Breastfeeding your baby with Down syndrome

Congratulations on the birth of your baby. Things may not be how you expected and you might be feeling a mix of emotions. You’re not alone and support is available as you get to know your baby and learn what works for you both.

If you’ve just found out your baby has Down syndrome, or even if you’ve known for some time, you may be wondering what breastfeeding will be like. Every baby is different. Babies with Down syndrome develop their skills over time and breastfeeding can be part of this early learning and connection.

Breastmilk is more than food. It also supports your baby’s comfort, growth and development. For babies with Down syndrome, breastmilk can be especially helpful.

• Breastmilk contains antibodies that help protect your baby from infections. Babies with Down syndrome have a higher risk of infections, especially chest infections.
• Breastfeeding helps strengthen the muscles of your baby’s lips, tongue and face. This helps prepare your baby for eating other foods and for speech development. Breastfeeding gives your baby a chance to use and practise these muscles every day.
• Some babies with Down syndrome are born early. If your baby was premature, colostrum and breastmilk provide important protection and support for growth.

Many babies with Down syndrome have low muscle tone. This can affect how they feed, especially in the early weeks.
Your baby may:

• find it hard to get a deep mouthful of breast tissue
• have trouble staying attached
• find it hard to coordinate sucking, swallowing and breathing
• gulp or splutter during feeds
• get tired quickly
• take in less milk during a feed

These early challenges can feel hard, but feeding often improves over time. As your baby grows and breastfeeds, their muscles get stronger and their feeding skills develop.

Good positioning can help your baby use less energy and feed more comfortably.

Different positions may work for different babies. Some options to try include:

• holding your baby on their side across your lap, facing you, with their lower arm around your body
• using an underarm (football) hold, with your baby tucked beside you, their back supported by your forearm and their head in your hand

No matter what position you use, it will be helpful to:

• support your baby’s whole body so they don’t need to hold themselves up
• keep their chest facing your body, so they don’t need to turn their head to feed
• make sure their head and neck are well supported
• bring your baby up to breast height using pillows, so their mouth is level with your nipple
• place an extra pillow under their bottom to help lift their body and keep them well supported

Some mums use a sling to help keep their baby in a curved ‘C-shape’ with their head and bottom supported. 

You can try different positions with various pillows or supports and see what works best for you and your baby.

Many babies need extra help to attach well to the breast.
One technique that can help is the ‘Dancer hand’ hold. This supports both your breast and your baby’s jaw during a feed.

To try the Dancer hand hold:

• cup your hand under your breast
• slide your hand forward so three fingers support your breast
• make a ‘U-shape’ with your thumb and first finger
• use this ‘U-shape to gently support your baby’s jaw while they feed

This can help your baby stay attached and feed more effectively.

It may help to get your milk flowing before your baby starts to feed. This means your baby doesn’t need to work hard before milk comes.

You could try:

• gently hand expressing a small amount of milk
• rolling your nipple between your thumb and fingers
• stroking your breast down towards the nipple
• holding a warm face cloth to your breast

You could soften the darker area around the nipple (areola) if you need to make it easier for your baby to attach.

Things may not be as you expected or hoped for, and feeding your baby may have some challenges, especially in the early weeks.

As your baby grows, they often become stronger and more able to feed. Small changes over time can make feeding easier.

There is support available for you and your family as you care for your baby and help them grow and learn.
You don’t have to do this on your own. Reaching out for support and connecting with others can make a big difference.
 

Down Syndrome Federation 

The Down Syndrome Federation provides a range of supports and services for new parents and families. The national webpage links to all state pages. 

Down Syndrome Australia
 

Growth charts 

Growth Charts for Children with Down syndrome

© Australian Breastfeeding Association June 2026