Breastfeeding can be a great time for bonding with your new infant, as well as giving them the nutrition they need to grow up strong (and the boost to their immune system they need to grow up healthy). However, if you're new to the whole breastfeeding concept, you might be having a little trouble getting your little one to latch on in order to feed. But don't feel like a failure – UC Davis Medical Center found that 92% of women in their study struggled with getting a newborn to latch. So if you're looking for some tips and tricks to make your breastfeeding sessions successful, then here's what you need to know.

Compress Down

If you have large nipples, your baby may have an issue latching on and feeding – think about how you feel when the burger you order at a restaurant is too big for you to get your mouth around it. In this case, do exactly what you'd do when faced with too big of a bit – slightly pinch the part you're putting in your mouth to make it more manageable. This will help your baby get the nipple into their mouth and latch successfully. Compressing your breast slightly is also a good idea if your baby gets unhappy when, at the start, it takes a couple sucks to get your milk flowing. Compressing your breast right as your baby starts to suck will give them a flow of milk right away, giving them the reward they need to keep latched on and continue feeding.

Give Good Feelings

If your baby only associates your breast with anxiety and struggle, they won't be eager to feed and thus can refuse your breast, even when they need to eat. Getting your baby comfortable and happy around your breasts, even when you're not feeding, can halt this anxiety in its tracks and make your baby more likely to latch. Hold your baby on your chest often, giving them as much skin-to-skin contact as is possible for your situation. These sessions of bonding, even if they don't include feeding, will help your baby get more comfortable with your breasts and thus make it more likely that they'll latch when meal time comes.

Stop Stressing

It may seem impossible to stop stressing out about not being able to get your kid to latch correctly on your first try – you may feel you should be able to do something that you thought would be so instinctive – but you need to take a few deep breaths and relax. Babies are very attuned to the emotions that their parents are feeling, especially their mother, so if you approach meal time with a sense of dread, your infant will be disquieted as well. Instead, think positive thoughts and implement the tips above. You (and your baby) will get the hang of it soon, and all will be well – so smile, take a deep breath, and go into each feeding session with the knowledge that you can do this.

For more information, contact an infant nurse, like one at Kitsap Children's Clinic LLP.