ShaniTheDoula
Latch & Nourish: Your Guide to Breastfeeding Success
Shani Riviere LLC Birth & Doula Services offers breastfeeding assistance to support nursing mothers through their nursing journey. This dedicated breastfeeding education page provides valuable resources, including tips for successful latching, troubleshooting common breastfeeding challenges, and guidance on establishing a comfortable nursing routine. With personalized support and evidence-based information, we strive to empower mothers to achieve their breastfeeding goals and nurture a strong bond with their babies.
Video
Side-Laying Position
The side-lying breastfeeding position is a comfortable and convenient method for nursing mothers and babies, especially during nighttime feedings. In this position, the mother lies on her side with the baby facing her, also on their side. It allows for relaxation and bonding as both mother and baby can snuggle closely while nursing. Side-lying breastfeeding can be particularly beneficial for mothers recovering from childbirth or those experiencing discomfort while sitting upright. Additionally, it can help promote better sleep for both mother and baby, as they can easily drift off to sleep after feeding.
Latching
Properly getting the areola into the baby's mouth during breastfeeding is essential for establishing a strong latch, which is crucial for effective milk transfer and preventing nipple pain or damage. When the baby latches onto the areola, they can effectively compress the milk ducts, stimulating milk flow and ensuring they receive an adequate supply. This also helps prevent shallow latching, which can lead to ineffective feeding and frustration for both the baby and the mother. Ensuring a proper latch with the areola in the baby's mouth promotes successful breastfeeding, supports milk production, and fosters a positive breastfeeding experience for both mother and baby. Also as seen in the video, if baby falls asleep at the breast, you can give baby a gentle nudge as she did here to try to stimulate baby to keep nursing.
Benefits of Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding offers numerous benefits for both the baby and the mother. For the baby, breast milk provides essential nutrients and antibodies that support healthy growth and development, bolstering their immune system and reducing the risk of infections and illnesses. Additionally, breastfeeding fosters a strong bond between the mother and the baby, promoting emotional security and closeness. For the mother, breastfeeding can aid in postpartum recovery by helping to shrink the uterus and reduce bleeding, while also lowering the risk of certain health conditions such as breast and ovarian cancer. Furthermore, breastfeeding is convenient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly compared to formula feeding.