Breastfeeding, 0-3 months
There's a lot to get your head around when you begin breastfeeding. To make life simpler, we're sharing three key things to keep your breastfeeding experience positive and pain-free.
A good latch
How your baby latches onto your breast can have an enormous effect on your overall breastfeeding experience. The key here is to offer your whole breast rather than just the nipple. It might feel a bit tender at first, but you'll know you're on the right track if you can't see the nipple and most of the areola when your baby is latched on.
Drain your breast
Pain-free breastfeeding also comes down to regular milk flow. Aim to let your baby finish one breast before offering the next, and alternate the breast you offer first. This will ensure that each breast is drained regularly and reduce your risk of bumps in the road such as clogged milk ducts.
Ask for support
It's completely normal to experience doubts, even if things are going well. The good news is that you don't have to do this alone! A lactation consultant or a breastfeeding support group can provide you with answers to questions—large and small—that you have swirling around your head.
One last thing
You might be wondering what exactly we mean by pain-free. The truth is many women do find breastfeeding uncomfortable in the beginning. So it's quite normal to feel some tenderness, especially at the start of feeds, but you should never have to endure pain. If you are feeling any pain, don't hesitate to get help.