Which breastfeeding position is best for you and your baby?
Nursing mothers – whether first-time mums or veterans know that finding the best breastfeeding position can be tricky. Finding the right position for you is important to your comfort and your baby’s nourishment.
The logistics of where your baby should latch may be simple in certain situations. Maybe she’s always been a good nurser and has latched on with no issue. Or maybe you’re in a quiet room without distractions. But for most new mothers, it takes some thought and planning to ensure that the baby gets a proper latch and feeds as comfortably as possible.
Don’t fret, mums. We came up with this article to equip you with the information you need at the start of your breastfeeding journey.
Basic Steps for Optimal Positioning
First things first! Here are some things to remember before starting to breastfeed your baby:
- Position yourself comfortably with back support, pillows supporting your arms, and your lap and your feet supported by a footrest or a telephone book.
- Position baby close to you, with his hips, flexed, so he does not have to turn his head to reach your breast. His mouth and nose should be facing your nipple. Ask your helper to hand you the baby once you are comfortable.
- Support your breast, so it is not pressing on your baby’s chin. Your baby’s chin should drive into your breast.
- Attach or latch the baby onto your breast. A good latch is important to ensure your and your baby’s comfort. Encourage him to open his mouth wide and pull him close by supporting his back (rather than the back of his head) so that his chin drives into your breast. His nose will be touching your breast. Your hand forms a “second neck” for your baby.
Which Breastfeeding Position Is Best
This is the question most mums ask at the start of their journey. At recent Singapore Parenting Festival, one mum asked Yvon Bock, an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and the Founder & CEO of Hegen Pte Ltd, Singapore’s leading mother and baby care brand, on which breastfeeding position is most preferable. This is what she said:
“There are a few common breastfeeding positions for new mums such as cradle and cross-cradle hold, football hold, side-lying and even laid-back position. The most preferable position is one that is most comfortable for you and baby.”
Common Breastfeeding Positions to Master
Breastfeeding may seem like the most natural thing in the world – it is. However, there are some techniques and positions you can try to ensure that you are comfy, the baby is safe and is latching well while nursing.
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This is the first hold many mothers will try, often soon after their babies are born. To start, cradle your baby’s head in the crook of your arm with your baby’s nose opposite your nipple. Use that hand to support your baby’s bottom. Turn your baby on his or her side so that your baby is belly to belly to you.
Then, raise your baby to your breast. You can support your breast with your other hand. Let the baby snuggle in the crook of your arm. The baby should be on her side rather than on her back. Place a pillow on your lap so you do not have to lean forward or strain your side.
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Reverse Cradle Hold (Cross-Cradle)
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A reverse of the cradle hold, this across-the-body position allows better visibility of the baby’s mouth during latch-on and better control of the baby’s head. It’s an excellent alternative to the clutch hold if your baby needs extra support during latch-on, but you like the maternal feelings that come from having a baby across your body. Use this position if your baby:
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- Has difficulty latching on
- Comes off the nipple frequently during breastfeeding
- Is small or premature
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Side-lying Hold
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Many mothers find lying down to nurse a comfortable position, especially at night. Both mother and baby lie on their sides facing each other. You can use pillows behind your back and behind or between your knees to help you get comfortable.
A pillow or blanket behind the baby’s back will keep him from rolling away from you. The baby can be cradled in your arm with his back along your forearm. Having his hips flexed and his ear, shoulder and hip in one line helps your baby get milk more easily. Some mothers find practising in this position during the daytime very helpful.
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Also known as rugby hold, this is a good breastfeeding position to try if you are dealing with engorged breasts or sore nipples because it helps your baby empty the bottom ducts.
Prop a few pillows under your forearm and lay the baby on your arm with your head in your hand. The baby should be held close to your body like a football, and the baby‘s mouth is then brought to the nipple. It is tiring, so placing more pillows under the arm would be good for support. Repeat on the other side.
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Laidback / Reclined Position
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Feeling tired and overwhelmed, mum? This breastfeeding position offers both comfort and benefits. It can reduce soreness and help your baby latch on effectively. In fact, this position helped me and my baby when we were struggling with my let down issues.
To navigate this position, the first step is to get comfortable in a quiet and relaxing spot where you can lie back with your baby. You can use breastfeeding pillows or regular pillows to support your back and head. Once you’re comfortable, position your baby on your chest with their head near your breast, allowing gravity to guide them towards your nipple.
