Component Task: Assisting the Mother to Position and Attach Baby to Breastfeed

It is a process of ensuring that the mother acquires all the techniques to start early breastfeeding after birth. This is very essential to establish early lactation and bonding as well as provide all the necessary nutrient to the neonate.

Aims

·         Teach mother the various position to adopt during breastfeeding

·         Educate mother on how to latch the baby to the breast

·         Affirm baby friendly protocol

·         Reduce discomfort during breastfeeding

·         Prevent the contraction of the uterus

·         Prevent minor disorders of breastfeeding (such as sore nipples, breast engorgement)

·         Promote involution

·         Promote bonding

·         Provide needed nutrient to baby

Types

·         Cradle hold

·         Cross-cradle

·         Football or clutch

·         Laid-back

·         Side-lying

·         Upright

·         Others

Requirements

·         Wet wipes

·         Diapers

·         Chairs

·         Pillows

·         Bowl with water and soap

·         Tissue or clean towel

Steps

1.        Establish rapport (Refer steps)

2.      Explain procedure (Refer steps)

3.      Encourage mother to empty bladder

4.      Perform hand hygiene and ensure mother does same

5.      Allow mother to choose preferred position

6.      Ensure baby is dry and comfortable

7.       Sit beside client

8.      Allow baby’s head to rest in the crook of the client’s elbow

9.      Allow baby’s buttocks to rest in client’s palm while supporting baby’s back

10.    Assist client to ensure baby’s shoulders and hips are in alignment

11.      Help client to position baby so that the abdomen touches client’s abdomen

12.    Assist client to adjust baby’s position to enable baby’s chin to touch the breast

13.    Teach client to elicit rooting reflex

14.    Assist client to insert the nipple and areola of the breast into baby’s well opened mouth  

15.    Instruct client to admire and talk to baby as it suckles

16.    Educate client to allow baby to empty one breast completely before offering the other

17.    Allow baby to release the breast after feeding and avoid forceful removal

18.    Educate client to break wind after feeding

19.    Express appreciation to client for her effort

20.  Perform hand hygiene

21.    Record findings into Maternal and Child Health Record Book (Manual/ Electronic)

22.  Report findings to officer-in-charge