Best Breastfeeding Positions For New Mothers
Are you a new mother and wondering about different breastfeeding positions to make it easier for baby to feed? Learn about different breastfeeding techniques in our detailed article.
Mothers often don’t put too much thought into breastfeeding assuming that it will come naturally and the baby will latch on instinctively. However, that is not always true. There are several different factors like baby’s age, size, breast shape & size, etc. which makes certain positions more suitable for different mothers. Learn about different feeding positions available in this article.
Best Breastfeeding Positions for Mothers
The Cradle
Cradle is one of the most popular positions for breastfeeding babies. In this position, the mother needs to start-off by sitting with the baby lying lengthwise across the abdomen with your elbow supporting babies head and the palm of your hand supporting the baby’s bottom. Your other hand will then be free to hold your breast and feed the baby. If you are having difficulty in holding the baby with just one hand, consider keeping a pillow in your lap to support your holding hand and lift the baby up to the level of your breast. Slightly compress your breast in such a way o that the nipple points towards your child’s mouth so they can latch easily.
Cross-Cradle
Cross cradle is very similar to cradle with the only difference being in how you hold the baby. Under cross-cradle, you use the other arm to support the baby in such a way that your elbow and forearm support the baby’s body while the palm of your hand supports the head. Many women prefer this position because it offers greater control over the baby’s head.
Side Position
Under this position, the mother is supposed to lie sideways on the side of the breast from which they would like to feed. For example, if you want to feed on your right breast, lie down on your right-hand side. Now lay the baby such that they face you and slowly bring them towards you such that your forearm supports their body while the palm of your hand supports their little head.
Football Hold
This position is most popular among mothers with large breasts or the ones who had a c-section. This position is also ideal for babies which are very small because it allows the mother more control. Under this position, lay the baby down on top of a pillow at your side such that the baby’s legs and body are beneath your arm and your hand at the base of the head and neck. Slowly guide the baby’s head on to your breast and resume feeding.
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