A Breastfeeding Checklist: Are You Nursing Correctly?

Signs of Correct Nursing

  • Your baby’s mouth is open wide with lips turned out.
  • His chin and nose are resting against the breast.
  • He has taken as much of the areola as possible into his mouth.
  • He is suckling rhythmically and deeply, in short bursts separated by pauses.
  • You can hear him swallowing regularly.
  • Your nipple is comfortable after the first few suckles.

Signs of Incorrect Nursing

  • Your baby’s head is not in line with his body.
  • He is sucking on the nipple only, instead of suckling on the
    areola with the nipple far back in his mouth.
  • He is sucking in a light, quick, fluttery manner rather than taking deep, regular sucks.
  • His cheeks are puckered inward or you hear clicking noises.
  • You don’t hear him swallow regularly after your milk production has increased.
  • You experience pain throughout the feed or have signs of nipple damage (such as cracking or bleeding).

Previous:

Next:

  • Family Pressures to Bottle Feed
    My mother-in-law did not nurse her children and feels very uncomfortable with my nursing. She’s supportive in her way but wants to feed my two-week-old a bottle. Should I give in and let her do this?It’s more important to establish and maintain
  • Advantages and Disadvantages of Breastfeeding
    The decision to breastfeed or not to breastfeed is a personal one. There are many good reasons to breastfeed your baby, but there are disadvantages to nursing as well. Understanding the pros and cons of breastfeeding can help you decide what is ri
  • How to Relieve Clogged Milk Ducts
    A small, tender lump in your breast usually sends up a major red flag. But if you’re breastfeeding, theres a good chance you’re dealing with a clogged or plugged milk duct.Though they can be uncomfortable, clogged ducts aren’t cause