Starting Breastfeeding

25-26 weeks pregnant, Health advice, Postnatal

 

Breastfeeding is an important topic to discuss during pregnancy in order to properly prepare future parents for the early stages of breastfeeding. When parents are more knowledgeable about best practices for promoting breastfeeding, they are more relaxed during the first attempts after birth. In this sense, preparing for breastfeeding is just as important as preparing for childbirth!

The breastfeeding journey

It is important to know from the outset that some days will be more difficult than others when it comes to breastfeeding; that your baby may feed more often at times (cluster feeding), that they will need you for reassurance and comfort, and that you will sometimes be tired, worn out, and may want to give up. That’s why learning about breastfeeding, normalizing your feelings, and having a good support network around you can be important allies in continuing to breastfeed.

A newborn baby placed skin-to-skin with its mother benefits first and foremost from a place to warm up and feel comforted by looking at its mother, whom it is getting to know, and better acclimatize to its new environment.

After a few minutes of extrauterine life, many babies are very alert and benefit from the adrenergic effect of childbirth, which encourages them to take their first steps toward feeding at their mother’s breast now that the cord has been cut.

Babies are very funny when they start to show obvious signs that they are ready to feed. The baby may move its eyes, wiggle its arms and legs, and stretch. It may also make sucking movements with its mouth or suck on its hand. Or it may search for the source of milk with its sense of smell, which guides it straight to your nipple, commonly referred to as rooting. It may even tilt its head like a woodpecker as it moves toward your breast.

This telling picture shows you that it’s time to put them to the breast for their first feed. Take advantage of their alertness and energy without waiting for them to cry; they will quickly learn that mom is there to meet their need to be fed and that they will want for nothing.

Breastfeeding requires a lot of coordination for a baby. Breastfeeding involves more than 6 nerves, 60 muscles, and 22 different bones for a newborn. Of course, all these structures can influence how well the baby adapts to feeding. If there is a problem with the start of breastfeeding, always check for musculoskeletal tension.

The nurse or lactation consultant who is assisting you will review the 5 R’s technique, which are:

  • Right time
  • Right position
  • Right latch
  • Right nipple hold
  • Right sucking by the baby

If the baby makes noise while feeding (air intake) and/or you experience significant pain or discomfort, it is best to remove the baby from the breast (by inserting your little finger into the corner of their mouth to break the suction) and reposition them, again using the 5 R’s.

There are also certain things to look out for during the first few feedings to ensure that everything is going well—that the baby is getting enough milk and that the mother is not injured.

  • The baby’s mouth should be wide open, as if yawning.
  • The lips should be curled back.
  • The nose should be clear.
  • The chin should be pressed against the breast.
  • The baby’s ear, shoulder, and hip should form a straight line.

A good breastfeeding position and proper latching by the baby are the basis of good breastfeeding practice. After delivery, healthcare providers will encourage a change in position during breastfeeding. The baby’s latch will vary depending on the position, which can reduce the occurrence of nipple injuries or trauma.

The goal is to maximize everything in order to prevent complications that could arise for the mother and, at the same time, promote effective milk intake by the baby. Never forget that when a challenge arises, there are solutions! There is support, and you are not alone!

Would you like to see what breastfeeding and latching on look like in practice? Watch the video on breastfeeding, Experiencing the First Moments. You will find relevant information that will answer your questions and, above all, reassure you about the unknowns of this new experience that awaits you.

Marie Fortier
Baby specialist

Article updated: April 2025.

References:

 

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