Finding The Right Positions For Breastfeeding

It’s important to know the right positions for breastfeeding so that the baby is comfortable and is able to latch on properly and get sufficient nourishment which is essential for its growth. If the baby is crying when you are feeding it the reason is usually that you have not held the baby in the right position for breastfeeding. If you are a first time mother you would obviously be unsure about how to hold the baby and whether the baby has latched on properly and is able to draw the milk from the milk ducts effectively. Your endeavor should be to learn the art of holding the baby in a comfortable position so that it can get its maximum feed and nourishment.

Various Positions For Breastfeeding

Cradle Hold

This position involves making a cradle of your lap and arms and placing your baby in this cradle while you are sitting down. The baby’s head should be in the crook of your arm and its chest should be right against your chest so that it can reach your nipples without having to turn its head. You should use pillows to support the baby’s head, your arm and your back and you should ensure that your arm is supported properly by the arm of the chair. You can keep your feet on a footstool for greater comfort while breastfeeding your baby.

Cross-cradle Hold

This position is basically similar to the cradle hold except that you are holding the head of the baby and it is positioned in the opposite direction. You can easily maneuver the head of the baby while trying to get the baby to put the nipple in its mouth.

Football Hold

In certain conditions such as if you’ve had a caesarian section or if you have plugged milk ducts or if you have engorged breasts or sore nipples, football holds are the right positions for breastfeeding. In this position, you place the legs of the baby under your arms and hold it along your forearm. The baby’s body should be lying on your arm and the face should be towards your breast. The other arm should be used to support your breast. Nursing twins can be made easy with this technique.

Lying Down Position

This is an ideal position for night feeding as you can go off to sleep with your baby while feeding it. You can lie on one side and have the baby lay down beside you with its head facing you. You should ensure that the baby can breathe properly. It’s also easy to feed the baby from both breasts, which is essential for avoiding plugged milk duct.

The right positions for breastfeeding are those that enable your baby to latch on properly to your breasts. The baby should have both the nipple and areola firmly in her mouth and there should be no difficulty in breathing. Any position that is comfortable for you and your baby is good enough as long as there is proper latch on and milk ducts get drained fully and the baby gets its full supply of milk and nourishment. Mothers usually find the right positions for breastfeeding through trial and error and a little experience.

There are many positions for breastfeeding such as cradle hold, cross-cradle hold, football hold, and lying down position. If you do not maintain the correct breastfeeding position, you could face breastfeeding problems such as engorged breasts, sore nipples, or plugged milk ducts. However, some of the problems could be irrespective of position because of other issues as well. Breastfeeding Questions provides answers and more information and details regarding breastfeeding, pregnancy and childcare.

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