How to breastfeed your baby correctly? A step-by-step guide

Contents

01
How to prepare for a breastfeeding session with your baby?
02
What is the best position for breastfeeding your baby?
03
How do you look after your breasts while breastfeeding?
04
In conclusion

How do I breastfeed my baby correctly at the breast? How should I position myself to breastfeed? When should I put my baby to the breast?

These are all questions a new mother may ask herself — one who has chosen breastfeeding, whether during the nine months of pregnancy or after the birth of her baby.

As well as fostering a very strong mother-child bond, breast milk is the best nourishment a mother can give her baby. But breastfeeding can be a source of worry and discomfort, and it is important to prepare well, from pregnancy onwards.

During the first few weeks, or even the first month, you will likely need a little time to find your rhythm — you and your baby — but you will see, it does not last! You will quickly get your baby latched on, and will be able to breastfeed anywhere, very easily!

Mum needs to feel well so that baby feels well.

After pregnancy, all attention turns to the newborn and the mother is far too often forgotten… And yet, the first rule for successful breastfeeding is that the mother is in good health, in good shape, and feeling confident!

Do not neglect yourself — take care of your diet, ask for advice if you need it, and look after yourself and your health!

You need to feel rested (as much as possible, at least!) and calm in order to breastfeed your baby properly.

We tell you everything so that you are well prepared for your breastfeeding journey.

Take care mama

It is normal for it to take a few weeks to find your rhythm with breastfeeding. Be patient.

How to prepare for a breastfeeding session with your baby?

For breastfeeding to be a success, it's important to prepare properly, especially in the early days while feeding is getting established.

Keep everything you need close to hand

Preparing a breast pad for your other breast

Getting comfortable

Knowing when the right moment to breastfeed your baby is

Very quickly, you will learn to recognise your baby's cues: hands to the mouth, lip movements… and you will know the right moment to put them to the breast so they are calm and patient, and in the best state to take in enough breast milk. Trust them — babies know how to signal when hunger is on its way!

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What is the best position for breastfeeding your baby?

It is essential to position your baby correctly for breastfeeding. This is an indispensable prerequisite before even considering taking a food supplement for breastfeeding women to support milk supply. A poor position or latch is often the cause of a drop in milk production.

For a correct latch, you need:

your baby's tummy to be pressed against you, and even their head (if they seem to struggle to breathe, try pressing their bottom a little closer or lift your breast),
your baby takes the whole nipple and areola (or at least most of it) into their mouth, in order to stimulate milk production properly. Do be careful, however, that they do not pull on the nipple, to avoid the development of cracks,
your baby's lower jaw to be far enough from the breast to carry out the suckling action correctly.

During breastfeeding, if your baby is suckling and swallowing milk regularly, then all is well!

Would you like to find out more? Read our article on breastfeeding positions.

Tip

In some mothers, milk may leak from the other breast during breastfeeding, so it is worth having a breast pad or a milk collector cup to hand to avoid getting wet.

Did you know?

You can massage your nipples after each feed with a drop of your own milk to help prevent soreness and cracking.

How do you look after your breasts while breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding pain is not inevitable. Don't hesitate to seek advice if you have the slightest concern about developing cracks or chapping during breastfeeding.

From pregnancy onwards, take care of your breasts and massage them with oil to keep them well moisturised.

If your baby is latching on correctly, you should feel no pain on your nipple. As soon as you feel any discomfort, try repositioning your baby at the breast.

You can also massage your nipples after each feed with a drop of your own milk to help prevent chapping, cracking and breastfeeding nipple cracks. If you are in pain, you can use a breastfeeding compress cold to bring immediate relief.

Pat dry with a clean compress or cotton pad and try to wait a little before putting your bra back on.

Take a post-partum food supplement rich in vitamin C, for example, may support healing.

Want to know more? Read our article on breastfeeding pain.

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In conclusion

Breastfeeding is not always straightforward — it is well worth preparing for it during your months of pregnancy or just after birth, by seeking advice from those around you and in particular from the healthcare professionals supporting you.

Take care of yourself, do not neglect your diet and health, rest, and prepare properly for breastfeeding

An IBCLC lactation consultant can support you if you have any questions or need advice on how to breastfeed!

Happy breastfeeding, and enjoy every moment with your baby!

Boosting your milk supply: The essential guide by an IBCLC

A complete ebook designed for all mothers who want to optimise their milk supply.
Clear your doubts, explore natural strategies and adopt effective practices for a peaceful breastfeeding journey.

If breastfeeding is getting off to a difficult start and you need support, don't hesitate to reach out to an IBCLC. This personalised follow-up will help you get through this breastfeeding chapter as serenely as possible.

Author

Marie de Chaumont Quitry

Co-founder of Jolly Mama

Marie de Chaumont Quitry is the co-founder of Jolly Mama, a brand dedicated to maternal wellbeing through nutrition. A mother of three daughters whom she breastfed, she discovered in the United States, after her first pregnancy, the powerful impact of diet on motherhood. Passionate about the subject, she co-created Jolly Mama to help women navigate this essential period through tailored, caring nutrition.