Holding the baby correctly (posture) and helping the baby to suck the nipple correctly (sucking) is very important for smooth breastfeeding. Correct holding and sucking methods can help your baby suckle effectively, reduce the burden on the mother’s breast, etc., and avoid and reduce various problems and risks, and here we will introduce specific tips about breastfeeding. This peristaltic movement generates negative pressure in order to take in breast milk from the nipple. In just 0.7 seconds, the tongue moves (peristalsis) from the tip to the base of the tongue in a wave-like motion. The newborn has a rounded groove in the center of the palate called the “nursing fossa” that is only present during lactation. This groove, along with the thick layer of fat on the inside of the cheek, helps the baby to hold the nipple firmly in the mouth. After the nursing period, the nursing fossa disappears naturally. In other words, the human baby’s oral tongue is inherently suited to breastfeeding. When drinking breast milk, the baby’s tongue has a unique action of sucking out the mother’s milk, which is very different from the action of the adult’s mouth when drinking through a straw. This action is the baby’s innate sucking reflex, and the whole process is called “peristaltic movement”. Timing of sucking The most appropriate waking state for sucking is generally stages 3-5 of Brazelton’s newborn wakefulness level. Stage 1: sleepy; Stage 2: light sleep; Stage 3: dozing; Stage 4: quietly awake; Stage 5: energetically awake; Stage 6: crying. When the baby wants to breastfeed, it will show the following signs: 1. twisting the body to put the hand on the mouth and face, moving the mouth like when sucking breast milk, etc.; 2. signs of effective sucking; 3. the baby’s mouth opens wide; 4. the jaw fits to the breast; 5. the baby’s lower lip protrudes; 6. the baby sucks, rests for a while, sucks again, sucks slowly and deeply; 7. the sound of the baby swallowing can be heard. When breastfeeding, some mothers also take the following measures: Since the mother’s clothes can cover the baby’s face and prevent the baby from sucking, some mothers use rubber bands or bobby pins to tighten their clothes backwards. We hope that mom and baby will find a mutually comfortable breastfeeding position. In general, mothers feed their babies 8-12 times a day for 10-30 minutes each time. This means that it is very important for the mother to set up a relaxed, stress-free environment in order to be able to continue breastfeeding. Diet during breastfeeding 1. Nutritious and balanced diet Compared to the period of pregnancy, postpartum mothers need more energy and nutrition to produce breast milk. During this period, the mother may not get enough sleep because she needs to take care of her baby and her work schedule is irregular. In such a situation, it is easy for a mother to neglect her diet. However, it is important to maintain a nutritious and balanced diet for the health of you and your baby. It takes about 6 months to lose the weight gained during pregnancy and regain your standard weight. Do not over control your diet in order to lose weight as soon as possible, as this will not only affect your health, but also the health of your breastfed baby. 2.Increase the chance of mother’s bone mass During pregnancy and breastfeeding, the mother’s bone mass will drop drastically. However, between 6 months and 1 year after the return of menstruation after childbirth, women have the opportunity to increase their bone mass. During this time, it is as if a skilled carpenter is building strong bones in a woman’s body. During this period, if you supplement the building materials needed for bones – calcium and vitamin D – you will create stronger bones. You should take advantage of this opportunity to build strong bones. Dairy products, small fish, beans, seaweed and wheat are rich in calcium. Dairy products, eggs and mushrooms (fungus and dried shiitake mushrooms) are rich in vitamin D. 3. Effects of drinking and smoking During pregnancy, regular alcohol consumption increases the risk of alcohol syndrome in the fetus, which may have congenital malformations, mental retardation and developmental disorders. After the birth of your baby, you may have the opportunity to drink wedding wine. Since you have abstained from alcohol for a long time, you may not be able to resist the temptation. However, for the sake of your baby’s health, please bear with it for a while longer. About 2% of the alcohol you consume will enter your baby’s body in breast milk. In addition, drinking and smoking can reduce breast milk production and inhibit your baby’s growth. Babies are immature in their ability to handle alcohol, and a little alcohol can have a significant impact that is unlike that of adults. Mothers who smoke produce less breast milk than non-smoking mothers. Nicotine has been reported to have direct effects on babies, including causing vomiting, diarrhea, rapid pulse and irritability. 4. Effects of Caffeine It is said that if a mother drinks beverages containing caffeine such as green tea and coffee, the caffeine will be transferred to the breast milk. Because caffeine in breast milk can cause sleep disorders in babies, you should try to limit the intake of products containing caffeine. How can I help my baby suckle at the breast? “Sucking” is a method of breastfeeding in which the baby sucks on the mother’s nipple and breast. In order for your baby to suckle effectively and get enough breast milk, the correct position is essential. 1. Keep the baby’s nose towards the nipple. The baby’s jaw should touch the underside of the areola. (Figure 1 below) 2. Stimulate your baby’s lips with the nipple or under the areola to stimulate the seeking reflex. Wait for the baby’s mouth to open wide and then bring the nipple closer to the baby. (Figure 2 below) 3. The part of the areola near the baby’s jaw enters the baby’s mouth first. Check that the baby is firmly holding the nipple. (Figure 3 below) 4. Your baby will usually leave the nipple naturally when he has received enough milk, but sometimes this is not the case. If this happens, you can help your baby stop sucking by inserting your finger into the corner of one side of your baby’s mouth to unclose the mouth. (Figure 4 below)