Latching On

Breastfeeding may start off as an uncomfortable experience before you get it right, but once you have got the hang of it, there's no need for sore and cracked nipples. Prepare as much as possible before you give birth. You can read books about breastfeeding or surf the internet, but nothing is as good as some hands-on experience. National Childbirth Trust classes usually incorporate basic breastfeeding or find a breastfeeding workshop.

It is important to get the latch right as soon as possible. After the birth, always ask your midwife or healthcare professional to show you the optimal latch for that vital first feed so that you and the baby get used to it from the start.

An incorrect latch may cause chafing or sore nipples and, once your milk comes in, that pain may force you to stop breastfeeding before your baby has had its fill of both the thirst-quenching foremilk and the more nutrient-rich hind milk. Not enough hind milk will leave your baby hungry sooner and you breastfeeding more frequently, leaving your nipples even more uncomfortable.

If you do experience sore, chafed or cracked nipples, a smear of soothing Kamillosan Chamomile Ointment, can help you heal between feeds. This can be applied directly to the affected area after breastfeeding and doesn't interfere with the feeding routine. If necessary, it can be used from the day that your baby is born.

Until the cream has done its work, you can still breastfeed with cracked nipples. You may not want your baby to latch on as your nipples will be sore, but in order to keep up your milk supply you must ensure that your baby continues to feed as often as before.

It's perfectly normal to experience sensitive nipples at first as you're not used to a baby suckling on them a dozen times a day, but your body is designed to breastfeed and it shouldn't take more than the first 20 feeds for the initial pain at latch-on to begin to subside. However, follow your instincts and if you think that the pain is a problem, ask your midwife, health visitor or GP for help.

A breastfeeding counsellor can also offer free advice if you feel you need more support. A good breastfeeding counsellor will show you alternative ways to hold your baby for example, lying on your side with the baby next to you or tucking your baby under your arm like a rugby ball. This will prevent you putting pressure on the same part of the nipple constantly.

A good latch-on technique starts by moving the baby towards the breast rather than the other way around. Hold the baby across your body, supporting his neck, and line his nose up with your nipple. Stroke your nipple over the side of the baby's cheek closest to your breast. The baby will smell your milk and automatically begin to root for your breast. As he opens his mouth, his head will hinge backwards and as he moves forward again, press him to your breast. If the position you have chosen to breastfeed in feels uncomfortable or you're experiencing pain gently tease baby away from your breast by slipping your finger between you and the baby's gums to softly break the suction.

Be inventive there are 360° of attachment so finding the perfect position for you and your baby may take a while and a certain amount of trial and error. You will know when you have achieved this because feeding will be comfortable. Biological nurturing is a mother-centered approach. It suggests new ways to hold and cuddle babies and aims to increase the enjoyment of breastfeeding. This can greatly help with positioning and attachment. You can visit www.biologicalnurturing.com for more information.

Don't feel that you have to always sit upright either during breastfeeding, you may find it easier to lie on your side especially if you are recovering from a caesarean section. If you have inverted nipples, use a breast pump before you latch your baby on to bring out your nipple.

Your baby should come off the breast when she has had enough. You can then offer the other breast, mirroring the above.

Breast is best for the baby so if you can keep persevering and get the hang of it, you will soon enjoy spending this special time with your baby. In fact, you will be amazed at how fast they grow and develop and how quickly this stage is over.

Make sure you keep hydrated when breastfeeding, its thirsty work so always have a glass of water at hand. Enjoy your breastfeeding journey.