Checklist for Successful Breastfeeding

• mother comfortable and well supported
• baby's stomach held close against yours
• baby's body turned towards you, supported so head is free to tilt slightly
• nipple aimed just above baby's mouth
• wide gape, with tongue well down (tickle upper lip with nipple and baby should automatically gape)
• chin well in against the breast
• mouth open wide well onto the areola, with top lip out and tongue over lower gum
• baby's ears and temples moving with each suck

If you need to remove baby from the breast, either break the suction by depressing the breast, or insert a clean finger into the corner of baby's mouth. Failure to break the suction may result in nipple damage.