Breastfeeding Tips
The Finger Test
One way to teach the importance of proper positioning is with the Finger Test. You can do this yourself or use this tool with a prenatal or postpartum woman. Put your right pointer finger in your mouth just back to the first knuckle, and then suck on it. You should feel your tongue rub the end of your finger. This is what happens to her nipple when the baby does not get enough of the nipple and the areola area into his mouth.
Now put your finger in your mouth again but this time go between the first and second joint and suck as you did before. This time there is no rubbing. The tongue will come up under the finger compressing it with the roof of the mouth and not touch the end at all. This is a good latch. Now try this last suck with your bottom lip pulled in. Now try to suck, feel the bad latch. Now, while sucking, take your left pointer finger and push down on your chin and help the bottom lip flange out like a juicy, pouty lip. Now the tongue can slide into the right spot and create a good seal. Just this little adjustment between mom and baby can make all the difference in the world!
