During feeding, how should a mother position her thumb in relation to the baby’s nose?

The appropriate positioning of the thumb beside the baby's nose during feeding is important for facilitating a proper latch. This positioning allows the mother to effectively help guide the baby's mouth to open wide, ensuring that the baby can latch onto the breast appropriately. By placing her thumb beside the nose, she can encourage the baby to tilt back their head slightly, which helps them take in an adequate amount of breast tissue along with the nipple.

This technique not only supports the mechanics of feeding but also promotes a comfortable experience for both the mother and baby. It reduces the risk of the baby latching onto just the nipple, which can lead to discomfort for the mother and ineffective feeding for the baby. Proper thumb positioning is an essential aspect of breastfeeding education and practice, as it directly impacts milk transfer and the overall success of breastfeeding.