ANATOMY OF THE BREAST

In mechanics of breastfeeding, alveoli produce milk in myoepithelial cells, Ducts transport milk to reservoirs, Reservoirs (sinuses) lead to multiple openings in the nipple.

 

HOW TO POSITION THE BABY

Cradle hold/Sitting Position (tummy to tummy) - Mom sits supported by pillows at her lower back and arms, elevates the baby on a pillow to relieve any strain on her arms, the baby’s body forms a "C" shape with his feet tucked around Mom’s body (tummy to tummy), she cradles baby’s head in the crook of her arm, tucks the baby’s lower arm around her body (under her elbow), centers the baby’s wide open mouth over the nipple/areola and begins feeding. Hold baby round the shoulders but support the head – if you try to push baby's head to you, they will push back against your hand.  

 

Football hold-baby’s bottom rests on pillow near Mom’s elbow, baby’s feet tucked under her arm, and baby’s head is cradled in her hand. Mom leans forward and centers the nipple/areola in baby’s mouth, and then settles back comfortably.  This is the best position for the baby's first breastfeeding, so that Mom can see the baby's mouth and position the baby properly. 

 

Side-Lying Position- Baby is placed on his side facing Mom with a rolled towel behind his back for support, and the nipple/areola is centered and guided into the baby’s mouth.

SORE NIPPLES

Nipple soreness is one of the most common reasons new mothers give for discontinuing breastfeeding, often during the first week of nursing.  Soreness should  lessen greatly on days 7-10, and by the time the baby is two weeks old, nursing should be pain free.   By far the most common cause of nipple soreness is improper latch on and positioning and will heal within a matter of days once the baby is nursing properly.  Remember that the baby has to learn how to nurse correctly in mechanics of breastfeeding.  The slightest improper movement of his lips, tongue, or gums can abrade the nipple tissue and cause soreness. 

Move baby in towards body, not mouth towards nipple, so that lower jaw approaches first, and top lip last. Make sure that the baby's chin is well into the breast, but the nose is free in mechanics of breastfeeding.

Basically, to have the best supply of milk, your baby needs to massage the areola with tongue and jaw movements which encourage the milk to come out of the nipple via the 'let down' reflex in mechanics of breastfeeding. If you get your baby to take a lot of areola, the nipple is then pushed further to the back of his mouth where the soft palate is and it wont cause any pain: when there is pain, blistering, cracking or bleeding of the nipple, the most likely cause is that your nipple is rubbing on the hard roof of baby's mouth and getting sore.

 

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