Look at some time tested breastfeeding positions that may help nursing go smoothly.
1. Cradle Hold:
It is a natural and most comfortable position for older babies who can handle their head better.
- Sit comfortably with your baby at the level of your heart
- Cradle your little one in your arm with her tummy against yours and head resting in your elbow bend. Her ear, shoulders and hip should follow a straight line.
- Place your baby’s lower arm under your breast or your underarm with her mouth near to your breast.
- Using your free hand to support your breast.
- Rest your thumb above the areola and the rest of the fingers beneath the breast.
- Now gently fondle your nipple on her lower lip. In response to the rooting reflex, her mouth opens wide that takes some time.
- Pull her quickly onto the breast and let her latch-on.
- Another variation, the laid back breastfeeding, the mother rests in a reclined position with tummy to tummy contact with the baby where her instincts work to get on the breast. It is a learning process that takes time for the baby to latch-on.
2. Cross Cradle Hold:
This is the common breastfeeding position that is also known as crossover hold. It offers a great support to the baby and the mother ill have complete control over her baby with just one hand.
- Sit comfortably with your baby at the level of your heart
- Cradle your little one in your arm with her tummy against yours and your hand at her head base and neck. Her ear, shoulders and hip should follow a straight line.
- Place your baby’s lower arm out of the way with her mouth near to your breast. Here you will use opposite arms from the cradle hold position.
- Use your free hand to support your breast.
- Rest your thumb above the areola and the rest of the fingers beneath the breast.
- Now gently fondle your nipple on her lower lip. In response to the rooting reflex, her mouth opens wide that takes some time.
- Pull her quickly onto the breast and let her latch-on. Do not lean over your baby, instead pull her near you.
This position works well when you:
- Nurse a newborn
- Are learning how to position an infant correctly
3. Football Hold:
The football hold is ideal for a mother whose breasts are very large or who had a C-section. It is also a perfect position for premature babies or tiny babies as it gives excellent control for mother over the baby.
- Place your baby so that her legs and body are beneath your arm and your hand at the base of the head and neck.
- Place your palm below the breast and let your little one latch-on by pulling her in close. Hold your baby’s head with her chin and nose touching your breast.
- When the baby latches on, the mother should make sure that her shoulders are in a relaxed state.
This position works well when:
- You have undergone a C-section and want to hold your baby against the incision of the abdomen
- Your breasts are large
- You want to check in your baby latch-on
- Your little one is restless and fussy
- You have inverted nipples
4. Football hold For Twins:
If you are a mother of twin babies, you might want to feed them separately or simultaneously. If you wish to feed them simultaneously, you could try the clutch or ‘football hold’ to allow each infant to latch onto each breast.
- With one baby in each of your arms, hold them while partially bending your elbow.
- You can also place your babies on a pillow each.
- Support their neck with your palm, let them incline towards your body.
- Let your babies latch on and suckle.
This method is a good choice when:
- You have undergone a C-section
- Your breasts are large
- You have a tiny baby
- You have a forceful milk ejection reflex
5. Side Lying Position:
The side-lying position is best when the mother needs some rest while nursing her baby. It is a bit tricky, but once both the mother and her baby gets hang of it, it will become the most favorable position. It is best recommended for those who have undergone a c-section.
- Position yourself and your infant towards side tummy to tummy.
- Bend your upper leg and position your upper knee with pillows.
- Lift your breast upward by placing fingers below and then take your baby close to latch-on.
This position is a good choice when:
- You need to lie flat after a C-section
- You are facing discomfort while sitting due to hemorrhoid pain
- You want to take a rest.
Credits:MomJunction
