Breastfeeding techniques from a specialist doctor

Child Health and Diseases Specialist Assoc. Dr. Nermin Tansuğ explains breastfeeding techniques and things to consider while breastfeeding. You can immediately learn breastfeeding techniques to feed your baby in the most correct way, continue reading our special news.

Why is breast milk beneficial?

breast milk and the benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and baby are countless. Breast milk is an ideal nutritional source containing protein, fat, iron and vitamins that the baby needs in the first six months. Children growing up with breast milk have lower rates of asthma, allergies, childhood diabetes, obesity and cancer. Breast cancer, ovarian cancer, osteoporosis and anemia are less common in breastfeeding mothers.

What should be taken into consideration while breastfeeding?

• Before breastfeeding, the mother should wash her hands to prevent germs from being transmitted to the baby, and wipe the nipple and its surroundings with clean water.

• The mother should sit with her back in a comfortable, clean and warm enough environment with her baby. If necessary, he can put an elevation under his feet.

• The baby's face and body should be kept facing itself, and the arm holding the baby's head should be supported from below with a pillow if necessary. The baby's head should be placed on the inside of the arm, and the baby's hips and legs should be grasped with the same arm and hand.

• While breastfeeding, the mother and baby should be comfortable and eye contact should be established between the two.

• Before starting breastfeeding, the cleaned nipple is rolled with the thumb and forefinger to make it more prominent and gently touched to the baby's upper lip to help the baby's mouth open. The breast should be held in a C shape with the free hand, and the tip of the breast should be touched to the baby's lips without touching the nipple and the brown part around it. When the baby opens his mouth, the nipple and the brown part around it are placed in the baby's mouth. There should be no gap between the baby's chin and the mother's chest.

• During breastfeeding, most of the breast area will be inside the baby's mouth and his chin will be against his chest. If the baby is not positioned correctly, it will only suckle the nipple, which can be very painful and cause nipple cracks. Also, the milk does not drain completely. If the baby is not positioned correctly, the baby should not be removed from the breast by pulling, instead, the nipple should be gently removed from the corner of the mouth by inserting the little finger between the palate. After the baby is positioned correctly, the breastfeeding process should be repeated.

What are the breastfeeding positions?

There are 4 commonly used positions for breastfeeding.

• Armpit breastfeeding position

In the armpit position, the baby's body is placed under the mother's armpit and the head and neck are supported by hand. His feet and butt face the mother's back. The mother's breast is supported with the other hand. This position is especially suitable after a cesarean section or when breastfeeding twins.

• Breastfeeding position in lap

In the lap position, the baby is placed on a pillow placed on the mother's lap and her head is placed on the mother's arm. The mother supports the baby's bottom with the same hand and turns her belly towards her own belly. Thus, the baby's face turns towards the mother's breast.

• Reverse lap breastfeeding position

In the reverse lap position, the baby's head is better controlled and brought closer to the breast more easily. Holds the mother's breast with the other hand.

• Lying breastfeeding position

In lying down breastfeeding, one pillow is placed under the mother's head and the other under the baby. The baby should be laid on its side with its belly touching the mother's abdomen. Breastfeeding can be done by supporting the breast with one hand. However, if the mother falls asleep in this position, it may pose a suffocation hazard for the baby.

breastfeeding techniques Child Health and Diseases Specialist Assoc. Prof. from Liv Hospital for the information he gave about. Dr. Thank you Nermin Tansuğ!