Please remind me how to latch them on in the early days

[banana87]

I can't remember , and I do not want MW's shoving the boob in baby's mouth when shes born. I remember something about the nose, and the nipple. And I remember that basically you know if the latch is right because the whole of the areola is in the baby's mouth. Right? Or is this likely to come naturally to me when shes born (I breastfed DD for a year).

That's right. I had the same issue as you with this DC and he was number 4!! I have EBF all of them but just couldn't remember how to handle a newborn.

Here is what made the difference for me. Taking my time to get the position right, not lifting him to high. Holding the back of his neck and head with my hand to get him on. Then moving my hand down so he could tilt his head slightly so my nipple didn't rub on the roof of his mouth. Taking him off if it didn't feel right. Also swaddling in the very early days so his hands didn't get in the way.

Once I remember that feeding a newborn is not the same as latching on an older child that has learnt the art of BF i didn't look back. Have a look on the internet at a couple of breastfeeding videos to jog your memory.

Good luck and enjoy.

You might find biological nurturing useful- the mother feeds in a semi reclined position and cuddles the baby and allows it to find the breast and self attach.

Here's the website.

Off to the best start leaflet

I really recommend you get along to a BF support group and speak to a supporter and other mums in real life. Pregnant mums are more than welcome.

This unicef babyfriendly website is also a really one IMO.

Re. what you said about the areola - ideally when the baby is attached well, more of the areola will be covered below the nipple, than above. This way the baby is latch on 'asymetrically'. Some good diagrams here.