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Introducing the first and only smart feeding system

At nfant® we’re using innovative biofeedback technology to solve feeding questions that have long puzzled parents (and clinicians): Is my baby feeding correctly? If not, what should I do? With nfant, the answer will be in the palm of your hand, with actionable guidance and clear coaching.

Become a Feeding Expert

Our Connected Feeding program trains you to identify, recognize and respond to feeding cues. Get step-by-step guidance in our app and in-depth resources at your fingertips.

Know Your Baby is Thriving

Our Smart Bottles are equipped with sensors that capture real-time feeding data during the most critical developmental phase of your baby’s life.

Customize Every Feeding

Optimize your feeding routine according to your baby’s unique needs. See how your baby reacts in real-time to changes – like a new nipple or feeding time – and respond accordingly.

Experience truly


Connected Feeding

The nfant® Tracker App combines biofeedback data with parent intuition to help you confidently respond to your baby’s cues and customize every feeding to your baby’s unique needs.

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Thrive

We’ve developed the first and
only high-tech feeding system.
Sign up now to be the first to
own the nfant® Thrive System
this fall.

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Thrive System

Purchase the complete nfant® Thrive Feeding System kit.

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Nipples

Shop Control Flow Nipples with scientifically proven flow rates.

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Download the nfant® Tracker App for Android and Apple iOS.

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Accessories

Shop extra bottles, sensors & nipples for the nfant® Thrive System.

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Feeding 101

Growth, sleep, mood, diapers, health – it all comes back to how well your baby is feeding. Our Feeding 101 resource center takes the guesswork out of feeding. Our robust library walks you through every stage of feeding so you can focus on what’s important: Connecting with your baby.

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We are so excited to be here at CES 2022 in Las Ve

The nfant® Thrive Feeding System is the first and

At nfant, we believe that every baby’s growth an

Trusted by NICUs across the US, our patented techn

Suck. Swallow. Breathe. Seems so simple, right? B

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Sign up for news, product updates and feeding support for all stages of development.

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Customer Support

Get help with questions about purchasing, registering and using the Thrive Feeding System.

nfant Copyright 2022

nfant® Thrive | High-tech baby feeding solutions

Skip to content

Introducing the first and only smart feeding system

At nfant® we’re using innovative biofeedback technology to solve feeding questions that have long puzzled parents (and clinicians): Is my baby feeding correctly? If not, what should I do? With nfant, the answer will be in the palm of your hand, with actionable guidance and clear coaching.

Become a Feeding Expert

Our Connected Feeding program trains you to identify, recognize and respond to feeding cues. Get step-by-step guidance in our app and in-depth resources at your fingertips.

Know Your Baby is Thriving

Our Smart Bottles are equipped with sensors that capture real-time feeding data during the most critical developmental phase of your baby’s life.

Customize Every Feeding

Optimize your feeding routine according to your baby’s unique needs. See how your baby reacts in real-time to changes – like a new nipple or feeding time – and respond accordingly.

Experience truly


Connected Feeding

The nfant® Tracker App combines biofeedback data with parent intuition to help you confidently respond to your baby’s cues and customize every feeding to your baby’s unique needs.

Be the first to


buy nfant®
Thrive

We’ve developed the first and
only high-tech feeding system.
Sign up now to be the first to
own the nfant® Thrive System
this fall.

Sign Up

Shop by Category

Thrive System

Purchase the complete nfant® Thrive Feeding System kit.

Coming Soon

Nipples

Shop Control Flow Nipples with scientifically proven flow rates.

Buy On Amazon

Get the App

Download the nfant® Tracker App for Android and Apple iOS.

Coming Soon

Accessories

Shop extra bottles, sensors & nipples for the nfant® Thrive System.

Coming Soon

Feeding 101

Growth, sleep, mood, diapers, health – it all comes back to how well your baby is feeding. Our Feeding 101 resource center takes the guesswork out of feeding. Our robust library walks you through every stage of feeding so you can focus on what’s important: Connecting with your baby.

