Although babies are born with the reflex to reach for their mama’s breast, many mamas require assistance in placing their newborns for breastfeeding, and ensuring that they are securely fastened.
To help you both make the most of breastfeeding, here are some positions to try. Remember, the most important thing is for your baby to be able to feed well. It may take a few tries before you find what works best for both of you.
Here are 5 positions to attempt during nursing. Don’t forget to remember to keep in mind that your baby's ability to eat properly is what matters most. And it may take a couple of tries before you find a solution that works best for you both.
1. Cradle Hold
The baby's head is cradled in the crook of the mama's arm, with the baby facing the mama and the baby's body positioned along the mama's forearm. The Cradle Hold is a popular position among new mamas as it is easy to hold the baby securely, and it's also good for soothing a fussy baby.
The Cradle Hold is a common breastfeeding position where the baby's head is cradled in the crook of the mama's arm, with the baby facing the mama and the baby's body positioned along the mama's forearm.
To get into this position, the mama should sit comfortably in a chair with her back supported and her feet flat on the ground. She can then hold her baby close to her, with the baby's head resting in the crook of her arm, and the baby's body supported along her forearm.
The mama should make sure that the baby's head, neck, and back are in a comfortable and supported position, and that her breast is positioned so that the baby can latch on easily. The baby's nose should be opposite the mama's nipple. The baby's mouth should be wide open with the lower lip curled out and the tongue down.
2. Cross-Cradle Hold
Similar to the cradle hold, but the baby's head is supported by the opposite hand of the breast being used. The Cross-Cradle Hold is a good position to use when the baby is having trouble latching on or if the mama has sore nipples. It also allows the mama to have more control over the baby's head and helps to prevent the baby from getting smothered. It's also a good position for mamas recovering from a c-section or for when the baby is premature.
The Cross-Cradle Hold is a breastfeeding position that is similar to the Cradle Hold, but the baby's head is supported by the opposite hand of the breast being used.
To get into this position, the mama should sit comfortably in a chair with her back supported and her feet flat on the ground. She should hold her baby close to her, with the baby's head resting in the crook of her opposite arm and the baby's body supported along her forearm.
The mama should use her other hand to support the breast and guide the baby's mouth to the nipple. The baby's nose should be opposite the mama's nipple. The baby's mouth should be wide open with the lower lip curled out and the tongue down.
3. Football Hold
The baby is held on their side, with their head and body supported by the mama's arm and hand. This position is also often used when the mama has had a c-section or the baby is premature. It allows the mama to support the baby's head and body while keeping the baby away from the incision site. It's also good for mamas with large breasts as it allows the baby to be closer to the breast and reach the nipple more easily. It's also a good position to use if the baby is having trouble latching on or if the mama has sore nipples.
The Football Hold, also known as the Clutch Hold, is a breastfeeding position where the baby is held on their side, with their head and body supported by the mama's arm and hand.
To get into this position, the mama should sit comfortably in a chair with her back supported and her feet flat on the ground. She should hold her baby close to her with the baby's head resting on her forearm and the baby's body supported by her hand. The baby's legs should be tucked under the mama's arm like a football.
The mama should support her breast with her other hand and guide the baby's mouth to the nipple. The baby's nose should be opposite the mama's nipple. The baby's mouth should be wide open with the lower lip curled out and the tongue down.
4. Side-Lying Position
The mama and baby lie on their sides facing each other, with the baby's head supported by the mama's arm. This position can be helpful for night-time feedings. It allows both the mama and baby to rest comfortably while breastfeeding. It also allows the mama to have her free hand to read, use her phone, or to do other activities while breastfeeding.
The Side-Lying Position is a breastfeeding position where the mama and baby lie on their sides facing each other, with the baby's head supported by the mama's arm.
To get into this position, the mama should lie on her side with a pillow behind her back for support. She should then bring the baby towards her, positioning the baby's head on the same side as the breast she will be using. The baby's body should be facing the mama's body and the baby's nose should be opposite the mama's nipple.
The mama should use her hand to guide the baby's mouth to the nipple. The baby's mouth should be wide open with the lower lip curled out and the tongue down. The mama's other arm can be used to hold the baby close or to support her breast.
5. Laid Back Position
The mama sits or reclines back while supporting the baby's head and body with both hands. The Reclining Position is a good position for mamas who want to relax while breastfeeding.It's also good for mamas who experience back pain as it allows them to recline and support their back while breastfeeding.
The Reclining Position is a breastfeeding position where the mama sits or reclines back while supporting the baby's head and body with both hands.
To get into this position, the mama should sit comfortably in a chair or on a bed with her back supported and her feet flat on the ground. She should then recline back slightly and bring the baby towards her, positioning the baby's head on the same side as the breast she will be using. The baby's nose should be opposite the mama's nipple.
The mama should use her hand to guide the baby's mouth to the nipple. The baby's mouth should be wide open with the lower lip curled out and the tongue down. The mama's other arm can be used to hold the baby close or to support her breast.
In all positions, it's important to remember that the baby's head, neck, and back should be in a comfortable and supported position, and that the mama's breast is positioned so that the baby can latch on easily. Another thing to remember is to cherish this special time nourishing and bonding with your baby.
Be patient with yourself, ask for help, and always reach out to your health care provider if you need to.
