7 Easy Breastfeeding Positions for Both You and Newborn Baby

Breastfeeding positions? Yes, there are several, and you could occasionally feel like a human pretzel. In actuality, there are a considerable number of illegal jobs (please share if you know any new ones). There are several breastfeeding positions that would be suitable for you and your baby, regardless of the situation, your baby’s age, or your breast type.

At first, breastfeeding may feel intimidating. There is a tonne of information available, and it can be difficult to avoid feeling overwhelmed. There is a deluge of material available, but we’ve sorted through it all and summarised the key points here to assist you in getting started and getting through your nursing adventure. We have your back (and your front).

The Latch:

What is it?

This is the collective name for when your infant puts its mouth next to your nipple or breast to nurse.

Why do it?

Your nipples could get extremely uncomfortable as a result of your baby not sucking properly, and your baby might not be getting enough milk.

Where to do it? 

Anytime and anywhere.

When to do it?

To guarantee your comfort and the success of your kid, this must be done right away and with precision. Once done correctly, getting it right every time becomes simple.

How To Latch:

1. Make yourself comfortable and grab any equipment you might require, such as a phone, book, pillow, water, etc.
2. Hold your infant in the position you like for nursing.
3. Be prepared for when your infant is hungry and ready to eat (they may show this by opening their mouths, crying, or clutching their hands).
4. The Baby’s chin should be at or just below your areola.
5. They should have their heads slightly cocked back.
6. Tip your nipple in the direction of the baby’s mouth.
7. Move the baby’s mouth while it is wide open over your breast using its chin as a lever.
8. Make sure your infant’s nose is turned away from your breast; this must remain free so that the child may breathe.

Please keep in mind that this shouldn’t hurt. Even though you’ll feel it, it shouldn’t hurt at all. Unlatch and try again if it does.

How To Unlatch:

If your baby is done eating, they may pull themselves away from your breast on their own, but if you need to change the latch in the middle of a feeding, here’s how.

1. Pulling your baby’s head away might make them suckle more forcefully and harm your breast.
2. Pull a portion of your breast toward you with a clean finger to break the seal.
3. Turn them away, and presto!

Different Positions For Breastfeeding 

Here are a few simple breastfeeding positions to try if you’re having any trouble holding your baby while nursing so that you have additional “tools in your toolbelt,” so to speak.

People will feed you, poke you, and ideally assist you with your breastfeeding when you are in the hospital shortly after giving birth.

Utilize this time to determine your preferred nursing positions so you may use them whenever necessary. 

1. The Cross Cradle: Most Lactation Consultants will place you in this position as their first choice for a nursing job. 

Method: 

1. The baby should be held on the side.
2. Their body should close in.
3. Your opposing arm should be placed beneath the baby to support their body.

Hot Tip: To maintain the position of the head, use your other hand or a 

                      cushion for support.

When To Try: 

1. When you are in bed or sitting on a chair, this is excellent for beginners.
2. This one allows you to cover up, making it ideal for public spaces as well.
3. This one is a success whether your baby is very small or a little older.2. The Cradle: 

Method:

1. just like the cross cradle.
2. The crook of your arm can be used to support the baby’s head.

Hot Tip: Your free hand may now be used to adjust the position of your breast,                                     play with your baby’s skin, use the phone, or scratch an itch.

When To Try: 

For seasoned feeders, rapid feeds, or endurance feeds (hello, marathon), this is fantastic.

• The Football Clutch:

Method:

1. As you are just utilizing one arm, it is comparable to the cradle.
2. Instead of being directly in front of you, the baby’s body is further to the side and beneath your arm.
3. Your right arm approaches your right breast.

Hot Tip: This can be used for babies who are lying on their backs or sides.

When To Try: 

1. This one works well if you’re standing up or sitting on a stool instead of on a chair or bed.
2. Although it is beneficial if your back is supported, it is not necessary.
3. Additionally useful when feeding from below your top as opposed to from above.
4. good for twin feeding or discretion.
5. Excellent if your infant also kicks.4. Side Lying: 

Method:

1. Lie on your side and encircle your infant with your arms.
2. Place your infant on their back or side.
3. On a pillow or your arm, you can support your head.
4. You can use a cushion or your arm to maintain your position to prevent your baby from rolling away from you, onto their back, or their front.
5. Start by feeding your baby from the breast that is closest to the mattress. Then, switch sides or move your body and breast so that your baby may eat from the other side.

Hot Tip: As an alternative, you might raise your infant on a cushion to get them closer to your upper breast.

When To Try: 

1. Excellent for feedings at night or if your arms hurt.
2. In this posture, many mothers may nod off, so use caution.
3. Make sure your baby’s nose won’t be blocked if you fall asleep if you are exhausted.

5. Downward:

Method:

1. The baby should be placed on their back.
2. Lean over and let your breast fall into their mouth to deliver it to them.

Hot Tip: Using one arm as support, a cushion, or lying on your side can all make you more comfortable.

When To Try: 

1. If your infant is already asleep and needs to eat, this option is ideal.
2. if you want your infant to remain still.
3. if your breasts are bigger.
4. if your breasts hurt.
5. This one is a winner if you require a larger milk flow.
6. Additionally applicable whether your child is in a stroller or capsule (hello pilates mama).6. Reclined

Method:

1. In harmony with your body, your baby is.
2. Depending on how large they are, you can put them on your knee or hold them under their arms.
3. You can be sitting or lying in bed.
4. You can choose to have your hands free (depending on the age of your baby).

Hot Tip: Starting in this position will allow you to gain confidence before switching to any of the others.

When To Try: 

1. This one is useful if your infant has trouble burping.
2. If your child needs a rapid feed or is easily distracted.
3. Additionally fantastic if you need to use both hands.

7. Sitting 

 

Method:

1. Both you and your kid are standing straight up.
2. Your baby is vertically aligned with your body.
3. You might be standing or even sitting up straight.

Hot Tip: If your child is old enough, they can sit on your knee, or you can support their back and bottom.

When To Try: 

1. Excellent for infants who experience reflux or while they are in a child carrier.
2. To change your baby’s height relative to your body, you might need to relax the straps.
3. Additionally useful for situations requiring both hands. Welcome back to the office!

These are the fundamental postures, and when you practice and master them, I’m sure you’ll come up with some of your own that you never even imagined possible (if so, let us know!). Spend some time getting to know your infant and their interests. Your breasts and biceps will also alter along with their weight and size. Each stage of a baby’s growth is unique to that particular child.

You might need to try something fresh because what works for one feed might not work for another. It’s vital to be prepared to adjust at any point during your breastfeeding experience because every feeding session may be different.

Mothers can also get advice on breastfeeding positions from experts. New Baby N You is the best platform to get all the required information on infants. Visit our website for more details.