Get Answers

Get connected

We are so excited to be here at CES 2022 in Las Ve

The nfant® Thrive Feeding System is the first and

At nfant, we believe that every baby’s growth an

Trusted by NICUs across the US, our patented techn

Suck. Swallow. Breathe. Seems so simple, right? B

Follow us on Instagram

Sign up for news, product updates and feeding support for all stages of development.

Notice: JavaScript is required for this content.

Customer Support

Get help with questions about purchasing, registering and using the Thrive Feeding System.

nfant Copyright 2022

Solutions to six breastfeeding problems in the first week

Are you having difficulty breastfeeding your newborn baby? Read on for expert advice on tackling the main challenges of the first week of breastfeeding.

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Cathy Garbin, child health nurse, midwife and lactation consultant:
Cathy, a mother of two, was a research fellow at the renowned Human Lactation Research Institute, founded by Peter Hartmann, for seven years, providing support to breastfeeding mothers in clinics and at home. Today, she still works as a family counselor, and also conducts seminars for attending physicians and speaks at international conferences.

Breastfeeding is not always easy, so if
you are having difficulty, know that you are not alone. A US study found that out of 500 new mothers surveyed, 92% experienced breastfeeding problems by the third day. 1 Fortunately, most early breastfeeding problems are easy to resolve. Below you can read recommendations for solving the main problems that mothers often face in the first week of feeding.

Problem #1. Breastfeeding hurts!

Pain during feeding is usually associated with tenderness or inflammation of the nipples, especially when milk "comes" on the second to fourth day after birth. 2 The baby will beg for a breast every couple of hours, and this can quickly aggravate the problem: some mothers' nipples crack, bleed, or blister. This is, of course, very annoying.

Solutions 3

  • Check how the baby latch on. An incorrect latch is one of the most common causes of pain during breastfeeding. A newborn baby should take most of the lower half of the areola (dark skin around the nipple) into his mouth, and your nipple should rest against his palate, supported from below by the tongue.
  • Contact a lactation consultant or healthcare professional to make sure your baby's mouth and torso are properly positioned during feeding and there are no other latch-on problems. The doctor may also examine the baby's mouth for physical abnormalities.
  • Try other feeding positions. Reclining, cross cradle, underarm, or lying positions can relieve pressure on the most painful areas of your breasts.
  • Gently wipe soaked nipples with water-soaked cotton swabs after each feed to remove milk residues that can cause infection.
  • Air dry nipples or blot with a clean, soft muslin or flannel cloth to prevent bacterial growth in a humid environment. Use disposable or reusable bra pads to absorb leaking milk and remember to change them regularly.
  • Soften your nipples. An ultra-pure lanolin treatment will help relieve inflammation and dry skin. You can also apply a few drops of your own breast milk to your nipples. In both cases, you do not have to wash your breasts before the next feeding. You can also apply refrigerated hydrogel pads* to your nipples. They soothe the nipples and help relieve pain during feeding, as well as speed up healing.
  • Protect your nipples. Nipple shields* protect the sore area from rubbing against clothing.
  • Be patient. The inflammation usually resolves after a few days as your body adjusts to breastfeeding and your baby learns to suckle.
  • Seek medical attention, if pain during feeding does not go away after a few days. Constant inflammation of the nipples may indicate an infection that requires prompt treatment.

Problem #2. Baby doesn't latch on properly

Some newborns do not latch on properly right away. Maybe both of you just need more time to learn how to breastfeed, or maybe the baby was born prematurely, feels unwell after a difficult birth, or mom has flat or inverted nipples.

Solutions

  • Contact a lactation consultant or healthcare professional who can help identify the cause of the problem and suggest solutions.
  • Flat or inverted nipples must be pulled out. Nipple formers* fit comfortably in the bra and apply gentle pressure to the nipples to help them come out for easier feeding.
  • Try different positions and ways to support your newborn. The baby needs to feel supported. He must be comfortable and breathe freely in order to suckle properly. Do not hold the child by the head and do not put pressure on it. Lean back and let your child take the lead. This stimulates his natural reflexes and helps him find and latch on to his breasts. 4
  • When feeding, try to find the optimal position. Instead of putting your baby on and off, stressing both of you, try to position him in a way that is easy and comfortable for him. Hold the torso and legs of the baby close to you, support him by the shoulders and hold him firmly so that he feels safe. Let the baby's head rest freely on your arm so that he can tilt it back slightly and breathe freely. The chin should be pressed against your chest. If these small adjustments don't make feeding more comfortable for your baby, seek help from a lactation consultant or healthcare professional.
  • Use nursing pads. If your baby is having difficulty latch-on, a lactation consultant or healthcare professional may suggest trying nursing pads*. A nipple with an overlay is more convenient to take in the mouth, so it is larger and more rigid. Do not use nursing pads for a long time.

