How to Breastfeed

As natural as nursing is, it can prove difficult for some women. We show you how to get it right.

By Dana Sullivan

Photography by Amy Neunsinger

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A mother nursing her baby -- it's one of the most beautiful images nature could create. It's also one of the simplest. Breastfeeding is so natural, in fact, that we've been doing it for millions of years. (Indeed, without it, the human race wouldn't have survived.)

But don't be fooled: For some women, the first few days or weeks of breastfeeding are a challenge. "Breastfeeding is natural, but it's a practiced skill, almost an art form," says Corky Harvey, R.N., M.S., a lactation consultant and co-owner of The Pump Station, a breastfeeding-support center in Santa Monica, Calif. "You could read a book about playing the flute and learn a lot about the instrument," she explains, "but you won't really learn how to play the flute until you actually do it." Breastfeeding is no different. As with learning to play a musical instrument, success comes from a combination of motivation, knowledge of essential skills, and practice.

latch: step a		latch: step b

And as the old saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words. Use the photos here as your guide to the techniques and positions you need to know for successful breastfeeding.

latch: step c		latch: step d

The latch
Any good lactation consultant will tell you: Latching is everything. Here's how to do it:

• Position the baby on her side so she is directly facing you, with her belly touching yours. Next, prop up the baby with a pillow, if necessary, and hold her up to your breast; don't lean over toward her.
• Place your thumb and fingers around your areola (see step a).
• Tilt your baby's head back slightly and tickle her lips with your nipple until she opens her mouth wide (see step b).
• Help her "scoop" the breast into her mouth by placing her lower jaw on first, well below the nipple (see step c).
• Tilt her head forward, placing her upper jaw deeply on the breast. Make sure she takes the entire nipple and at least 1 1/2 inches of the areola in her mouth (see step d).

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