Top Breastfeeding Positions. Know which one is best for you!

For new mommies, breastfeeding can be surprisingly hard! But don’t worry, we’ll guide you the right path and proper way to breastfeeding. Generally, below are 6 ways for you try and figure out which one is most efficient for you!

 

(Image courtesy of : babycentre.co.uk)

1. Laid-Back Breastfeeding, otherwise known as Biological Breastfeeding Position

 

This is the position mother and infant get into naturally after birth. Studies demonstrate that the laid-back position, also known as biological nurturing, triggers the infant's reflexes to search for nipple and begin to breastfeed on his own.

Basically, mother is lying back comfortably, and child is over mother's chest, skin-to-skin, and starts to look for the nipple.The child is precisely held in place by gravity and mother's curves.

 

Step by step instructions to Biologically Breastfeed

 

• Comfortably laid back with cushion or pillow. You should not be lying flat on your back, but in a way that you comfortable with supported reclining position

• Place your infant tummy down on your stomach, with their stomach resting on your skin. This enabled your infant to discover the nipple.

 

Good for: Newborn baby, babies who are experiencing difficulty latching, or mothers who need to rest and nurse at the same time

 

(Image courtesy of : mainlinehealth.org)

2. Cradle hold

 

This position is the most well-known and simple breastfeeding method for a child that is slightly older (3 months and above). It's preferable for mothers who need to be discrete in the public.

 

Step by step instructions to Cradle Hold

 

• Cradle baby in your arm of the same side from the breast you’re feeding with, right arm for right breast, left arm for left breast.
• Your child should lay on their side, with their head laying on your arm as a pillow. Use (real) cushions or nursing pillow to prop up your arm and your infant with the goal that your child's mouth is up to breast level.
• For babies, child's bottom and head ought to be in line. For older infants, you may lower their base down a bit. Use your free hand to support your breast if necessary.

 

Good for: Quick, simple nursing for older babies, and private public nursing.

 

 

(Image courtesy of : mainlinehealth.org)

 

3. Cross-Cradle Hold

 

This position is same to cradle hold however, this particularly useful for newborn babies who are yet still figuring out how to latch or for babies who are not feeding well.

 

Step by step instructions to Cross-Cradle Hold

 

• Lie your infant on a cushion or nursing pillow on your lap. In the event that you are nursing on the left side, support child's head in right hand, by placing your thumb by one ear and your index finger by the other ear.
• Your child's neck ought to be upheld by the space between the index finger and the thumb. This enable your palm to support infant's upper back. Use your left hand to help your left bosom.
• To get your infant latched on, stimulate/tickle their upper lip with your nipple, and when your child opens its mouth, use your right hand to push infant's back toward the bosom to get proper latch.

 

Good for: Babies who require help latching and small or premature babies.

 

(Image courtesy of : mainlinehealth.org)

 

4. Football Hold

 

This position is superb for mothers who have had a Cesarean birth, since it keeps baby from applying pressure on the incision.

It's additionally awesome for mothers of twins or a mother who is tandem nursing, as every child can be latched on simultaneously. This position isn't the best for a sleepy infant who could benefit from more skin-to-skin contact.

 

Step by step instructions to Do the Football Hold

 

• You infant ought to lie on their back next to you, with their legs next at your side (under your arm). Use cushion or pillow to get your child to bosom level.
• Use the arm on the side your baby is on to support their head, as in the cross hold.
• Hold your bosom with the other hand, and then level your baby’s face up to meet the breast. Your baby will be at a slight angle. Use extra pillow to prop up your child and your arm so you don't get worn out/tired.

 

Good for: Cesarean births, tandem nursing and mothers of twins.

 

(Image courtesy of : mainlinehealth.org)

 

5. Side Lying

 

This position is the most hard to get down to but it is the most helpful once you do. For a family who is co-sleeping (or even the those who aren't), learning the side-lying nursing position is a lifesaver. Not only can you lay down while you nurse, however you can rest while infant is feeding.

This position is amazing for getting more rest as we all know that getting as much sleep as possible is key factor to surviving the early days with a baby

 

Step by step instructions to Do Side-Lying Breastfeeding

 

• Lie on your side with your arm under your head or around the infant (you may likewise use a rolled up receiving blanket to keep baby from rolling away).
• Your child ought to be their side with their mouth close to your nipple. Use the other hand to support your lower bosom.
• If you need to help baby latch, you can sit up a little, resting on your elbow. Use your lower arm to hold infant set up, and utilize your best arm to position the bosom. At that point set down gradually after infant in place, and use your top arm to adjust the breast.
• You may also request your partner help you to get infant latched on so that you don’t have to sit up.
• Alternatively, you can lie your child down on their side and afterward you rests, as well, with your elbow propping your upper body up until you’re situated.
• At that point pull your child nearer to you or scoot your body to meet the baby, until baby is close enough to latch on.
• Take your bosom close by, situating it before your child for them to latch. Once latched, you can lie your head down and rest while infant feed, yet you'll presumably need to keep your elbow propped up by your head or around infant so it's not in the way.

 

Good for: Nighttime nursing, a worn out mom who needs to rest, or nursing while sick. Normally best for a child who are somewhat little older and have the hang of breastfeeding.

 

 

6. Baby Carrier Method of Breastfeeding

 

Alright, so perhaps this isn't an official "position" yet it merits saying that babies can also nurse while they’re in their baby carrier. Litreally a multitasking mom! This is best for older babies who have the hang of breastfeeding and have great neck control. This position is also quite discreet, which is critical  to some moms.

 

Step by step instructions to Baby Carrier Breast Feed

 

Help your infant to discover your bosom. Latch them on and encourage them to lean their cheek on your bosom. This will ensure your baby can inhale effectively as they feeding.

 

Good for: Experienced nursing babies with great neck control. Likewise, a decent position for mothers who like to be more discreet.

 

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