Problem #3. Not enough breast milk

You will produce little breast milk at the very beginning, as the hormonal changes that trigger milk production occur slowly and do not end until the second or fourth day after birth. 2 You may be worried that your baby is not getting enough milk, but in the early days his stomach is still too small and feedings are frequent, so don't worry. The only things to worry about these days are excessive weight loss, too few wet and soiled diapers, or signs of dehydration in the baby. For more information on how often a newborn should urinate and void, see Breastfeeding Newborns: What to Expect in the First Week.

Solutions

  • Contact a Lactation Consultant or your healthcare provider who can determine if you have problems with milk production. The sooner you do this, the better.
  • Feed your baby on demand, not on a schedule. In the first week after birth, your baby will ask to breastfeed every two to three hours (or more often!), both day and night. Such frequent feeding helps to establish the production of breast milk.
  • Take care of yourself. It's not always easy with a newborn, but try to rest whenever you can, eat right, and accept any help around the house or with older children that your loved ones can give you to fully focus on breastfeeding.
  • Try expressing milk. If a baby is feeding frequently but not gaining any weight, a lactation consultant or doctor may recommend pumping to increase breast milk production. If milk is not coming out at all, you can try the Medela Symphony Dual Electric Clinical Breast Pump**. It features an Initiate program that mimics a baby's natural sucking rhythm for the first few days.

Problem #4. Breast full and heavy

Your breasts will become fuller and heavier as milk comes in.
If the baby suckles well and often, this should not cause any problems. However, in some women, the breasts become so full that they become hard and painful. This condition, called breast swelling, can cause discomfort. The swollen chest seems to be “burning”, now all the activity of your body is concentrated in it, resembling a busy traffic at rush hour. Fortunately, this condition usually resolves within 24 to 48 hours. However, due to the swelling of the mammary glands, the nipples can become flat and the baby may have difficulty latch-on. 5

Solutions

  • Feed your baby often. Try to breastfeed at least 8-12 times a day. This is the main way to alleviate this condition. For more tips and tricks, see the article on Breast Swelling. 6.7
  • Call your healthcare provider, if symptoms persist for more than 48 hours, you have a fever, or your baby is unable to breastfeed due to swelling.

Problem #5. Milk is leaking

Breast leakage is very common in the early days of breastfeeding when milk production begins. Milk may leak from one breast while you are feeding the other, when you sleep on your stomach, or when something accidentally triggers the milk flow reflex, such as when you hear a baby crying in a store. The leakage usually stops after about six weeks.

Solutions

  • Protect clothes from stains will help disposable or reusable bra pads to be used day and night.
  • Don't waste precious drops! Breast milk collection pads* fit inside the bra and allow you to collect any leaking milk. This is a very useful thing when there is too much milk and the pads are not absorbing well, or when one breast is leaking while you are feeding the other. If you want to save the collected milk, use only the milk collected at the feeding. Place it in a sterile container and refrigerate immediately if you are not supplementing with it right away. Collected milk must be used within 24 hours. The breast milk collection sleeves should not be worn for more than two to three hours at a time.

Problem #6. There seems to be too much milk

Sometimes when milk comes in, too much is produced! In the first few weeks there may be an overabundance of milk, but usually everything returns to normal soon. 7 Up to this point, the breasts may be heavy and sore almost all the time, even immediately after a feed, and a lot of milk may leak. A strong flush can cause a baby to cough or choke, vomit immediately after a feed, have tummy discomfort, or have hard, frothy, greenish stools. These are all signs that you are having too much milk, but the problem may resolve itself as your breasts get used to the new function.

