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Your baby's ready to feed, you pull her toward your breast, and she starts crying when you try to get her latched on. Why does something so natural seem so awkward?

"The most important thing you can do is make sure your baby latches on correctly," says Janet Tamaro, author of "So That's What They're For!," "This is the key thing in breastfeeding, to make sure your baby always gets milk and you don't get sore."

Barbara Heiser, executive director of the National Alliance for Breastfeeding Advocacy, clearly illustrates the importance of proper latch-on. Try this simple test: Put your index finger in your mouth, just to the first knuckle, and suck on...

Your baby's ready to feed, you pull her toward your breast, and she starts crying when you try to get her latched on. Why does something so natural seem so awkward?

"The most important thing you can do is make sure your baby latches on correctly," says Janet Tamaro, author of "So That's What They're For!," "This is the key thing in breastfeeding, to make sure your baby always gets milk and you don't get sore."

Barbara Heiser, executive director of the National Alliance for Breastfeeding Advocacy, clearly illustrates the importance of proper latch-on. Try this simple test: Put your index finger in your mouth, just to the first knuckle, and suck on it. Notice how your tongue rubs against the end of your finger. This is what can happen to your nipple if your baby doesn't get enough of your breast in her mouth.

Now, put your finger in again, this time between the first and second joint, and suck on it. You should feel no rubbing. Getting your breast further back into your baby's mouth not only prevents sore nipples, but helps your baby better access your milk and build your milk supply.

How to Position Your Baby

• Get comfortable. Sit down in a supportive chair where you can relax. Have some pillows within easy reach to support your arms, back, and/or baby. Lean back slightly and prop your feet up a bit, using a low footstool.
• Cuddle close. Your baby should be level with your breast, on her side, with her body in a straight line. Her tummy should be facing your tummy, and her nose level with your nipple. Use your free hand to support her shoulders.
• Bring your baby to your breast. Support your breast with your fingers cupped underneath, and your thumb resting gently on top, away from your areola (the darker portion at the base of your nipple). Tickle your baby's lips with your nipple until she opens her mouth widely, as in a yawn. With your hand guiding her shoulders and neck, bring her quickly to your breast, aiming your nipple slightly toward the roof of her mouth. She should take in at least 1/2 to 1 inch of your areola, with her chin pressed into your breast and her nose resting very close to your breast. Her lips should be flanged out (think fish lips), not folded in. (If someone else can take a look, more of your areola should show above baby's upper lip than below the lower lip.) The easiest and most dependable way to tell if your latch-on is perfect is your comfort level. You should not be experiencing any pain.
• If necessary, try, try again. It is normal for proper latch-on to take a few tries. If your baby isn't able to get a good mouthful of breast, or if you are uncomfortable, gently break the suction by inserting your finger in the corner of her mouth, between her gums. Calm your baby, and try again.

Safety Note

• If you are concerned that your baby is not getting enough milk, check wet and poopy diapers. Your baby should wet five to six disposable diapers and have at least three to four (quarter-size) bowel movements a day, beginning around day three. If you're still wondering if she's getting enough milk, schedule a weight check with your pediatrician.
• While transient nipple tenderness in the early days is normal, if you have difficulty or pain breastfeeding, don't wait to get hands-on help. You can find a lactation consultant in your area by contacting the International Lactation Consultant Association at 919-861-5577.

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