime DK, Garbin CP. Principles for maintaining or increasing breast milk production. J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs. 2012 Jan-Feb;41(1):114-121. doi: 10.1111/j.1552-6909.2011.01313.x. Epub 2011 Dec 12. PMID: 22150998. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22150998/. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.

• Pillay J, Davis TJ. Physiology, Lactation. 2023 Jul 17. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan–. PMID: 29763156. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29763156/. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.