When the ideal time to extract the milk is approaching, which the mother usually feels, it is important to remove it from the breast by: Breastfeeding the baby Or using expression techniques if necessary. Before and during feeds There are number of things the mother must do when preparing the baby's feed. Some have to do with hygiene, while others contribute to the comfort of mother and baby and the success of the feed. Wash your hands Remove protective cream with a compress or nursing disc, express a few drops of milk and apply them to the nipple. If it is necessary to shape the nipple, rotate it between your fingers or pull it gently Find a comfortable position for breastfeeding. Pick up the baby and position him or her comfortably. Hold the first breast with your thumb, forefinger and middle finger, and point the nipple at the baby's mouth. Touch the baby's upper lip with the nipple to open his or her mouth. Insert the nipple and the areola area into the baby's open mouth. Make sure the baby is latched on to the breast and suckles well: chin against the breast, lower lip facing outward, cheeks moving and noise of swallowing milk. At intervals, at the end of the first breast and at the end of the feed, gently remove the baby from the breast, taking care not to hurt your nipple (if necessary insert a fingertip in the baby's mouth to stop suckling). Hold the baby upright for burping. After the feed After breastfeeding, take steps to help prevent breast problems , so that you can continue to breastfeed for as long as necessary: Protect the nipple with colostrum or milk and apply a protective cream to prevent cracking. Keep your breasts dry and wear an appropriate-size cotton bra with nursing discs. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