Your baby’s body should be in line with yours, ensuring a good latch and avoiding strain on your back and shoulders. Then, let your baby use their natural feeding reflexes to latch on and feed. Adjust your breast if necessary to ensure a proper latch, with your baby’s mouth wide open and latched onto as much of the areola as possible.
Other Breastfeeding Positions to Explore
While the classic cradle hold is commonly used, there are other breastfeeding positions that you can explore to find what works best for you and your little one. These positions offer comfort, ease, and can address specific challenges you may encounter during breastfeeding. Check out these alternative positions to enhance your breastfeeding journey:
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Upright Position or Koala Hold
In this position, have your baby sit upright, facing you and straddling your knee. Support your baby with the arm on the same side they are feeding from and use your opposite hand to support your breast, similar to the football hold. This position can be particularly helpful for babies with reflux.
Dangle feeding involves leaning forward slightly while sitting and allowing your breasts to hang down towards your baby. Gently guide your baby to latch on while they are underneath your breast. This position can be useful for babies who have trouble with latching or for relieving clogged milk ducts.
This position involves using one hand to support your baby’s head and neck while they face you. You can gently sway or dance with your baby as they nurse. It can be a fun and soothing position for both you and your baby.
Using a breastfeeding sling or carrier allows you to nurse your baby while having your hands free. Adjust the sling to a comfortable position and ensure your baby is well-supported and latched properly. This position can be convenient when you’re on the go or need to multitask.
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What Are the Best Positions for Breastfeeding After Caesarean?
The best way to feed after a Caesarean delivery is to lie down on your side or in a semi-reclining position. You can place a soft pillow over your belly so your baby doesn‘t kick at the wound. A pillow under your arm can also help make you more comfortable.
If you breastfeed by lying down on your side, hold your baby on her side, facing you with her mouth facing the nipple. You should support your baby‘s back with your arm. You can offer your baby the other breast by simply placing her on your chest and then rolling over.
Over the next few days, you can try to nurse the baby in an upright position. But do so at your own pace and always ask for help from your family to help you position the baby if you cannot move much due to the wound.
The football hold is also a good position for the mum who’s had a C-section and mothers with large breasts or small babies. Mothers with twins who want to feed the babies simultaneously may also choose this position.
Breastfeeding Positions for Newborns
When you’re breastfeeding a newborn, it can be hard to get comfortable. And that’s completely normal! But don’t worry—we got your back. You can get started on the five common positions we mentioned earlier and find which position you and your bubba are most comfortable in.
Breastfeeding Positions for Premature Babies
If your baby is premature, it’s important to be aware of some of the challenges associated with breastfeeding. For one thing, they may not have the motor skills or strength to latch on properly.
But getting them latched on correctly and keeping them there long enough while they’re growing will help them develop the needed muscles.
So how do you make sure that happens? Here are some tips:
- Use a football hold when trying to breastfeed a premature baby. This will help support their head and neck to stay upright while latching on.
- Make sure your baby is positioned on their side with their face towards you—this helps prevent reflux and keeps them from choking on milk if they’re not strong enough yet to lift themselves up when swallowing.
- Use a nipple shield if your baby has trouble getting latched onto the breast because he’s too weak or still small. It might take some time for him to get used to it at first (and for both of you), but once he does start getting used to it, it can help him get the nutrients he needs.
Mum breastfeeding a newborn | Image Source: iStock
Breastfeeding Positions to Reduce Gas
Gas is a common issue for breastfeeding moms and their babies. But did you know there are ways to reduce gas in your little one? Here are some helpful tips to help with your baby’s gas:
- Get comfortable: You’ll want to sit up straight, with good posture, so your baby can latch on properly and take the milk from your breast easily.
- Switch up positions: Try lying down while breastfeeding if sitting up straight isn’t working well for you or your baby! Switching positions will help reduce gas by allowing gravity to work its magic and keep things moving smoothly.
- If all else fails, burp your baby frequently by gently patting her back or tickling her chin lightly with one finger as she latches on (or after she has finished feeding).
Twin Breastfeeding Positions
Breastfeeding one baby is already tricky. Nursing twins is even more challenging. Here are some tips to help you find the best one for you and your babies:
- Get comfy! You might have to try a few different positions before you find one that works for you and your babies.