Solutions

  • Express some milk by hand at the beginning of each feed to ease the force of the flush.
  • Try to feed while leaning back: this will help your baby control the flow of milk. The "cradle" position is also good: hold the baby obliquely by the shoulders so that the head can lean back slightly while on your arm. The torso of the baby will be located diagonally on you.
  • Be kind and patient. Let your baby rest and absorb milk both during and after feeding. Don't move your baby too much or too fast, as this can make him nauseous. As the baby grows, he will learn to better cope with the rush of milk, which is likely to weaken anyway.
  • Use the towel or swaddle to soak up spilled milk if the baby can't handle the flush, and place the breast milk collection pad on the other breast to catch any spilled milk.
  • Contact a lactation consultant or doctor if problems persist after a few weeks . He will examine you and may suggest one-sided feedings or hourly breast changes (“breast duty”) to reduce your milk supply.

Related materials: Difficulties in breastfeeding in the next few weeks and problems with breastfeeding after the first month

Literature

1 Wagner EA et al. Breastfeeding concerns at 3 and 7 days postpartum and feeding status at 2 months. Pediatrics . 2013: peds -2013. - Wagner I.A. et al., "Breastfeeding Problems at Days 3 and 7 of a Child's Life and Type of Feeding at 2 Months". Pediatrix (Pediatrics). 2013:e865–e875.

2 Pang WW, Hartmann PE. Initiation of human lactation: secretory differentiation and secretory activation. J Mammary Gland Biol Neoplasia 2007;12(4):211-221. - Pang, W.W., Hartmann, P.I., "Lactation initiation in the lactating mother: secretory differentiation and secretory activation." G Mammary Gland Biol Neoplasia. 2007;12(4):211-221.

3 Cadwell K. Latching - On and Suckling of the Healthy Term Neonate: Breastfeeding Assessment. J Midwifery & Women ’ s 2007;52(6):638-642. — Cadwell, K., "Latching and sucking in healthy newborns: evaluation of breastfeeding." F Midwifery Women Health. 2007;52(6):638-642.

4 Colson SD et al. Optimal positions for the release of primitive neonatal reflexes stimulating breastfeeding. Early Hum Dev . 2008;84(7):441-449. - Colson S.D. et al., "Optimal Positions for Provoking Primitive Innate Reflexes to Induce Breastfeeding." Airlie Hume Dev. 2008;84(7):441-449.

5 Jacobs A et al. S3-guidelines for the treatment of inflammatory breast disease during the lactation period. Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd. 2013;73(12):1202-1208. - Jacobs A. et al., "Recommendations S -3 for the treatment of inflammatory diseases of the breast during breastfeeding. Geburtskhilfe und Frauenheilkünde. . ABM Clinical Protocol# 4: Mastitis , Revised MARCH 2014. Breastfeed - 9020: 5): 5) H., Academy of Breastfeeding Protocol Committee, AVM Clinical Protocol #4: Mastitis, March 2014 edition of Brestfeed Med (Breastfeeding Medicine). 2014;9(5):239-243.

7 Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine Protocol Committee. ABM clinical protocol # 20: Engorgement. Breastfeed Med . 2009;4(2):111-113. - Protocol Committee of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine, "AVM Clinical Protocol No. 20: Engorgement, Revision 2016". Brestfeed Med (Breastfeeding Medicine). 2009;4(2):111-113.

Read instructions before use. Consult a specialist about possible contraindications.

* RU No. ФСЗ 2010/07352 of 07/19/10

** RU No. ФСЗ 2010/06525 of 03/17/2021

Postures for breastfeeding | Philips

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Home ›› Newborn Feeding Positions and Good Latching

practice, patience and a little advance preparation. So, if you decide to breastfeed your baby, be prepared for the fact that you may encounter the often encountered problem of proper breastfeeding. However, do not be upset.

Breast latch is one of the most important things about breastfeeding and can be difficult for new moms, and understandably so; It is essential that the baby properly latch on to the nipple during breastfeeding so that he can get enough breast milk. Proper breast latch is also important because it allows the mother to avoid problems such as blockage of the milk ducts and sore nipples.

Learn more about how to properly care for your breasts in the Quick Guide to Breast Care.

