Ananda Lowe, co-author of The Doula Guide, created a how-to latch checklist for her clients who are having a difficult time with breastfeeding. I think she includes some great basic reminders (i.e. skin-to-skin, tummy-to-tummy), but if you are still struggling to breastfeed or are in pain, please feel free to each out to me. I can put you in contact with a lactation consultant in your area.

5 Breastfeeding Tips That Made Life Easier For Me. By Genevieve MamaNatural

1. Skin-to-skin – important!

2. Tummy-to-tummy – important!

3. Baby directly faces nipple – follow the “angle of the dangle.” (Nipples may point forward, up, down, or to the sides. Line up baby with your anatomy, which may be different than the placement you’ve seen someone else use.)

4. “No pillows or Boppys” is best, allowing for fullest range of motion

5. Do not remove baby’s hands from mouth or breast. (Baby uses hands to locate nipple and to stimulate mouth, and will remove hands on her own)

6. Support baby’s neck

7. Do not touch back of baby’s head

8. Do not position baby as far out as the crook of your elbow; move baby closer to the center of your body

9. Position baby so his jaw is well below the nipple. Baby will tilt head back, then mouth will align with nipple

10. Place your hand far behind nipple and areola

11. Wait for baby’s mouth to open very wide – important!

12. Hug baby in close to you, so his mouth can take in breast

13. In case of nipple discomfort, use micro-adjustments. Move baby a centimeter to the left, right, above, and below nipple, until you find the placement that is not painful.

14. If baby’s lips are tucked inward around the nipple, you can use your finger to gently flip the lips outward

15. Do not tolerate pain with latching. Gently insert finger into baby’s mouth to break suction, and start again.

16. If latching involves struggle, hold baby to breast when she is not frantic, such as upon waking. Stop “trying” and simply hold baby tummy-to-tummy and skin-to-skin.

17. Wait for baby to discover nipple on her own, usually within 5 to 30 minutes.