Plant The Chin

The most basic thing about feeding your baby is how to hold them and latching (attaching to the breast for feeding). There are consistently things that parents struggle with, phrases I say over and over and explain several different ways. It's pretty much constant education.

Babies' movements are just reflexes at first. They get an input and they respond with reflexes. It's like pushing a button. If you push the volume up button then volume goes up.

Luckily babies are a little smarter than a remote control but it is still very difficult for them to latch effectively if their reflex "buttons" are not stimulated in the right order.

How to latch (attach) baby to the breast

1. Bring baby to your chest, position baby lay tummy-to-tummy with you.   Baby comes to you while you sit in a comfortable position (don’t lean forward).

Baby’s ears, shoulders, and hips should be in a line and their whole body should be supported by your arms or pillows.

An easy to learn position which let's the parent guide baby is the cross cradle hold. If you use your opposite hand to hold baby’s upper back and neck only, cradling just under the back of their head gives you the most control.  If you are feeding on the left breast, you would use your right hand to hold baby and your left hand to support your breast.

Do not push or place your hand or fingers on baby's head or cheeks because then you will stimulate different reflexes and it will interrupt the process.

2.  Help position baby so they Plant The Chin just below the nipple.  This will line up the nipple and nose.  Baby’s head will be slightly tipped back - like they are drinking from a cup.  If this isn’t lining up, they need to be scooted down towards their feet until you see them positioned just like the picture below.

Baby needs their head tipped back because it makes it easier to breathe and allows space for their jaw to open. Try taking a bit of food yourself and notice how your head tips back slightly and your lower jaw goes down. If your chin is touching your chest it is very difficult to eat!

3. Bring baby in closer when their mouth is open wide.  Keep supporting baby’s shoulders to help push their chin in deeply. Once baby is latched and it feels comfortable, you can lean back and may need to ask for help to tuck in some pillows to keep baby supported.

C.H.I.N.S.

C: Close Bring baby to you and tuck them in close with full support from their neck to their bottom

H: Head Free When attaching to the breast the baby will tilt his head back to allow his chin to lead as he comes onto the breast. Even a finger on the back of the baby's head will prevent this important movement

I: In Line The baby's head and body should be aligned so that he does not have to twist his neck, which would make feeding and swallowing difficult.

N: Nose to Nipple With baby’s chin touching the breast first and their head tilted back, the nipple can rest just under baby’s nose. This will turn on the sucking reflex. 

S: Shoulders Once baby is opening their mouth widely, use your hand to bring baby’s shoulders in very close so their chin is buried in the breast.