One of the best ways to teach your baby to latch on properly is to find a breastfeeding position that is comfortable for both you and your baby. Here we will discuss different breastfeeding positions as well as other useful tips to help you achieve a proper breastfeeding. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your doctor or lactation specialist for further support.

Helping your baby latch on properly

Before looking at the different positions for breastfeeding, there are a few things you can do to help your baby: [1]

  • Create a calm and relaxing environment. Your comfort is key when breastfeeding, so find a position that is comfortable for you to breastfeed. In a chair, or on a bed, or listening to relaxing music, make sure you are calm and relaxed before feeding.
  • Skin to skin contact. Breastfeeding is a great opportunity to bond with your baby. Awaken your newborn's natural instincts by holding him, dressed only in a diaper, against your bare chest.
  • Let your child take the lead. Gradually you will learn to understand the individual signs of hunger in your child. Usually, children begin to shake and nod their heads in the direction of the mother, toss and turn, lick their lips, stick out their tongue, showing that they are hungry.
  • Try not to force things. Help the baby find the breast, but try not to push the nipple into the baby's mouth.

Sensitive nipple protection. If your nipples are sore or cracked, try using soft, ultra-thin nipple guards to relieve sore nipples during feeding and prevent further nipple trauma. Due to the fact that the pads are made of thin silicone, the baby will still feel the warmth and smell of the mother's breast.

Popular breastfeeding positions to help ensure proper breastfeeding


In addition to these beneficial nursing steps, it is important to adopt a position that is comfortable for both you and your baby. Experiment with different positions until you find the one that makes you feel comfortable and helps your baby latch on properly.

Here are some of the most common positions that will help you and your baby get a good latch on during feeding: [1]

breastfeeding positions

1. Feeding in a reclining position.

The reclining or leaning back position is ideal for mothers who are breastfeeding for the first time. To try it, simply lean back into a reclining position with pillows under your neck, shoulders, and arms. Once you have established belly-to-belly contact with your baby, let him find the breast while supporting him as much as possible.

2. Feeding in the side lying position.


If you are looking for a feeding position that allows you to feed your baby and rest at the same time, the side lying position may be perfect for you. Lie on your side, leaning on a special roller or pillow. Facing you, the baby will be able to take the breast, which lies on the pillow. You can put a towel or blanket behind your baby to keep him in place while you feed. Also, this position is well suited for mothers who cannot sit after a caesarean section.

3. Feeding in the cross cradle position.

Another great position for getting your baby to latch on properly while breastfeeding is the “cross cradle,” which involves placing a pillow on your lap and placing your baby on its side facing you. During feeding, support the baby's back and head with the arm opposite the breast you are feeding.

4. Feeding in the "soccer ball" or "under the arm" position.

In order to assume this posture, you need to sit comfortably on a chair (in an armchair), leaning on pillows. Place the child on a pillow on the back so that his legs are under your arm and pointing towards the back of the chair. Supporting the back and shoulders of the baby, hold his head with the same hand, and with the other hand you can support the breast that you feed.

As you experiment with feeding positions, you may notice that your baby may like certain positions more. Once you have found the right position for feeding, look out for the following signs that your baby is latching on well: [2] [3]

  • You do not feel acute pain.
  • The baby's mouth is wide open, the baby's lower lip is turned out and the upper lip is in the normal position.
  • The lower part of the areola (the areola) is in the baby's mouth.
  • Baby's chin touches your breast.

Useful tip if you have flat or inverted nipples

​If you have inverted or flat nipples, you need to help your baby achieve a good latch by grabbing the nipple along with most of the areola. Here are some helpful tips for breastfeeding mothers with flat or inverted nipples:​

  • Help yourself with your fingers: you can try to stretch the nipples by rolling them between your fingers in the center where the hole is located, so they create a slight pressure, and the nipple is pushed out.​
  • If these suggestions don't help, then use nipple shields when breastfeeding for the first time so your baby can latch onto the nipple and pull it out over time.

It's the journey that counts, not the destination


You are now armed with the knowledge you need to know about the basic nursing positions, as well as tips to help you get a good latch on while nursing.

Learn more