• Baby’s ear, shoulder and hip should form a straight line.

• A pillow under your baby will help keep him at the breast level without straining your arm, shoulder and neck or back muscles.

• Your breast can also be supported with your thumb above and hand underneath.(C shape)

• Touch your baby’s lower lip with your nipple.

• Wait for baby to open wide like a yawn. Pull baby in close, and bring your baby to the breast rather than the breast to baby.

• Baby should latch on with his mouth covering a large portion of your areola (dark area around the nipple)

• Baby’s nose may rest on the breast but the chin should always press into the breast during active sucking, this plays an important part in the release/ejection of milk.

• If you leave the hand supporting the breast in place, be sure you do not press down with your thumb, which can pull your nipple to the front of baby’s mouth.

• Look for your baby’s jaw line moving and watch for the movement to cause the ear lobe to wiggle as your baby sucks


Article by: Elizabeth Arthur

I just bought the Clementine spot print nursing bra from the Blossom Mother and Child website and got very prompt delivery to Dublin.


After spending months wearing white or black maternity bras I was attracted to the range of colours & was delighted to see a bit of feminine finishing on offer – green ribbon trim! pink polka dot! fantastic and just what my hard working boobs needed! I found the bra and knickers to be very comfortable too and they fitted well.


I also ordered the nursing nightdress in the same range and was really impressed with it, I hadn’t come across anything similar in the shops and its much more convenient that having to wearing a bra and a nightdress to bed. The material is 8% lycra so its extra comfy and the stretch keeps the breast pads in place – it all helps!


Overall I was very impressed it with service and the products of Blossom and will be passing on the details to all the new mothers at my mother and child group!


- Maeve (Pictured above with the adorable Hazel)

• Make sure the hand supporting the breast keeps the weight of the breast off your baby’s chin.

• Express milk onto baby’s lips.

• Change nappy wind or burp baby between attachment.

• Try feeding in a football or cross cradle hold position, rather than cradle hold.

• Massage baby’s crown in a circular motion while feeding.


A baby who is not feeding often enough may not be getting enough
milk. Watch for 6-8 wet cloth nappies or 5-6 disposable and 2-5 bowel movements every 24 hours, beginning on the third day after birth. For more help with breastfeeding contact your midwife or other breastfeeding specialist. A baby who is not gaining weight should be checked out by your midwife or doctor.



Article by: Elizabeth Arthur

This is not meant to be performed constantly if it doesn’t work try something else on the list otherwise your baby may get irritated.


• Rub or pat the baby’s back or walk your fingers up the baby’s spine.

• Change or loosen the baby’s nappy.

• Manipulate his arm and legs in gentle bicycling motions.

• Increase skin-to-skin contact with your baby

• Gently rub baby’s hands or feet.

• Wipe baby’s forehead and cheeks with a cool, damp cloth.

• Circle baby’s lips with fingertip.





Article by: Elizabeth Arthur

• Try arousing the baby when he’s in a light sleep cycle his eyes are closed, you can see rapid eye movement under the eyelids, he may have arm-leg movements, his lips make sucking movements, facial expression changes.

• Dim the lights as bright lights might make him close his eyes.

• Talk directly to the baby, try to make eye contact.

• Un-wrap the baby down to his nappy if the room is warm, sucking activity decreases in temperatures above 27 degrees Celsius (80F).

• Hold baby upright in a sitting or standing position.

• Bend the baby into gentle sit-ups in your lap by raising his head, shoulders, and torso, never bring the baby’s legs up when he’s sitting i.e. ‘’jack knife’’ as this could cause internal damage.

• Loosen or remove blankets.


Article by: Elizabeth Arthur

If a new baby tends to sleep longer periods, it might help to waken and encourage your baby to feed more often during the day. Also, some babies ‘snack’ feed for short periods, falling asleep only to wake 20 or 30 minutes later to feed again. A baby will often suck actively for at least ten minutes on the first breast and then seems satisfied or loses interest. The trick is to stimulate before offering the first breast again, then try the 2nd breast. Babies don’t always take the second breast at every feed. However it may make all the difference if your baby feeds well then rests well and wakes up hungry and ready to feed well next time. It also promotes a bigger gap in between feeds.

Other benefits for putting the baby back to the 1st breast straight away, is that it helps to effectively empty the breast thereby reducing the risk of mastitis. Which a painfull and debilitating infection which is not cured by stopping feeding at the breast (as often prescribe by GP’s)


Article by: Elizabeth Arthur

For tips on stylish nursing bras – see our lingerie section.

If a baby is premature you can still provide breast milk for your baby. Many mothers find it can be very comforting to provide breast milk even if your baby cannot suck directly from the breast.


Some premature babies will be able to be put directly to the breast soon after birth, but many will need to wait a little while until they are able to suckle. If your baby is unable to go to the breast, you can supply all this milk by expressing. Expressing breast milk is never easy. Remember that expressing milk is a skill, which you must learn, and it may take a few days to learn how to express properly. There is little milk to start with. Don’t worry, this is normal... Later on, the amount of milk expressed may vary depending on the time of day and how you feel yourself. Again, don’t worry; try to remember that the amount of milk produced will increase, when your baby is finally able to go to the breast.


Article by: Elizabeth Arthur

Scientific studies have shown that breast fed children have fewer and less serious illnesses and allergies than those who never receive breast milk. The most significant of these include a reduced risk of sudden infant death syndrome and less childhood cancer and diabetes.


Research also shows that breastfed babies have higher IQs as well as better brain and nervous system development.


Recent studies suggest that women who breastfed have a decreased risk of breast and ovarian cancer, anemia, and osteoporosis.


Deciding how to feed your baby is not always easy modern living, work and family commitments all play a part in the in the choices we make.


Breastfeeding does not always happen easily and initially can be very hard work, it is a skill that has to be learnt but for those who become successful it is the most wonderful, joyful, rewarding and satisfying experience for both you and your baby.


Breast milk contains substances produced by the immune system; they help to protect your baby from illness. Premature babies are especially vulnerable to illness and breast milk is much easier for your baby to digest. As providing breast milk is something only you can do, it may help you feel closer to your baby. However, it is your decision only you can make, and it is incredibly important to feel comfortable with the method you choose.



Some of the benefits of breast milk include:

• Breastfeeding offers advantages for both babies and mothers in many ways, and the overwhelming health benefits of human milk are well documented. Reduce the incidence of allergy related illnesses such as eczema and asthma

• Known to reduce the risk of: breast cancer osteoporosis, diabetes, ulcerative colitis and Crohns disease



Article by: Elizabeth Arthur


Check out Blossom’s own range of nursing bras – specially designed to aid during nursing without compromising on style.