A–Z Glossary

Latch

A latch is the way a baby attaches to the breast to feed effectively and comfortably.

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Mobility breastfeeding and first hours after birth

Mobility breastfeeding and first hours after birth

The first hour is physiologically active The first hour after birth is often described as a bonding window, but clinically it is also a period of rapid cardiopulmonary, thermal, metabolic, and hormonal transition. When the newborn is vigorous and the birthing parent is stable, many guidelines support early and uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact. The baby is […]

Why one position may not work

Why one position may not work

Labor is dynamic, not static Birth positions during labor are best understood as adjustable supports, not a single correct answer. A posture that opens the pelvis, reduces back pressure, or helps relaxation at one moment may feel tiring or ineffective an hour later. That is expected, because labor itself is a moving physiologic process. Contractions […]

Helping mother stay comfortable

Helping mother stay comfortable

Start with the basics of recovery The first goal is to make the mother feel safe enough to rest. In the early postpartum period, that usually means quiet, easy access to water and food, a reachable call bell or phone, and support with standing, toileting, feeding, and holding the baby. These are simple steps, but […]

When to start breastfeeding and first latch

When to start breastfeeding and first latch

When should breastfeeding begin? When a newborn is breathing effectively, maintaining an appropriate temperature, and does not require urgent medical intervention, breastfeeding should usually be initiated within the first hour after birth. The World Health Organization recommends early initiation and emphasizes immediate, uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact when possible. This period is sometimes called the first hour […]

How to breastfeed a baby step by step

How to breastfeed a baby step by step

1. Prepare for a calm, responsive feed Begin by washing your hands if needed, settling into a supported position, and bringing water or another drink within reach. Choose a chair, bed, or sofa that allows your shoulders to remain relaxed. Pillows may support your arms or back, but they should not be used to prop […]

Breastfeeding Positions for Newborns and Older Babies

Breastfeeding Positions for Newborns and Older Babies

Positioning fundamentals for every age Before choosing a named hold, establish the core alignment that supports feeding. Sit or recline in a position that allows your shoulders, arms, and back to relax. Use pillows or a firm support surface to bring the baby to breast level rather than leaning your torso forward. Keep the baby […]

Breast Engorgement in the Early Weeks

Breast Engorgement in the Early Weeks

What breast engorgement is Breast engorgement is a state of breast fullness caused by a combination of increased milk production, vascular and lymphatic congestion, and interstitial fluid accumulation. It is not simply a large amount of milk inside the ducts. As milk secretion increases after birth, blood flow and tissue fluid also increase. The resulting […]

How to increase milk supply naturally

How to increase milk supply naturally

Understand the physiology of milk production Lactation is regulated by a supply-and-demand feedback loop. During pregnancy and after delivery, hormonal changes involving prolactin and oxytocin initiate milk production and milk ejection. Once established, regular removal of milk from the breast becomes increasingly important. When milk remains in the breast for long periods, local feedback mechanisms […]

How often to burp baby

How often to burp baby

There is no fixed burping schedule The answer to how often to burp a baby is individualized. The NHS explains that there are no exact rules: some babies need to burp during a feed, whereas others may only need an opportunity afterward. A baby may swallow more air during a rapid feed, an inefficient latch, […]

Preventing gas in babies

Preventing gas in babies

Understand what creates gas Gas in infancy is usually a combination of swallowed air and normal intestinal gas production. Newborns have immature oral-motor coordination, variable suck-swallow-breathe rhythms, and developing gut motility, so air can enter during feeding and then move slowly through the gastrointestinal tract. Crying can add more swallowed air, which may intensify the […]

Why breastfed babies grow differently

Why breastfed babies grow differently

Breastfed and formula-fed infants often follow different trajectories Healthy breastfed and formula-fed infants can both grow normally while following somewhat different statistical patterns. Breastfed babies may gain weight quickly during the first months, then experience a gradual reduction in weight velocity compared with formula-fed infants. This difference is most apparent from approximately three to six […]

Slow weight gain baby explained

Slow weight gain baby explained

What slow weight gain means in practice Slow weight gain does not have a single universal definition. In practice, clinicians look for a baby whose weight gain is slower than expected for age, whose growth curve is flattening, or whose weight is crossing growth percentiles downward over time. The key idea is trajectory: a baby […]

Nursing Pillows for Breast and Bottle Feeding

Nursing Pillows for Breast and Bottle Feeding

What a Nursing Pillow Can and Cannot Do A nursing pillow is a shaped cushion designed to support an infant at the level needed for feeding. Common forms include wraparound pillows that rest across the caregiver’s abdomen, smaller contoured cushions, and firmer wedge-like supports. Some are designed primarily for breastfeeding, while others can be used […]