Research-backed
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One of the first things you learn after you become a new mom is how difficult the seemingly simple task of breastfeeding can be. Most moms assume that it will come effortlessly to them as it is such a natural, biological process. While this might be true for some new mommies, but this isn’t the case with all. Fortunately, with a little bit of understanding and practice, breastfeeding does become easier. Here, we bring you some breastfeeding positions to kickstart your journey from tough to easy:
1. Laid-Back Yet Most Natural Position
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This one will come to you instinctively soon after birth. Here, we are talking about the one where you lie back in a semi-reclined, comfortable position and your baby’s head is close to the breast. As your little one builds that skin-to-skin contact with you, he/she gets to the business soon after. The curves and the gravity also work in your baby’s favor to stay put in that position. In fact, studies also suggest that this position, also known as biological nurturing, stimulates the reflex of your baby to get to nursing (1). It may be a position well-suited for newborns who are having trouble with latching. In fact, grab some pillows while you are at it. You can rest while nursing simultaneously.
2. Cradle Position
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This one is another easy position, which can be pretty helpful if you are in a public place and want to be discreet. Cradle your little one, keeping him/her on the same side as that of the breast you are using to feed. This means that he/she should be leaning on your left arm if it is the left breast or the vice versa. Your tiny infant should be leaning on your arm, using it like a pillow. You can also go for props like nursing pillows to make sure that your baby’s head is at the level of your breast. This one is the best if you want to go for easy or quick nursing, especially when your baby has grown older and is more experienced. And of course, as we mentioned, it also works in situations where you wish to be discreet.
3. Cross-Cradle Position
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This one is pretty similar to the cradle hold. It is just more helpful if your baby is still learning how to latch or if he/she is facing difficulty while feeding. Lie your angel down on a nursing pillow kept on your lap. Suppose you are nursing your infant on the left-hand side, give support to him/her with the right hand. You can do this by placing the thumb near one ear and the forefinger close to the other ear. And, you can use the space between the thumb and forefinger to provide support to your newborn’s neck. To get him/her to latch on, you will have to bring his mouth closer to the nipple. Just make sure that the baby is properly latched on. This one may help you out with smaller or premature babies too.
4. The Football Position
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The baby should be lying down on his/her back by your side. The legs should be sideways under the arms. You can opt for a nursing pillow to make sure that your angel is at the breast level. You can use your free hand to support your baby’s head, in a way similar to cross-cradle hold. Use the other hand to hold the breast and bring your little one’s head closer. This one is a position convenient for moms who have had a Cesarean delivery. This one will avoid the pressure that the baby may put on the incision if in any other position. Avoid this one if your baby is sleeping since the skin-to-skin touch may not help in such a situation.
As new moms, you can give a shot to these positions and see which one works for you the best. Each mom is unique and so is the baby. And, there is a position out there that will just work perfectly for the both of you. Of course, if you are trying something out of the routine, just consult your doctor once. Happy motherhood!
