1.
Breastfeeding techniques
Dr. Arunadevi, MD.

2.
• Every infant and child has the right to good
nutrition according to the "Convention on the
Rights of the Child".

3.
• Under nutrition is associated with 45% of child
deaths.
Globally in 2020,
• 149 million children under 5 were -stunted
• 45 million -wasted
• 38.9 million - overweight or obese.

4.
• About 44% of infants 0–6 months old are
exclusively breastfed.
• Over 820 000 children's lives could be saved
every year among children under 5 years.

5.
Good Breastfeeding Techniques
• The baby should be properly positioned to achieve
effective latching.
• The mother should wear comfortable apparel,
with the breast well exposed for the infant to be
able to latch.
• The child’s mouth, chin and umbilicus should line
up with the head in neutral position
• Infant is brought to breast with nose touching or
close to breast

6.
• Gum line should overlap nipple and areola
• Tongue moves forward beyond the lower gum,
cupped to form a reservoir
• Milk is removed for the lactiferous sinuses, the
jaw moves down creating negative pressure
gradient making milk flow into pharynx and
esophagus

7.
Cradle Hold
Cradle Hold
 This is the most common
position used by
mothers.

Infant’s head is supported
in the elbow, the back
and buttock is supported
by the arm and lifted to
the breast.
Adapted from AAFP Journal September 2001

8.
Football Hold Position
 The infant’s is placed under
the arm, like holding a football
 Baby’s body is supported with
the forearm and the head is
supported with the hand.
 Many mothers are not
comfortable with this
position

Good position after
operative procedures
Adapted from AAFP Journal September 2001
Football hold Position

9.
 The mother lies on her side
propping up her head and
shoulder with pillows.

The infant is also lying down
facing the mother.
 Good position after C- section.
 Allows the new mother
some rest.
Side lying Position
Adapted from AAFP Journal September 2001

10.
 Ideal for early breastfeeding.
 Mother holds the baby
crosswise in the crook of the
arm opposite the breast the
infant is to be fed.
 The baby's trunk and head are
supported with the forearm
 The other hand is placed beneath
the breast in a U-shaped to guide
the baby's mouth
Cross cradle holdPosition
Adapted from AAFP Journal September 2001

11.
Australian Hold Position
 This is also called the saddle
hold
 Usually used for older infants
 Best used in older infants
with runny nose, ear
infection.
Australian Hold Position
Adapted from AAFP Journal September 2001

12.
OPTIMAL/ EFFECTIVE BREAST
FEEDING

13.
• Frequent feedings 8-12 times daily.
• Intermittent episodes of rhythmic sucking
with audible swallows should be heard while
the infant is nursing.
• Infant should have about 6-8 wet diapers in a
24 hour period

14.
• Infant should have minimum of 3-4 bowel
movements every 24 hours.
• Stools should be about one tablespoon or
larger and should be soft and yellow after day
3.
• Average daily weight gain of 15 -30g.
• Infant has regained birth weight by day 10 of
life.

15.
HOW TO ACHIEVE OPTIMAL BREAST
FEEDING?

16.
Skin to skin contact for about 1-2 hours after
delivery
• Helps to maintain the body temperatures
• Reduce risk of hypoglycaemia
• Enhance oxytocin release and
• Beneficial nutrition with intake of colostrum
Activities, attitudes and procedures during the
delivery and post partum period

17.
• Breastfeeding should be started and fully
established before discharge from the hospital
• Observe at least one feeding and ensure this is
done properly and breast milk is produced
• Lactation specialist
• Early follow up

18.
• Breastfeeding improves IQ, school attendance,
and is associated with higher income in adult
life.
• Improving child development and reducing
health costs
• Economic gains for individual families as well
as at the national level