BreastmilkCounts.com
By Texas WIC

Begin feeding on the least sore nipple to start your let-down reflex.

Once milk flow has begun and your baby has had some milk, she will be less hungry when brought to the second, more tender side. She will nurse less vigorously, making breastfeeding more comfortable.

Make sure baby is positioned correctly

• Make sure your baby's body is in a straight line, with his nose lined up with your nipple.
• Try different feeding positions.

Make sure you have a good latch

Make sure that your baby has a good bit of your areola in his mouth. This is where your milk ducts are. He should have more of the bottom of the areola than the top in his mouth.

Look at your nipple when it comes out of your baby's mouth

• It should look the same way coming as it did going in—not pinched.
• If it looks pinched or angled on the tip (like a new tube of lipstick) that means your baby is not latching properly. Get help from a breastfeeding peer counselor or a lactation consultant right away.

If you feel any pain, remove your baby and try the latch again

• Do not let your baby suckle on the tip of your nipple without any areola. This is a sure setup for discomfort, and your baby will not get much milk.
• Nursing with a bad latch can cause you more pain in the future.

Feed your baby at the first signs of hunger

• Waiting too long causes your baby to latch too aggressively, which hurts your nipples even more.
• When feedings are postponed, your breasts become even fuller, making it harder for your baby to grasp your breast.
• Less frequent feedings can reduce your milk supply.

Rub some breastmilk into your nipples at the end of each feeding.

• Your breastmilk is full of vitamins and nutrients, and it has strong healing powers.
• If you have cracks or other breaks in your skin, rinse your nipples with a mix of mild salt water (1 tsp salt to 1 gallon water). Some moms use contact lens saline solution. This helps kill any surface bacteria.
• You can also apply lanolin to your nipples. Lanolin maintains the skin's moisture and helps them heal. Make sure to only use a little as it is hard to wash off and too much can make it hard for baby to maintain a good latch. Be aware—lanolin is oily and can stain your clothing.