A Breastfeeding Checklist: Are You Nursing Correctly? 

Signs of Correct Nursing

• Your baby’s mouth is open wide with lips curled out.
• His chin and nose are resting against the breast.
• He has taken as much of the areola as possible into his mouth.
• He is suckling rhythmically and deeply, in short bursts separated by pauses.
• You can hear him swallowing regularly.
• Your nipple is comfortable after the first few suckles.

Signs of Incorrect Nursing

• Your baby’s head is not in line with his body.
• He is sucking on the nipple only, instead of suckling on the areola with the nipple far back in his mouth.
• He is sucking in a light, quick, fluttery manner rather than taking deep, regular suckles.
• His cheeks are puckered inward or you hear clicking noises.
• You don’t hear him swallow regularly after your milk production has increased.