How to latch baby correctly | Tips for Malaysia pregnant moms

Getting into a proper and comfortable position, especially in the early weeks, is important in allowing your newborn baby to feed efficiently.

• Use supportive pillow(s) or breastfeeding pillow, to support your back and arms, and on your lap, so they help you sit and breastfeed more comfortably.
• Position your baby close to you with its hips flexed, so it doesn’t have to turn its head to reach your breast. Its mouth and nose should be facing your nipple.
• Support your breast so it is not pressing on your baby's chin.
• Leaning over your baby can cause backaches, neck and shoulder strain or sore nipples.

The baby lies on her side supported by your arm so that her whole body is facing towards you. Your hand supports her bottom.

The baby lies on her side supported by your arm and her whole body is facing towards you. When you put her to your right breast you hold her with your left arm so that your forearm is supporting her and her head is resting on your hand.

The baby’s back rests on your forearm; your hand supports her head and her legs are stretched out towards your back. A breastfeeding pillow provides support so that you don’t need to use muscle power to hold your baby’s weight.
 
In this position it is easy for you to check and judge how the baby is sucking. This breastfeeding position is especially good for feeding twins or premature babies and is also useful after a Caesarean or when your baby has a cold.

Common misconceptions about breastfeeding

Not enough milk

A mum may feel guilty if she thinks she is not producing enough milk. Stress can affect milk production. A full-term baby’s stomach is very small, so it won’t actually need a lot of milk. Mums should relax and bond with their babies, and their milk will flow naturally. They should also drink lots of fluids before and after breastfeeding.

Milk must flow the moment the baby is born

Not true. Milk starts to be produced in greater quantities a few days after giving birth.

Mums must avoid certain foods if she breastfeeds

Not strictly true. Generally, a breastfeeding mother should maintain a balanced diet rich in iron, protein and calcium. But her energy needs will be greater, about 400 to 500 calories a day more than normal.