Advice for new mom: Natural breastfeeding positions for newborns
Breastfeeding positions are a starting point to help you as you get used to nursing your baby. They are designed to help you and your child get into a reasonable position to nurse so that you are comfortable, and your child can get a good latch. They will hopefully help you to prevent pain and get breastfeeding off to a good start.
Once you and your baby have a breastfeeding relationship established, and the latch comes naturally, you will, for the most part, stop thinking about breastfeeding regarding which position to use. You might choose a position for a particular reason, but not typically at every feeding. In the meantime, here are some specific breastfeeding positions to try until you and your baby’s relationship reaches that point.
Natural breastfeeding positions for newborns
Sitting position
Make sure your arms and back are supported with pillows or cushions and you are relaxed. Use a pillow to raise your newborn to a comfortable level.
Lying position
This is good when you are tired or to keep your baby off a Caesarean incision. Lie on your side and lay your newborn alongside you so he can reach your lower breast.
Cradle hold
The cradle hold is the position that most people imagine when they think of breastfeeding. In a seated position, in a chair or bed, a mother has the baby’s head in the crook of her right arm, with the baby facing her right breast. The left hand is used to express breast milk if needed, to support the right arm, or to help mother remain comfortable with her cup of water, her book, or the television remote.
This position has some advantages in that it is recognizable. This fact can be a comfort to some mothers. It also allows you to see your baby and your breast fairly well. Moreover, having a hand free is a bonus.
Cross-Cradle Hold
The cross-cradle hold is a different take on the traditional cradle hold. In fact, unless you were paying close attention, you might not notice the subtle but significant difference. In the cross-cradle, the baby’s head is at the mother’s right breast, but the baby’s body is supported by the mother’s left arm. Her left hand is at the base of the baby’s neck, supporting it and helping to direct the baby gently.
The mother’s right hand is then free to help with breastfeeding or with whatever else she would like. Many moms feel more comfortable using this hold because the utilization of the other hand is helpful in getting baby to latch. Since your child’s head is not resting on the crook of your right arm, your child has a bit more mobility, which helps with the latch.
Football hold
The football hold is named for the position of the baby, under the arm. The child is placed face up, under the mother’s left arm, with the baby’s bottom up against the back of a couch or bed. If that is too deep, a pillow is placed between the baby and whatever the mother is leaning against. If the baby is long, the mother might want to bend the baby’s legs at the hips. The baby’s legs would go up along the mother’s back toward her armpit. The baby’s head would then rest on the mother’s left hand, while she uses her right hand to support her breast.
If you choose this position, you can use your left hand to adjust the depth at which your baby
is sitting back next to you. It helps if you rest your baby against your forearm, but this is not necessary.You might also need to brace your arm and the baby’s weight with something like a pillow under the baby. This prevents you from learning into your child. Leaning into a baby can cause back pain, neck pain, and soreness.
The football hold is often recommended after a cesarean birth. This is because your child will not be lying across your lower abdomen, where your incision is located. That being said, if this position does not appeal to you, you do not have to try it. Just know that it is one of many positions available to you and your baby.
Saddle hold
In this position, the baby sits facing his mother, straddling her leg, as a person sits in a saddle. The child sits straight up and nurses on the breast at the same side he is facing. The mother can support the child with either hand, using the remaining hand to help her chest, if needed.
The saddle hold is usually best for older babies, though sometimes a seat or straddle hold is best for a younger or smaller child. If your child suffers from reflux or has other oral difficulties, this might be a good hold to try. The younger the child, the more support you will need to give to achieve the optimal saddle hold position.
Semirecumbent
This post is comfortable. The mother only props a couple of pillows under her head and upper back and reclines backward. The baby is placed heart to heart and is allowed to decide which side to choose and how to nurse. Of course, the mother can guide the child if necessary. However, this will allow the child to lead when it comes to latch, helping only when needed.
The semirecumbent position is perfect for babies who are small, for mothers who have larger breasts that seem to overwhelm babies, for children who are having latch difficulties, or when forceful letdown or overactive milk ejection reflex is present.
Breastfeeding positions are as unique as you and your baby are unique. Every breastfeeding duo has a particular nursing position that works for them. The suggestions that breastfeeding professionals and other mothers might give you are great ways to get started. Just remember that as you and your baby learn to nurse, feel free to alter the positions and do what feels right for you both.
Advice for new mom: Natural breastfeeding positions for newborns
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