Complete Breastfeeding Guide: Positions, Latch, and Common Problems Solved
Complete Breastfeeding Guide: Positions, Latch, and Common Problems Solved
Nobody told me breastfeeding would feel like learning to ride a unicycle while someone screams at you. Here's everything I wish I'd known from day one.
Breastfeeding is "natural" but not intuitive. Both you and baby are learning something completely new. This guide covers the mechanics, the problems, and the solutions—without judgment about whatever path you end up on.
The First Week: What to Expect
Day 1-2: Colostrum
- You produce colostrum (thick, yellow "liquid gold")—tiny amounts but incredibly nutrient-dense
- Baby's stomach is marble-sized; they don't need much
- Frequent nursing (8-12+ times per 24 hours) is normal and necessary
- Latch may hurt briefly at first—sharp pain throughout the feed is a red flag
Day 3-5: Milk Comes In
- Engorgement happens as milk transitions from colostrum to mature milk
- Breasts may feel rock-hard, hot, uncomfortable
- Baby blues often coincide (hormonal crash)
- Frequent feeding helps resolve engorgement
Engorgement Relief:
Cold cabbage leaves in your bra (weird but works), ice packs, hand expression before feeding to soften the areola, reverse pressure softening, and frequent nursing or pumping.
Getting a Good Latch
A good latch is the foundation of successful breastfeeding. Pain, low supply, and frustrated babies often trace back to latch issues.
Signs of a Good Latch:
- Baby's mouth is wide open (like a yawn)
- Lips are flanged out (not tucked in)
- Chin touches breast, nose free or barely touching
- You see/hear swallowing
- Discomfort in first seconds fades quickly
- Baby's cheeks stay rounded (not dimpling in)
Signs of a Bad Latch:
- Pain throughout the entire feeding
- Clicking or smacking sounds
- Nipple comes out creased, blanched, or lipstick-shaped
- Baby slips off frequently
- You don't hear swallowing
How to Achieve a Deep Latch:
- Position baby tummy-to-tummy with you
- Align baby's nose to your nipple
- Wait for baby to open WIDE (tickle upper lip if needed)
- Quickly bring baby to breast (not breast to baby)
- Aim your nipple toward the roof of baby's mouth
- Baby should get a large mouthful of areola, not just nipple
Breastfeeding Positions
Cradle Hold
Baby lies across your front, head in crook of your arm on the same side as the breast being used. Classic position, works well once baby has head control.
Cross-Cradle Hold
Similar to cradle, but opposite hand supports baby's head, giving you more control. Great for newborns and latch practice.
Football Hold
Baby tucked under your arm like a football, feet toward your back. Excellent for C-section recovery, larger breasts, or twins.
Side-Lying
Both you and baby lie on your sides facing each other. Game-changer for night feeds and rest.
Laid-Back (Biological Nurturing)
You recline, baby lies on your chest. Gravity helps baby stay on. Very intuitive for newborns.
Common Problems and Solutions
Sore/Cracked Nipples
Cause: Usually poor latch or positioning
Solutions:
- Fix the latch (see lactation consultant)
- Apply expressed breast milk to nipples after feeding (natural healing)
- Use lanolin or nipple butter
- Air-dry after feeding
- Consider nipple shields temporarily (with LC guidance)
Engorgement
Cause: Milk supply exceeding demand (common when milk first comes in)
Solutions:
- Frequent feeding or pumping
- Hand express to relieve pressure (not to empty)
- Cold compresses between feeds
- Warm compress briefly before feeding to help letdown
- Cabbage leaves (yes, really)
Clogged Ducts
Symptoms: Hard, painful lump in breast; may be red
Solutions:
- Heat before feeding, massage during feeding
- Position baby with chin toward the clog
- Continue nursing (it won't hurt baby)
- Vibration (electric toothbrush) on the lump
- Lecithin supplements may help prevent recurrence
Mastitis
Symptoms: Flu-like symptoms, fever, red/hot area on breast, severe pain
Solutions:
- Call your provider—you may need antibiotics
- Continue nursing (essential to empty the breast)
- Rest, hydrate, fever reducers as needed
- This can become serious quickly—don't wait it out
Low Supply (Perceived or Real)
Signs baby IS getting enough:
- 6+ wet diapers per day after day 4
- Regular bowel movements (varies)
- Weight gain after initial loss
- Baby seems satisfied after feeds
If supply is actually low:
- Feed more frequently
- Ensure good latch and milk transfer
- Consider power pumping
- Address underlying issues (thyroid, PCOS, etc.)
- See a lactation consultant for personalized help
Milk Supply Myth:
"Not feeling full" or "baby seems hungry after feeding" are NOT reliable indicators of low supply. Pumping output is also not a measure of what baby actually gets. Focus on wet diapers and weight gain—the real measures.
When to Get Help
- Pain that doesn't improve with latch adjustments
- Cracked, bleeding nipples
- Baby not gaining weight or losing weight after day 4
- Less than 6 wet diapers per day after day 4
- Mastitis symptoms (fever, flu-like feeling, red/hot breast)
- Baby refusing to latch
- You're feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed about feeding
Where to get help: Lactation consultant (IBCLC), La Leche League, hospital lactation support, breastfeeding support groups, your pediatrician or OB.
The Fed Is Best Reality
Breastfeeding is wonderful when it works. But it doesn't work for everyone, and that's okay.
- If you need to supplement with formula, your baby will be fine
- If you need to switch to exclusively formula, your baby will be fine
- If you breastfeed for 2 days, 2 months, or 2 years, your baby will be fine
- What matters most is that baby is fed and you are okay
The Bottom Line
Remember This:
Breastfeeding has a learning curve for both of you. Problems are common and usually solvable with the right support. But if it doesn't work for you, that's okay too.
Get help early when something seems off. Lactation consultants exist for a reason—use them.
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