Infant reflexes for feeding:

Several infant reflexes are important to ensure they can attach, suck & swallow at the breast.

·       Rooting reflex.

·       Tongue extrusion reflex.

·       Sucking reflex.

·       Phasic bite reflex.

Having a baby who attaches well can help prevent many breastfeeding problems. Bring the infant to the breast, not the breast to the infant.

Signs of good positioning and attachment:

·       Body: held close with neck & shoulders in line.

·       Head: can freely move (support shoulders, not head).

·       Nose: clear or only just touching the breast.

·       Chin: tucked into the breast.

·       Mouth: open wide, large amount of the breast inside (often see top of areola, not bottom).

·       Lips: slightly turned out or neutral.

·       Cheeks: full & rounded (not hollowed).

·       See: sucking & swallowing rhythmically.

·       Feel: It won't be painful. May feel some discomfort in early weeks as baby attaches but once your milk starts to flow, this should settle.

If you notice any of the following your baby may not be well attached:

·       Pain during feeding.

·       Clicking sounds.

·       Infants’ cheeks are hollowed as they suck.

·       Infant is slipping on & off.

·       Nipples that are creased, ridged, squashed, blistered, cracked or bleeding. Often because the nipple isn't far enough back in the mouth & it is being squashed against the hard palate.