Positioning the baby on the breastMastering the technique of putting the baby on the breast ensures painless breastfeeding and a sufficient milk supply for all the baby's needs. The correct position for getting the baby to take the breast is when it faces its mother, stomach to stomach. Its mouth must cover the nipple, most of the areola and sometimes a bit of the surrounding skin on the underside of the breast.
The baby's lower lip is folded back, the chin (and sometimes the nose) touches the breast, and the tongue takes a "gutter" shape under the nipple. It should not be necessary to pull the breast back from the baby's nose; if the baby is well positioned on the breast, its breathing is not obstructed. The movement of its temples and ears confirm that it is breastfeeding well.
Some tips in case of cracked nipplesCracks are most often due to the incorrect positioning of the baby on the breast and/or permanent moisture on the skin of the breast: it is therefore essential to check the baby's position on the breast and to change the breast pads regularly. Rubbing the nipple and areola with a drop of breast milk after each feed also helps to keep the skin properly hydrated.
Moisturising Nipple Cream keeps nipples healthy, softens the skin and helps to relieve the pain. Containing no perfume, preservatives or colorants, it is hypoallergenic and need not be removed before breastfeeding.
Nipple protectors help mothers to overcome the pain while continuing to breastfeed. Their unique cut enables the infant to remain in contact with its mother (scent and warmth) while stimulating milk production in the normal way. Made of ultra-fine, odourless and tasteless silicone, they enable the baby to keep its bearings: the baby will thus naturally revert to the naked nipple as soon as it has healed. Available in pairs and in standard and small sizes.
These are the three most common breastfeeding positions
Visit Philips AVENT at The Baby Expo Cape Town (29-31 Oct, CTICC) and Joburg in November 25-28, Coca-Cola dome, as they provide comfortable, private and relaxed Breast-feeding and Bottle Warming Stations for your convenience.
For more information about our products or to receive our "Breast-feeding Guide"or visit our site
www.philips.com/AVENT or contact Fountain Medical on (011) 782-7688.
 and Joburg in November (25-28), Coca-Cola dome, as they provide comfortable, private and relaxed breast-feeding and bottle warming Stations for your convenience.)