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Good attachment helps milk production

Updated Generic C-IYCF Counselling Package, 2024 (UNICEF | 2024)
Good attachment helps milk production

Key Messages

  • Good attachment helps to ensure that your baby suckles well and helps you to produce a good supply of breastmilk.
  • Breastfeeding should not be painful. Good attachment helps to prevent sore and cracked nipples.
  • Get help from your community health worker or other health care provider to improve the attachment if you are experiencing any pain.
  • There are four signs of good attachment:
  1. Baby’s mouth is wide open.
  2. Baby’s lower lip is turned outwards.
  3. Baby’s chin is touching mother’s breast.
  4. More of the darker skin (areola) is seen above the baby’s top lip than below the bottom lip.

 

  • Signs of effective suckling are:
    • The baby takes slow deep sucks
    • The baby pauses and waits for the ducts to fill up again
    • Then the baby takes a few quick sucks to start the milk flow
    • As the milk flows, the sucks become deeper and slower again
    • You may see or hear swallowing
    • The baby’s cheeks are round
    • Baby is satisfied after breastfeeding.
  • After your baby comes off one breast, offer the other breast. This will ensure that your baby stimulates your milk production in both breasts.
  • You can easily take your baby off the breast by slipping a clean little finger gently into the corner of the baby's mouth to release the suction.
     

 

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