When it comes to breastfeeding positions, new moms generally pick one and stick to the same throughout. However, there are about five ways of holding your baby while breastfeeding. Before choosing one as your go-to breastfeeding position, you can try different ways to feed the little one to see how well they latch and how comfortable you and your newborn are. This National Breastfeeding Month, we are here to guide you and inform you about all the different ways you can hold your infant while breastfeeding.
Some of the best breastfeeding positions to hold your baby in
As mentioned earlier, there are five breastfeeding positions that you can try with your baby to see what suits you the best. A rule to follow while selecting the breastfeeding position is that your infant should be able to latch well. Moreover, you should not feel any pain or discomfort while feeding in that position.
Another thing to keep in mind is that before getting ready to feed, keep a pillow nearby to avoid straining your back, wrist, or shoulders. Also, try to keep distractions like mobile phones away or decrease their volume so your newborn can breastfeed peacefully without getting startled when you scroll past an abnormally loud video or ad.
Cradle hold
This is one of the most popular positions for holding the baby while breastfeeding. Furthermore, it works wonderfully even if your infant is in a sling. However, it may not be comfortable if you had a cesarean since, in this breastfeeding position, your newborn lies across your tummy near the scar.
To hold the baby in this position, sit in a comfortable chair with an armrest or on your bed with pillows or cushions for support. If you are sitting in a chair, rest your feet on a footstool. This will prevent you from leaning forward, which can cause backache.
- Once seated, lie your infant across your lap, facing you.
- Then, place their head on your forearm and turn their face towards your nipple. Your hand should also support the entire body.
- Make sure your little one is latched well.
- Place their arm under yours to ensure the baby remains comfortable and cozy while breastfeeding. Also, make sure your infant’s ear, shoulder, and hip are in a straight line.
- Now, support your breast from the underside with your other arm (that isn’t holding the newborn) in a U-shaped or C-shaped hold.
Cross-cradle hold
If your baby has trouble latching, try holding them in this position while breastfeeding. It is similar to the cradle hold, but you support your little one’s head with your opposite arm and hand, guiding your infant to get a good latch.
- Bring your infant across the front of your body, and lay them down tummy to tummy.
- Then, hold your little one with the arm that’s not on the same side as the breast you’re feeding from. This means the left arm for the right breast, and vice versa.
- Gently support the back of the baby’s head with your hand.
- With the other hand, support your breast from the underside with a U-shaped hold.
- Gently guide your infant’s mouth to your breast, making it easier for them to latch on for breastfeeding.
Laid-back position
A laid-back breastfeeding position, also known as biological nursing, is an excellent position if you had a cesarean. In this, your baby can lie across you and away from your incision. Ensure you lie back in a comfortable semi-reclined position on a recliner, comfy sofa, or bed.
- Lean back (but not flat) on a sofa or bed.
- If needed, support your back and neck with cushions or pillows so they don’t get strained.
- Once comfortable in this breastfeeding position, place your baby on your front, tummy on tummy. If this is uncomfortable, lay them down to one side.
- Make sure you are upright enough to look into your little one’s eyes.
- While supporting your infant with one hand, gently guide them to your nipple.
Side-lying position
This way of holding the baby while breastfeeding is great, especially if you have had a cesarean or challenging delivery or if you are nursing in the middle of the night. However, make sure you don’t doze off while breastfeeding in this position.
- Comfortably lay on your side with your infant facing you.
- Ensure that your newborn’s ear, shoulder, and hip are in a straight line.
- Place some cushions or pillows behind you for support. You can even place a rolled-up baby blanket behind your little one to support them. However, if you have a pillow under your head, put it away from your infant’s head or face to avoid accidents.
- Tuck the arm you’re lying on under your head or pillow (ensuring the pillow doesn’t interfere with your baby’s positioning). Use your free arm to help your infant latch.
Football hold
Football hold, also called a clutch, is good if you have cesarean babies, as there is no pressure on your tummy and scar area. Moreover, this breastfeeding position works well with twins, as you can feed both of them simultaneously.
- Sit in a chair with a cushion or pillow along your side. You can also sit on a bed for this breastfeeding position.
- Place your baby on the side you want to feed from. Hold them under your arm, with their hips close to your hips. Make sure your little one’s nose should be level with your nipple.
- Hold your infant’s neck with the palm of your hand and guide them to latch. Also, ensure your newborn’s chin isn’t resting on their chest. There should be some gap between their chin and chest. This way, your little one will be able to swallow easily.
So, try these breastfeeding positions, and depending on how your baby reacts and how long you can sit in that position, pick the one that suits you the best. You can also try breastfeeding your infant in different positions throughout the day, provided they get a good latch. Just remember not to lean over, bend over, or sleep while holding the baby in any breastfeeding position. It might prove to be fatal for the newborn, as you might accidentally block their airway, leading to suffocation.
Breastfeeding can be challenging at times. However, with the correct position and good latch, this can be a less painful experience. So, try these breastfeeding positions and let us know which position worked best for you and your baby in the comment section below.
