Four Common Position For Breast Feeding

There is no right or wrong way to feed your baby. However, many mums find that certain breastfeeding positions and “holds” can help them have a more comfortable and breastfeeding session. It is worth spending some time to figure out what works best for you and your baby.

At first, breastfeeding can feel surprisingly awkward. It is not always “natural” for some mums, especially not right away. To help make breastfeeding more comfortable, mums often alternate between different breastfeeding positions, and experiment with different ways of holding the baby against their body and breast.

Many new mums might think, “But how hard can it be to hold a baby? Anyone can do it!” However, the truth is, learning how to hold and support your baby in a comfortable position for breastfeeding calls for coordination — and lots of patience.

Finding a breastfeeding position that works for you and your infant is well worth the effort. Since you are going to spend several hours of your day in this position, you should feel comfortable! No one is judging. Do what work for you and your baby.

Here are some time-tested breastfeeding positions to try, plus tips to make feeding go smoothly:

Basic Tips for Finding a Good Breastfeeding Position

Whatever the position, here are some basic ways to find that breastfeeding position that works for mum and baby.

1.Make yourself comfortable. To support the let-down reflex, you should sit in a relaxed position. This is another reason why it’s so important to create a breastfeeding sanctuary where you can sit uninterrupted and connect with your baby during breastfeeding sessions.

2.Have a drink and snack for yourself within easy reach. Staying hydrated and well-fed is part of keeping yourself nourished and nurtured. Take care of yourself while caring for your baby.

3.Hold your baby close to your body. Position yourself tummy-to-tummy, while supporting their shoulders and bottom.

4. There is no right or wrong breastfeeding position, as long as baby can get an effective latch and the milk flows well with no pain for mum. You will find what works for you with practice.

5.Make sure you choose a position that allows a good latch. Pay attention to which positions seem to work better for your baby’s latch – even if it’s an unconventional-looking arrangement. Babies need to take as much of the underneath part of the areola in their mouths as possible, as the nipple sits towards the top of the palate.

6.Breathe and relax your shoulders. Often when mums are learning to breastfeed they become quite tense.

It is important to relax as much as possible during feeding to help your muscles not become sore and allow the milk to flow well to baby. Once breastfeeding feels easy and natural make it your special time together to unwind and breathe a bit.

Here are five of the most common breastfeeding positions:

The Traditional Cradling Position

While this position may come most naturally for mom and baby, if your baby is smaller or has trouble latching, this may not be the best position for nursing. Your baby will be on its back horizontally and resting comfortably. If you’re feeding from the left breast, its head will rest in the crook of that same arm. The rest of your arm will be under the baby’s back and you’ll need to make sure that its spine, neck and head are fully supported while its nose is in line with the nipple from which they are feeding.

An Alternate Cradle Position

In this position, the hand opposite the breast your baby feeds from is supporting their head, and the rest of your arm supports their body. This may be more comfortable for smaller or premature babies. If you use this position or the traditional cradle position, a breastfeeding pillow can come in very handy. During the first few days (or weeks) of breastfeeding, your baby will likely be feeding for 30-40 minutes per session as baby learns and gets used to the process.

Breastfeeding support like a pillow as well as entertainment and snacks close by is essential so you won’t have to get up when baby needs to rest, or you need a bit of sustenance or distraction in the middle of feeding. You’ll be able to lay them down safely without interrupting feeding if you have a breastfeeding pillow on hand.

Like a Football Position

You may have heard about holding your baby “like a football” and this is actually one of the positions used in breastfeeding as well as every day. Mom puts her arm under her baby and supports them using her palm on their back and to support their head. Lay them down on a pillow next to you with their head at the end pointing down toward your feet, then put your arm underneath them and bring them up to your breast with their nose in line with the nipple, holding them similar to the way you would a football.

Relax and Snuggle Position

This position is where your breastfeeding pillow comes in most handy, along with as many others as you can find. In the middle of the night or when mom and baby (or just mom) are really exhausted, mom can lay on her side propped up with pillows behind her and the baby is laid on their side next to her at her breast, using the breastfeeding pillow to keep them in place. Bring your arm over your head to cradle your baby’s head and make sure it is properly placed at your breast as they feed.

Utilize Your Support System

Breastfeeding support is incredibly important, especially in the first few weeks of their life. As you’re learning which positions are best for your baby, you may need a lactation specialist to help you if he’s having trouble no matter what position you try and there may be other alternative positions that are better for them or any specific health conditions your baby may have. Be sure to educate yourself as much as possible, ask questions whenever you have them, and don’t be discouraged if things get difficult for you or your baby.