Nursing Baby

Suckling is a reflex action that helps the nursing baby to suck and swallow her milk. You can simulate the suckling reflex by gently stroking her cheeks and lips. This motivates the nursing baby to turn her head towards you with an open mouth and search for your nipple to latch on. This is called rooting. Once your baby empties one breast completely, she will usually stop suckling your breast and release the nipple herself. Before allowing her to nurse on the other breast, it is advisable that you lay her on your shoulders and burp her. Your baby is nursing properly if:

• Your nipple and most of the areola is completely inside the baby's mouth.
• She has established a successful latch on.
• The suckling is usually long.
• Your nipples do not hurt.

If your baby suckles only the areola and not the entire nipple, the breasts will not become empty and you may have sore nipples. Repeated latching and unlatching are also
signs of improper breast suckling. If she falls asleep before finishing a feed, you can wake her by breaking the latch.

Breastfeeding Nursing Video

Watch an interesting breastfeeding latching and nursing video from Ameda, a leading manufacturer of breast pumps.

Breastfeeding Latching and Nursing Video