Ultimate Quick Guide to Breastfeeding Positions.
There are various breastfeeding positions to experiment with when feeding your baby, and there's even one suitable for twins. The best breastfeeding position varies based on factors like breast size, the baby's latch onto the nipple, and the speed of milk flow. When testing different positions, pay attention to your baby's reaction and your own comfort. Finding a position where both of you are at ease indicates you've found the right one. If that position isn't effective next time, don't hesitate to explore other options.
Cradle Hold
The cradle hold is suitable for babies of all ages and is most effective when used in a chair with armrests.
Hold your baby with the arm on the same side as the breast the baby will feed from.
Position your baby's head comfortably in the crook of your elbow, facing your breast. Placing your arm on the chair's armrest and using a pillow on your lap to raise the baby can help prevent you from leaning forward.
Use your free hand to support your breast from underneath in a U-shaped or C-shaped hold.
Gently guide the baby's mouth to your breast, ensuring their head is aligned with their body and not turned to the side.
Cross Cradle Hold
The cross-cradle hold is an optimal position for breastfeeding newborns as it allows for better head control. Here are the steps to achieve this hold effectively:
Sit upright in a comfortable chair with armrests.
Position your baby across your body, ensuring tummy-to-tummy contact.
Use the arm opposite to the breast being nursed to hold your baby (left arm for right breast, right arm for left breast).
Support the back of the baby's head with one hand and your breast with a U-shaped hold from below with the other hand.
Guide the baby's mouth to latch onto your breast.
Laid-back position
The laid-back position is ideal for newborns, especially for moms with smaller breast sizes. To achieve this position:
Ensure you are reclined, but not lying flat, supporting your back with something comfortable.
Place the baby on your tummy, supporting their body and head just above your breasts.
Babies will instinctively move and wiggle to locate the nipple.
Support your baby's head as they search for the nipple.
Allow the baby to latch on their own once they find the nipple, as babies can use gravity to attach without assistance.
Side Lying Position
A side-lying position might be a good choice when you're resting, although it's important to return the baby to the baby's own bed to sleep. In this position, it can be hard to see how well your baby is latched. So this position may be best once both you and your baby are used to breastfeeding.
Lie on your side with pillows to support your back and head.
Face your baby toward your breast, supporting the baby with one hand.
With the other hand, grasp your breast and touch your nipple to your baby's lips.
Once your baby latches on, use one arm to support your own head and the other to help support the baby and bring the baby close.
Football, also known as the clutch hold
An alternative technique is the football hold, which is also referred to as the clutch hold. This method could be beneficial for those recovering from a caesarean birth, commonly known as a C-section, or for mothers breastfeeding twins. It can also be useful for individuals with larger breasts, flat nipples, or a strong milk ejection reflex.
Hold your baby next to you with your elbow bent.
Use your open hand to cradle your baby's head with your palm supporting the base of their neck. Your baby's back should rest on your forearm, aligned with your nipple. Placing a pillow under your baby and arm may help.
Support your breast with a C-shaped hold using your other hand.
Position the baby's mouth towards your breast.
Football, also known as the clutch hold FOR TWINS
If you are a parent of twins, you may opt to breastfeed them separately initially to monitor each baby's progress. Alternatively, if you prefer to breastfeed them simultaneously, cradle one baby in each arm with their backs resting on your forearms. To enhance comfort, place pillows on your lap and use a chair with wide, low arms for support. This breastfeeding position is ideal for babies with minimal head control and prevents pressure on the healing scar for mothers recovering from a cesarean birth. Ensure that the baby's chin is not tucked into their chest but has enough space to facilitate swallowing easily.
