Appropriate Technique for Successful and Problem-Free Breastfeeding

Outline

Introduction

Characteristics of appropriate breastfeeding technique

Correct positioning

Correct attachment

Effective suckling

Conclusion

Bibliography

Introduction

The importance and benefits of breastfeeding to the baby, the mother, the family, and the society at large cannot be overemphasized. Breastfeeding keeps the newborn healthy as it protects it against infections, allergies, constipation, diarrhea, diabetes, cancers e.t.c and provides it with all the nourishment needed for steady growth and development. For the mother, breastfeeding helps with child spacing, weight control, bonding with her child, and prevention of some cancers such as cancers of the breasts and ovaries. Furthermore, breastfeeding saves cost for individual family units and improves the overall health indices of the society including rates of death and sicknesses among infants and mothers. For the afore mentioned benefits and others, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) have endorsed breastfeeding as the best feeding option for newborns.

Nursing mothers breastfeed their babies using a variety of methods, some of which are neither appropriate nor effective. As good and beneficial as is, breastfeeding could be difficult and problematic if a correct technique is not used. Without good technique, the numerous benefits of breastfeeding would be forfeited and problems would arise from the activity. When breastfeeding is carried out in a wrong or inappropriate way, the mother develops problems such as sore (painful) nipples, cracked nipples, breast inflammation (mastitis), breast engorgement, and back pain. A poor approach to breastfeeding may also result in the baby not being able to empty the breast hence not getting enough breastmilk and subsequently failing to gain weight or actually losing weight.

Thus, the technique of breastfeeding matters a lot, it makes the difference between achieving the desired goal and not achieving it.  it is one thing to breastfeed and another thing to breastfeed effectively or successfully. While a nursing mother who breastfeeds her baby the right way will feel fulfilled and encouraged to sustain the practice, the one who adopts a poor method is frustrated and tempted to discontinue breastfeeding.

The main objective of this article therefore, is to furnish nursing mothers (and awaiting ones) as well as their supportive family members with necessary information on appropriate methods that would enhance their effectiveness and success in the practice of breastfeeding. It has been written in a simple, clear and easy-to-read manner, avoiding “medical jargon” to facilitate understanding by the general public. After carefully going through this material, the reader would be familiar with what constitutes an appropriate breastfeeding technique and what does not. 

Characteristics of appropriate breastfeeding technique

A breastfeeding technique is generally considered appropriate and effective when it characterized by:

1. Correct positioning: this indicates the positions adopted by the mother and the baby during breastfeeding which facilitate effectiveness. Appropriate positioning enhances good attachment.
2. Good attachment: this refers to the way an infant takes the breast into its mouth to effectively suckle
3. Effective suckling: this means the achievement of transfer of adequate quantities of milk from the mother’s breast to the baby.

Successful breastfeeding requires that the baby suckles effectively facilitated by correct positioning and good attachment. We shall now detail what constitutes correct positioning, good attachment, and effective suckling.

Correct positioning

A mother may choose to breastfed her baby in a variety of positions including sitting, lying down or standing. However, the position must meet some basic criteria in order to be considered appropriate. The breastfeeding position of the mother is correct when:

• she is relaxed and comfortable
• she is sitting straight and her back is well supported e.g with a pillow or back rest
• her trunk is facing forward and her lap is flat
• she supports her baby’s whole body (not only its head)

With regards to the baby, it may be positioned across its mother’s chest or abdomen, under her arm, or alongside her body (trunk) so long as the following criteria are met. The breastfeeding position of the infant is correct when:

• its neck is straight or slightly bent backwards (not flexed) and its body is straight (not twisted or bent)
• its body is turned towards its mother
• its body is in direct contact with the mother’s body and is facing the breast

Poor positioning often negatively affects attachment and suckling.

Correct attachment

A baby cannot be breastfed adequately if it doesn’t take the breast into its mouth properly. It needs to be well attached in order to stimulate the nipple and obtain sufficient supply and flow of milk.

The signs of correct attachment or latching-on are:

• The baby’s chin touches the breast
• The baby’s mouth is wide open
• The baby’s lower lip is turned outward
• its tongue is drawn forward over its lower gums
• More of the areola (area of dark skin around the nipple) is visible above the baby’s upper lip. Most of the lower part of the areola are in the mouth of the baby.
• The baby is not suckling from the nipple alone but from the breast.

It is important to note that the baby is not well attached if only the nipple is in its mouth or its tongue is completely inside its mouth.

Empirical studies have shown that poor attachment is the commonest reason for sore nipples.

Some of the common causes of poor attachment include: inexperience of the mother, very small or weak baby, use of feeding bottle before breastfeeding, flat or inverted (drawn-in) nipples, and lack of skilled help. Mothers faced with any of these issues should not hesitate to seek the professional assistance. Promptly. Proper attachment makes breastfeeding comfortable for both the mother and the baby.

Effective suckling

An appropriate breastfeeding technique results in the infant being able to suckle effectively.  

How do we know when a baby is suckling effectively?

• It sucks slowly
• It sucks deep
• It pauses sometimes (to allow the ducts time to refill)

In a situation where suckling is ineffective, the transfer of milk from the mother to the baby is hindered and a number of problems may arise. These may include engorgement of the breasts, blockage of the milk ducts (outlets), inflammation of the breasts, failure of the baby to gain weight resulting from insufficient milk intake, and refusal of the baby to feed due to frustration. Fortunately, all these challenges can be avoided by ensuring good technique.

Conclusion

Breastfeeding is successful when the baby suckles effectively following good attachment to its mother’s breast and correct positioning of its body in relation to its mother’s body. Breastfeeding mother and their family members need to be sure that their approach to breastfeeding is appropriate and effective. Problems associated with breastfeeding such as cracked nipples, sore nipples, and breast inflammation are prevented when the breastfeeding technique is right.

It is hoped that nursing mothers find the information conveyed in this article useful in improving their own and their babies’ experience of breastfeeding leading to greater fulfilment and health.  

Nursing mothers and concerned family members who may still be finding the experience of breastfeeding difficult or frustrating should endeavor to seek help from the appropriate healthcare professionals in good time.

Happy World Breastfeeding Week 2022!

Dr AFOLABI David OlaOluwa, (Consultant Family Physician)

Babcock University Teaching Hospital