Checklist for Essentials of Positioning and Latch-on

Positioning

• Hold baby’s head behind the ears
• Position nose to nipple and belly to belly

Offer the breast

• Use the sandwich hold
• Stroke the nipple from nose to chin, rolling out baby’s lower lip
• Bring baby to the breast, not breast to your baby

Check the latch-on

• Baby’s lips are flanged and her mouth is 140 degrees
• There is no pain and no wedged or creased nipple
• Baby’s chin is touching the breast and she has an asymmetrical latch-on

Access milk transfer

• Baby shows a wide jaw excursion
• There is a consistent sucking
• You hear swallowing (after milk comes in)

General Helpful Tips

• Try to nurse him in a dimly lit and quiet room
• Make sure you are comfortable before you position him
• Use pillows to raise your baby to breast level
• Make sure your baby’s ear, shoulder and hip are in a straight line. Your baby should not have to turn his head to nurse.