Breastfeeding Positioning Tips

Breastfeeding should not be painful. Although there is an adjustment period while getting used to the sensation of breastfeeding, if you are experiencing a sensation that is beyond a gentle tugging during feeds – please reach out for support. Pain or discomfort during feeds is not normal, and neither is nipple damage or misshapen nipples after feeds.

When assessing if your baby is latching deeply during breastfeeding, the most important thing to take into consideration is your comfort. If you are in pain and someone tells you that your latch “looks good”, ask for advice from a different provider. Your pain should never be ignored. These positioning principles will help you get your baby stable against your body, so they feel supported and therefore more able to breastfeed comfortably and efficiently.

How to help your baby be comfortable at the breast (and more likely to get a deeper latch)!

  • Your nipple should begin at the same level as your baby’s nose/top lip – your baby should tilt their head backwards and look “up” at the nipple when beginning to latch.
  • Your baby’s chin should rest against the breast as their head tilts back. When the chin touches the breast, this triggers the GAPE reflex, which tells your baby to open their mouth WIDE.
  • Your baby’s head should be extended (tilted back) so there is space between their chin and their chest. They should not be looking down at the nipple (or have their chin against their chest). It is easier to drink when you lean your head back – it is the same for babies. To correct this – hug your baby closer to you, then slide them a centimetre or two centimetres towards their feet.
  • You should see more areola ABOVE your baby’s mouth than below during breastfeeds. This shows that more breast tissue has been taken from below the nipple, drawing it further back towards the soft palate for a deeper latch to the breast.
  • Your baby’s cheeks should be touching the breast or close to touching the breast and symmetrical. The cheeks should appear full – not sinking in or dimpling during breastfeeds.
  • If you can see your baby’s lips (from the side) they are likely too far away from you – apply gentle pressure against your baby’s shoulder blades to hug them closer to you.
  • Your baby’s tummy should fit snugly against you – this will help them to feel stable and supported.
  • During breastfeeding, your baby’s nose should be free from the breast, or slightly touching it. Tucking your baby’s bottom and knees closer to your body can help with this.
  • You should be able to draw a straight line from your baby’s ear, shoulder and hip – if your baby is twisted away from you at any point, this will make them feel unstable. Your baby will then want to shallow their latch or latch on and off from the breast, as they try to make themselves comfortable.
  • Use pillows to support your limbs and make you comfortable.
You can see that this baby has been able to get a deep latch while breastfeeding. He is stable and comfortable, and so is his Mummy. Full post can be seen on the Rainbow Road Lactation on Instagram. Original photograph by Fig and Valley Photography and Film.
You can see this latch is very shallow. The nipple has been sucked in like a straw and would be rubbing against the hard palate. This would be very painful and can lead to poor milk transfer and loss of milk supply, as well as nipple pain and damage. Photo courtesy of Rainbow Road Lactation instagram.

To correct a shallow latch, using the strategies listed above is helpful. For a visual description of how to do this, watch this fantastic video from UK International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) Lucy Webber. Lucy explains different techniques you can use to adjust your baby’s position for breastfeeding.

Lucy also has a fantastic image on her Instagram that simplifies positioning strategies (and a whole heap of breastfeeding resources – she is just incredible!). Lucy Webber IBCLC 4 Ts of Positioning (Image)

I have a new post coming soon that will highlight different strategies for shaping and positioning the breast, to assist with getting your baby to open wider for a deeper latch for breastfeeding.

If you have any questions about this post, email info@rainbowroadlactation.com.au

If you would like to book a consultation, you can access my online bookings here.