Congratulations on your new baby and your decision to breastfeed! Use this checklist to help ensure that nursing is productive and comfortable for you and your baby. And stick around for the end of this post where we will discuss and dispel common myths about breastfeeding!
7 signs of correct nursing:
- Your baby’s mouth is open wide with lips turned out.
- Their chin is resting against the breast.
- They have taken as much of the areola as possible into their mouth.
- Their mouth is slightly off-center, with more of the areola visible by their upper lip and less by their lower lip.
- They are suckling rhythmically and deeply, in short bursts separated by pauses.
- You can hear them swallowing regularly.
- Your nipple is comfortable after the first few suckles.
Signs of incorrect nursing:
- Your baby’s head is not in line with their body.
- They are sucking on the nipple only, instead of suckling on the areola with the nipple far back in their mouth.
- They are sucking in a light, quick, fluttery manner rather than taking deep, regular sucks.
- Their cheeks are puckered inward or you hear clicking noises.
- You don’t hear them swallowing regularly, especially after your milk production has increased.
- You experience pain throughout the feed or have signs of nipple damage (such as cracking or bleeding).
Common myths about breastfeeding:
| Myth | Facts |
| You can’t get pregnant while breastfeeding. | While it’s true that breastfeeding prevents ovulation in some women, it is not a reliable form of birth control. Talk to your doctor about an acceptable form of contraception. Avoid estrogen-containing birth control pills. |
| You need to toughen your nipples before your baby is born. | Your body naturally prepares for breastfeeding tactics to toughen them may actually interfere with normal lactation. |
| Small breasts do not produce as much milk as large ones. | Breast size has nothing to do with the amount of milk they produce. |
| Breastfeeding will ruin the shape of your breasts. | Most women find that their breasts go back to their pre-pregnancy size and shape after they stop nursing. Age, the effects of gravity and weight gain have more effect on breast size than nursing. Breasts will always change in consistency after pregnancy. |
| Sexual arousal while breastfeeding is abnormal. | Many women experience sexual arousal while nursing. Breast stimulation is an important aspect of sexual activity, so it stands to reason that nursing can also arouse sexual feelings. In addition, oxytocin- the hormone released during breastfeeding- is also released during orgasm, another reason why nursing can be sexually stimulating. |
| All babies should be weaned before their first birthday. | When to stop breastfeeding is a highly personal decision and varies considerably according to custom and individual preferences. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends breastfeeding as the sole source of nutrition for your baby for about 6 months. The AAP supports continued breastfeeding after solid foods are introduced as long as you and your baby desire, for 2 years or beyond. |
Remember: Don’t hesitate to talk with your baby’s pediatrician if you have any questions about feeding your baby. Pathway is proud to offer lactation services with our certified lactation consultant team in our comfortable and private lactation lounges! Call or use the patient portal to schedule a lactation visit.