Did you know you can breastfeed your baby in many different positions? You might need to experiment with a few positions before you become more confident and decide which is most preferred and comfortable for you and your baby. Every mum & baby are different. Here are 5 common breastfeeding positions for you to try out!
1. Cradle Hold
Sit on a plush chair with armrests or on a bed with pillows and cushions all around you.
If you are sitting in a chair, rest your feet on a stool or small table – this will stop you from leaning forward, which can cause backache.
Lie your baby across your lap, facing you.
Place your baby's head on your forearm – nose towards your nipple. Your hand should support the length of the baby’s body.
Place your baby's lower arm under yours.
Check, to make sure your baby's ear, shoulder, and hip are in a straight line
*If you've had a Caesarean delivery, you'll feel uncomfortable since the child will be resting across your stomach close to the scar, try lying on your side instead.
2. Cross Cradle Position
In this posture, it is simpler for you to see your nipple and the baby's mouth. You will be able to direct your child toward a positive latch. a suitable breastfeeding position for newborns, preterm babies, and infants who have trouble latching on. Support your baby with the fingers of your right hand.
To do this, place your thumb and index finger under each ear of your child's head and softly place your palm behind their neck. Your hand's web formed by your thumb, index finger, and palm serves as the baby's "second neck" since the baby's neck rests there. Put your hand's palm in the space between his shoulder blades.
As you get ready to latch on, make sure your baby's mouth is right up to your breast.
You push with your palm from in between your shoulder blades as the baby opens his mouth wide, bringing him to your breast and letting him "scoop" up the breast.
His mouth to cover at least a half inch from the base of your nipple.
3. Football or Clutch Hold
This is perfect for mothers who are healing from abdominal surgery or who are experiencing postpartum pain.
Hold the infant in your arm with their face up and their head close to your breast.
Place a pillow on one side of your body to support the baby's torso.
Support the infant's head, neck, and back with your arm and hand.
Hold the infant close to your side while tucking its legs and feet under your arm.
4. Lying On Your Side
This is a good posture to adopt if you underwent a cesarean section, had a challenging delivery, or are breastfeeding in the middle of the night.
Start by relaxingly reclining on your side. You are facing the baby tummy to tummy. A straight line should be drawn from your baby's ear to his shoulder and hip.
Place a few pillows or cushions behind you for support. The infant can be supported by a rolled-up blanket; just make sure to take it off once you've finished nursing. Make sure your baby's head or face is not too close to the pillow you are using if you want to sleep with one under your head.
Use your free arm to support and direct your baby's head to your breast while tucking the arm you're currently lying on beneath your head or pillow.
Avoid dozing off right after nursing the infant and before putting him or her back in the crib.
5. Laidback or Biological Position
This position is great for babies who are having problems latching or moms who want to rest and nurse at the same time.
Lay back comfortably in a supported reclining position
Place baby's tummy down on your stomach (baby's belly resting on your skin). If the baby is unable to hold up one side of the head, support it.
Let the infant discover your nipple.
