Breastmilk is one of the best gifts you can give your child. However it can be very overwhelming for some parents. You may be wondering if you’re nursing correctly or if your baby is getting enough milk. Here are the signs to look out for.
Signs of correct nursing
- your baby’s mouth is open wide with lips turned out
- the baby’s chin and nose are resting against your breast
- she has as much of your areola as possible in her mouth
- the baby suckles rhythmically and deeply in short bursts separated by pauses
- you can hear the baby swallow regularly
- your nipple is comfortable after the first few suckles
Signs of incorrect nursing
- the baby’s head is not in line with her body
- she is sucking on the nipple only instead of suckling on the areola with the nipple far back in her mouth
- instead of taking deep, regular sucks, she is sucking in a light , quick ,fluttery manner
- you hear clicking noises and her cheeks are puckered inwards
- you dont hear the baby swallow after milk production has increased
- you experience pain during feeding and have signs of nipple damage such as bleeding
A Breastfeeding Checklist: Are You Nursing Correctly?. American Academy of Pediatrics. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/breastfeeding/Pages/A-Breastfeeding-Checklist-Are-You-Nursing-Correctly.aspx. Accessed April 12, 2016
How do i know if my baby is latched on correctly. Baby center. http://www.babycentre.co.uk/x553877/how-will-i-know-if-my-baby-is-latched-on-correctly. Accessed April 12, 2016
Breastfeeding latch. American Pregnancy Association. http://americanpregnancy.org/breastfeeding/latch/. Accessed April 12, 2016