A. Positioning for Breastfeeding

1. Assume a comfortable position (sitting, lying, football hold). Positions should be rotated to avoid stress or sore nipples.

2. Bring baby to nipple. You may want to use pillows because this will avoid stress of the baby pulling on your nipples.

3. Expose breast, support the baby's head in the crook of the arm, with the other hand supporting the nipple in a scissors-like or thumb and forefinger hold.

4. Compress breast if it is large, with finger at baby's nose, to prevent obstruction of baby's breathing.

5. Timing

a. 5 minutes first day, per breast

b. 7 to 8 minutes second day, per breast

c. 10 minutes third day, per breast. 
     Build up to 20 minutes per breast.

d. If baby falls asleep after 10 minutes when milk comes in, 
    cut back to 5 minutes per breast.

e. If baby is still hungry, may go back to first breast 
    for another 5 minutes.

f. Nurse both breasts at each feeding. Start with breast 
   ended with at the last feeding.

g. At end of feeding, break suction by placing finger in 
    corner of baby's mouth.

h. Air-dry nipples after each feeding; apply Eucerin cream
    around areola (brown area) but not on tip of the nipple.
    This will help keep nipples from becoming tender.