- Try lying down on a bed, floor, or any flat surface that is comfortable for you.
- Place one baby on each side of your body so they can latch on easily. You may want to prop up pillows under their heads or backs so they don’t slouch when feeding.
- Make sure both babies are latched on properly before beginning to feed them. If they’re not latched on the right, don’t force them— check in with a lactation consultant or specialist if need be!
Should I Feed From Both Sides or Just One Side?
Take your cue from your baby. She may want milk from one or both breasts at each feed. Experts advise feeding at one breast and then taking a quick break to burp your newborn.
However, as you progress in taking care of your baby and in your pregnancy journey, you will be able to tell if your baby is still hungry and if you need to breastfeed longer, on both sides.
Tips for a Successful and Comfortable Nursing Session
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As you will soon discover, ensuring comfort during breastfeeding sessions is crucial to enhance the overall experience. These tips will help you create a nurturing environment for you and your baby.
Before you start breastfeeding, make sure you have everything you need within arm’s reach – a drink, snacks, your phone, TV remote, a book or magazine, and even a burp cloth or wipes. Don’t forget to have a wee first – you might be stuck in your position for the next half hour or so.
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Choose a Comfortable Spot
Select a quiet and relaxing place for breastfeeding sessions, especially if you easily get distracted or find the feeding times boring.
Do you need a nursing chair or a designated breastfeeding space at home?
“A good nursing room is a place where you feel most comfortable and at ease nursing. This can look very different for individual mothers. One may prefer nursing sitting up, and one may prefer nursing lying down.
A nursing chair provides some comfort and support for breastfeeding but it’s not a must, as long as you can find other well-supported, comfortable nursing positions for you and your baby,” said Yvon.
The most important thing to do is to know what your preferred breastfeeding position is and structure your nursing room that way will be best!” she added.
You can consider feeding in front of the television or engaging in activities like reading a book or surfing the internet during the session, but first, ensure that breastfeeding is well established before incorporating distractions.
Hold your baby in a position that won’t strain your arms and back. Use cushions or pillows for added support. Both you and your baby should feel relaxed before starting the feeding.
If latching on hurts, break the suction by inserting your little finger between your baby’s gums and your nipple, then try latching on again. It’s crucial to ensure that your baby latches on properly for comfortable and effective breastfeeding. Make sure your baby’s mouth is wide open, covering as much of the areola as possible.
Position yourself in a way that promotes good latch and minimises discomfort. Use pillows or cushions to support your back, shoulders, and arms. Your baby’s head and body should be aligned in a straight line to facilitate swallowing.
When breastfeeding, bring your baby to the breast rather than leaning your breast forward into their mouth. Position your baby with their nose level with your nipple, allowing them to open their mouth wide and attach properly.
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Avoid Holding the Back of the Head
Instead of holding the back of your baby’s head, let them tip their head back slightly. This allows your nipple to reach the back of the mouth against the soft palate, ensuring a better latch.
Babies have an incredible ability to sense and respond to their environment, including the emotional state of their caregivers. While breastfeeding, a baby can pick up on the mother’s emotions, including whether she is relaxed or not.
Stress or tension during breastfeeding can affect both the mother and the baby. When a mother is not relaxed, it can impact milk flow, her let-down reflex, and the overall breastfeeding experience. The baby may sense the tension and become fussy, agitated, or have difficulty latching on properly.
Speaking from personal experience, I noticed that my baby can sense when I’m tensed, and our breastfeeding sessions became less problematic when I taught myself to relax while nursing.
So, just relax, mum! Un-hunch those shoulders, take a deep breath and enjoy this moment with your newborn. Don’t forget to burp your baby at the end of each feeding session.
Remember, each breastfeeding journey is unique, and it may take time to find the perfect combination of position, comfort, and latch. Don’t hesitate to seek support from a lactation consultant or healthcare professional if you encounter difficulties or need further guidance.
Here at theAsianparent Singapore, it’s important for us to give information that is correct, significant, and timely. But this doesn’t serve as an alternative for medical advice or medical treatment. theAsianparent Singapore is not responsible for those that would choose to drink medicines based on information from our website. If you have any doubts, we recommend consulting your doctor for clearer information.
