Tips to support breastfeeding success

Breastfeeding can be very rewarding. It can also be very challenging. Knowing what to expect and how to work through challenges can help you be more successful in nursing your baby. Here are some tips you can try to help with breastfeeding.

Have a good start right after delivery. You can breastfeed very soon after your baby is born. Breastfeeding right after your baby is born will give them colostrum, which is the first milk you produce right after birth. It is rich in nutrients your baby needs in the first few hours and days. Your body replaces colostrum with breast milk during the first week of breastfeeding.

Ask to have your baby placed on your chest after they are born to start skin-to-skin contact. Holding your baby as much as possible can help with bonding and breastfeeding. Let your nurse know that you want to breastfeed within the hour that you give birth. When you are ready to try breastfeeding, you can place your baby’s cheek on top of one of your breasts to encourage interest. You can ask for a breast pump if your baby is not able to breastfeed right away. You can also ask to keep your baby in your room to get more time to cuddle. Remember that it is always OK to ask your care team for help if you are having issues getting started with breastfeeding.

Try different feeding positions. There are a few ways to hold your baby when breastfeeding. You can try these holds to see what works best for you and your child:
- Laid-back hold
  - Lay back and use pillows for support and comfort.
  - Place your baby’s face down between your breasts.
  - Let your baby search, crawl up, nuzzle, and attach to your breast. Help your baby in whatever way feels natural.
  - Place a blanket across your baby’s back, if needed.
- Cross-cradle hold
  - Place a pillow in your lap to bring your baby up to breast level. Put your
    baby on the pillow, tummy to tummy with you, with the baby’s nose across from your nipple.
  - Support your baby’s head by holding your hand at the base of their skull.
  - Lift your breast to bring your nipple up to your baby’s nose. To lift your
    breast, lean back and place your fingers below your breast near your ribs, keeping your hand far away from the nipple.
  - Once your baby is latched on, you can let go of your breast and bring your arm around your baby into a regular cradle-hold. If your breasts are large, you may need to support your breast the whole time.
- Clutch (football) hold
  - Place a pillow at your side.
  - Put your baby on the pillow with their legs under your arm.
  - Slide your arm under your baby’s back. Support the base of their head and neck with your hand.
- Side-lying hold
  - Lie on your side with your knees bent. Place pillows between your knees, under your head and neck, and behind your back, if needed.
  - Put your baby on their side, facing your nipple.
  - Support your baby by placing your arm, a pillow, or a rolled-up blanket behind them.

Get the hang of attachment. Attaching can take time and patience. Your baby will attach to your breasts when they are ready, especially if you are using the laid-back position. Using another position can help you control the attachment more than your baby. To help your baby latch, you can try these tips:
- Hold your baby so that their nose is in line with your nipple. Touch your baby’s nose and upper lip with your nipple.
- Wait until their mouth opens very wide.
- Quickly bring the baby onto your nipple and breast so that their chin touches your breast first and they get a large mouthful of nipple and breast.
- If you feel painful tugging or pinching, slide your finger into the corner of your baby’s mouth to break the suction and try again. It may take a few tries to get a good, comfortable latch.
You will know when your baby is attached well when you see these signs:
- You are not feeling sharp pain. Gentle tugging is normal.
- Both of your baby’s lips are flipped out, not pulled in.
- More of the bottom of your areola (the dark area around nipple) is in the baby’s mouth than the top.
- Their chin is buried in your breast with their nose tipped away slightly or lightly touching.
- Their mouth is as wide open as a yawn.

Use a breast pump when needed. A breast pump can be helpful for different reasons. You can use a breast pump when you are away from your baby to express (pump) breast milk. Using one can also help maintain your milk supply if you are dealing with latching issues. It can also help you get relief if your breasts are swollen. There are various types of manual and electric breast pumps. Always check the instructions for your breast pump to make sure that you are using it properly. You may be able to get one at no cost through your insurance coverage. Check your coverage to learn about what options you may have. A maternity care manager can help you get a breast pump that meets your needs. Call a care manager at 1-866-778-6073 (TTY: 711).
Keep cuddling. Skin-to-skin cuddling can help your baby stay warm and comfortable on your chest. It can also help with bonding, soothing, and breastfeeding. Cuddling can help keep your baby interested in breastfeeding if they are sleepy. Your partner can also use skin-to-skin cuddling to help keep your baby calm and cozy.
Get help breastfeeding. Our Baby Steps care managers can help answer your questions and direct you to resources, such as breastfeeding support classes at UPMC facilities. Some of our care managers are certified breastfeeding counselors, allowing them to help you if you want to breastfeed or need support.