Producing breast milk for your little one might happen naturally, but the process of breastfeeding, although natural, isn’t that easy. In fact, for many new mums, the first attempts at breastfeeding are hapless and haphazard, to say the least. But don’t fret, as you can make breastfeeding a tad bit easier by determining the right nursing position that enables your baby to latch correctly and prevent concerns like sore nipples and engorgement.
To make things easier for you, we have gathered the top breastfeeding positions that will make you a pro at nursing your baby, and also keep discomfort and breast pain at bay. We have also added an essential list of tips that you can follow to ensure your baby is getting adequate nourishment.
How To Hold Your Baby While Breastfeeding?
Start by placing your baby on one side of your breast. Make sure that your baby’s body is facing toward your chest, with their ear, shoulder, and hip in a straight line. Next, use a nursing pillow to bring your baby to a suitable height so that it’s easy to manoeuvre them toward your breast. You can also try supporting your back with pillows and resting comfortably to avoid any pain or aches in your body.
Keep some essentials close to you while you are breastfeeding. For instance, keep a bottle of water to ensure hydration, a box of snacks to beat your hunger while nursing, and also a pack of bamboo water wipes to wipe your nipples clean before and after breastfeeding.
Make sure you are using natural and plant-based water wipes, such as BabyChakra’s bamboo water wipes, which are formulated with 99% bamboo water, bamboo fibre, and other nourishing ingredients like aloe vera and almond oil that keep your breasts and nipples nourished, and avoid dry or sore nipples.
How To Breastfeed Your Newborn Baby: 7 Nursing Positions To Try
Crossover Hold
To breastfeed your baby in a crossover hold position, try the following steps:
- Hold your baby’s head to one side of your breast and support their body with your other hand. For instance, if you are nursing your baby from the left breast, hold their head with your right hand).
- Rest your wrist between your baby’s shoulder blades, and place your thumb behind one ear, and your fingers behind the other ear. Now cradle your baby’s neck to enable their natural movement.
- Use your free hand to cup your breast and ensure that your little one is latched to your nipple properly.
Cradle Hold
If you want to try the cradle hold position, follow these steps:
- Position your baby’s head in a way that enables them to rest their head in the bend of your elbow on the side you will be nursing. Now use the hand on that side to support the rest of your baby’s body.
- Cup your breast with the other hand, and place your thumb above your nipple and areola at the spot where your baby’s nose touches your breast. Make sure that your index finger is at the spot where your baby’s chin touches your breast.
- Lightly compress your breast so that the nipple points toward your baby’s nose and wait for your little one to latch for nursing.
Football Hold
This breastfeeding position is also referred to as the clutch hold. It is especially beneficial if you just had a c-section and want to avoid placing your baby against your abdomen, if you delivered twins or a premature baby, or if you have large breasts. To breastfeed in a football hold position, try the following steps:
- Position your baby at your side, facing you. Now tuck their legs under your arm, like a football, on the same side that you will be nursing from.
- Support your baby’s head with the same hand, and use your other hand to cup your breast, as you would do for the cradle and crossover hold.
Side-lying Position
This is one of the most comfortable breastfeeding positions and is a good choice if you are nursing your little one in the middle of the night. Follow these steps:
- Lie on your side, and make sure that your baby is also lying on their side, facing toward you.
- Use one hand to cup your breast and allow your child to latch and nurse comfortably.
- While you breastfeed in this position, make sure that there is no excess bedding around your baby, as that can pose a suffocation hazard. Also, avoid nursing in this position while sitting in a recliner or a couch.
Nursing In A Sling
It may take little practice, but nursing your baby in a sling can be convenient when you are out and about, looking after your older children, or even doing light chores.
- Tie a baby wrap like you always do and place your little one comfortably inside the wrap.
- Compress your breast lightly to ensure that the nipple points toward your baby’s nose. Wait for them to latch and then you can move around freely.
- While your little one is nursing, make sure that their face and chin are not pressed against their chest.
Laid-back Position
This nursing position is especially helpful if you have smaller breasts or if your newborn has a sensitive tummy and sufferers from excess gas. To feed your baby in a laid-back position, follow these steps:
- Lay back on your couch or bed, and support yourself using pillows so that you can comfortably hold your baby without experiencing discomfort and body pain.
- You can rest your baby in any direction, but ensure that their whole body is facing toward you, and they can reach your breast comfortably.
- Your baby will naturally latch in this position, but if they don’t, then you can help them by directing your nipple toward their mouth.
- Once your baby has latched, you don’t have to do much, instead of just lying back and relaxing.
Upright Breastfeeding Or Koala Hold
You can consider this feeding position if you have to nurse your little one in public. It is also the most comfortable feeding position for babies suffering from reflux or an ear infection. Follow these steps:
- Rest your baby on your thigh, with their spine and head upright as they feed.
- Place your arm on your baby’s back to give them plenty of support and ensure a comfortable feeding session.
Breastfeeding Tips For Mums
- Seek support to position your baby: proper position of your baby is crucial for correct latching and feeding. So if you are unable to place your baby on your breast, do not hesitate to seek support from your partner or family member. In case you are alone, choose a position that offers maximum support to you.
- Make sure your baby has latched properly: To determine if your baby has latched properly, notice if their lips cover your entire areola. If your little one is not able to latch correctly after several attempts, seek help from a lactation expert.
- Invest in a nursing pillow: Frequent breastfeeding sessions can take a toll on your back, arms, and shoulders. To ensure comfort, invest in a good-quality nursing pillow that keeps your back and arms steady and avoids pain.
Breastfeeding isn’t an easy task, especially for first-time mums. It requires a lot of practice and patience, but with some trial-and-error, and following the tips we mentioned above, you will be able to become a pro at it in no time. Try different breastfeeding positions and then determine which works best for you, based on both your and your little one’s comfort.
Also read:
Breastfeeding tips for new moms: These breastfeeding tips will make your nursing journey a tad bit more manageable.
Breastfeeding problems and their solutions: Here’s everything you need to know about the common breastfeeding problems and their solutions.
Painful nipples during breastfeeding: Bid goodbye to painful nipples during breastfeeding with these effective tips.
How to increase breast milk naturally: Check out some of the most effective ways of boosting your breast milk supply naturally to meet your baby’s nutritional needs.
Featured image: Freepik.com