Breast Feeding Positions
There are 11 known breast feeding positions:
Laid-back breastfeeding or reclined position -also known as biological nurturing, is often the first mums try. If your baby is placed on your chest or tummy as soon as he’s born, all being well he’ll instinctively work his way towards one of your breasts and attempt to latch on – this is known as the ‘breast crawl’. Skin-to-skin contact helps stimulate his feeding instincts, while gravity helps him to latch on well and keeps him in placeCradle hold- most common breastfeeding position. The mom's arm supports the baby at the breast. The baby's head is cradled near her elbow, and her arm supports the infant along the back and neck. The mother and baby should be chest to chest.
Cradle hold- this is the classic position most of us picture when we think of breastfeeding. It involves you sitting upright, with your baby positioned on his side, his head and neck laying along your forearm and his body against your stomach, in a tummy-to-mummy position
Cross-cradle hold-ideal for early breast-feeding. Sit up straight in a comfortable chair with armrests. Hold your baby in the crook of the arm opposite the breast you're feeding from — left arm for right breast, right arm for left. Support the back of the baby's head with your open hand
Rugby ball hold-support your baby's head with an open hand, and face her toward your breast. Her back will rest on your forearm, just like you're holding a clutch bag or a rugby ball. Support your breast with your other hand in a c-shape. This is also a good position for premature babies
Side-lying position-ideal for relaxed night feeds and breastfeeding in bed or on the sofa, side-lying can also be more comfortable than sitting if you’ve had a caesarean or stitches. You and your baby need to lie on your sides next to one another, belly-to-belly.
Laid-back breastfeeding after a c-section- reclining with your baby’s body across your shoulder will let you nurse comfortably without any weight or pressure on your wound, or you could also try side-lying.
Upright breastfeeding or koala hold-your baby sits straddling your thigh, or on your hip, with his spine and head upright as he feeds. You can do this hold with a newborn if you give your baby plenty of support, and it’s also a convenient way to feed an older baby who can sit unaided. The upright or koala hold is often the most comfortable breastfeeding position for babies who suffer from reflux or ear infections (who often prefer to be upright), and it can also work well with babies who have a tongue-tie or low muscle tone.
Dangle feeding -this breastfeeding position involves your baby lying on his back, while you crouch over him on all fours and dangle your nipple in his mouth.
Nursing in a sling- this method usually works best if your baby is an experienced breastfeeder and can hold his head up by himself. You can breastfeed in all sorts of slings, including stretchy wraps, ring slings and front carriers. Whichever you choose, make sure you can always see your baby’s face and his chin is not pressed against his chest.
Double Rugby Ball Hold- the double rugby ball hold (also known as the double clutch) is a great breastfeeding position for twins, as you can feed them in tandem while having your hands relatively free.
Dancer Hand Nursing -If your baby struggles to stay latched on or has low muscle tone – perhaps because he was born prematurely, has a condition such as Down’s syndrome, or has an illness or disability – try this hold to support both his head and your breast. Start by cupping your breast with your hand underneath, fingers on one side and thumb on the other. Then edge your hand forwards so your thumb and index finger form a ‘U’ shape just in front of the breast. Your three remaining fingers should continue to support the breast underneath. Rest your baby’s jaw on your thumb and index finger as he feeds, with his chin at the bottom of the ‘U’, your thumb gently holding one of his cheeks and your index finger the other. This hold gives your baby plenty of support and you control over his position, as well as a great view of his latch.
So many positions to chose, which has worked best for you and your little one?
