Coaching

[Gabrielle]

I’ve recently met a partner who is willing to try ANR. He has no previous experience. I’m hoping to get some tips on how to coach him in suckling technique. I don’t have a ton of experience myself. I know what a good latch and appropriate rhythmic suction feels like to me, but don’t know how to transmit that information. Does anyone have any advise? Please and Thank you! 💙

[Rob]

I was in the same boat myself before my first suckling experience. One thing that really helped me was to look up a short video showing how to correctly latch a baby – an animated piece that shows what goes on inside baby’s mouth, to get the right latch and suckling technique. There’s plenty of them across the web, so try finding one of those to help show him what to do.

You can also describe the right ‘feel’ for a good latch. Explain that your nipple needs to be towards the back of his mouth. Maybe get him to run his own finger along the top of his mouth, to feel where the hard tissue turns soft – that’s where your nupple should be. When he latches, he could use his nose to align with your nipple – that works for me – then take as much of your breast as he can, especially the whole nipple and areola, into his mouth.

One more thing that helped me was another woman advising that suckling is instinctive, so the body should remember or figure out what to do when he actually tries it. For suckling itself, he should only be moving his lower jaw, not biting or sucking. Once latched on, he should soon feel what works.

I hope this advise will help you and your partner. Best of luck with your efforts!

[Grogman 🚀💙]

Nuturing Bosom has some good posts about how to properly suckle. They might give you some good insight.

[Nick]

First, congratulations for finding a partner who wants to try nursing. Hope both of you will be successful in establishing good connection and latch. Here is some info about latching and adult breast feeding:

Adult Breastfeeding Latch
Adult breastfeeding, also known as adult nursing relationship (ANR), is a consensual practice where one adult breastfeeds another. The latch technique for adult breastfeeding is similar to that for infant breastfeeding, but there are some additional considerations:
Positioning:
The lactating person can sit or lie in a comfortable position.
The nursing person can sit or lie facing the lactating person.
Initiation:
The nursing person can gently stimulate the nipple to encourage milk flow.
The lactating person can guide the nipple into the nursing person’s mouth.
Latch:
The nursing person should open their mouth wide and cover as much of the nipple and areola as possible.
Their tongue should extend over their lower gum and press against the breast.
Their chin should rest on the lactating person’s chest.
Milk Flow:
It may take some time for milk to flow, especially if the lactating person is not lactating regularly.
The nursing person can continue to stimulate the breast to encourage milk production.
Additional Considerations:
Consent: Both parties must give informed consent to engage in ANR.
Health Concerns: The lactating person should be healthy and free of any infectious diseases.
Milk Supply: The lactating person may need to stimulate their breasts regularly to maintain a sufficient milk supply.
Equipment: Some couples may use a pump or feeding device to assist with milk flow.
Note: It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before engaging in ANR to discuss any potential risks or concerns.

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