Nursing mothers – whether first-time mums or veterans know that finding the best breastfeeding positions can be tricky. Finding the right position for you is important to your comfort and that of your baby.
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 others, it takes some thought and planning to ensure that everyone 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. 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.
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.
Find a breastfeeding position that you are comfortable using.
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)
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
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.
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.
How To Breastfeed Comfortably
Breastfeeding sessions may take up to 40 minutes in the early days. It is, therefore important to pick a comfortable place for the sessions. Find a quiet spot if you are easily distracted by noise or if you find the feeding times boring. You may want to feed in front of the television.
Do this only when breastfeeding is well established or watching TV may become a distraction. Some mothers may even read a book or surf the internet during breastfeeding sessions. You‘ll have to find a place and a position that works best for you.
Hold your baby in a position that won’t leave your arms and back sore, and support your arms and back with cushions if necessary. You and your baby should be relaxed before you start feeding.
If latching on hurts, break the suction by inserting your little finger between your baby’s gums and your nipple – and try to latch on again. Once you ensure that your baby latches on properly, she can do the rest.
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.
Image Source: iStock
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.
Here are some of our favourite positions for breastfeeding newborns:
- Cradle hold
- Cross-cradle hold
- Football hold
- Side-lying position
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!
Need Help? Don’t fret!
When in doubt, please refer to a lactation consultant, who can offer you more personalised advice regarding your and your baby’s situation.
theAsianparent also has a Singapore Breastfeeding Mums Support Group that you can join for mum-to-mum advice.
Updated by Pheona Ilagan
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.
