Learning to breastfeed your baby can take some time. In this video, you will see mothers using different positions and techniques to help their babies latch and feed.
When you are getting ready to breastfeed, make sure you are comfortable and well supported in a chair with arm rests and pillows for extra support. This will also help position your baby. Supporting your feet on a footstool or anything that raises your feet can also be comfortable.
You may also wish to have a glass of water, juice or milk on a table beside you. Some mothers find it helpful to include this as part of their breastfeeding routine as a reminder to drink enough fluids.
Positions used for breastfeeding include: reclining, cross cradle (or modified cradle), underarm (or football), cradle, and side-lying. Try out different positions to see what you find most comfortable. For all positions, remember to bring your baby to your breast - avoid hunching over to bring your breast to your baby.
Many women like the reclining position especially for the first feeding. In this position, you lean back, putting pillows around you for support. Do not lay flat. Place your baby skin-toskin between your breasts. Gravity will keep your baby in position as he finds your nipple and nurses.
Cross cradle (or modified cradle) position is where you hold your baby with the arm opposite the breast you’re feeding from. Your hand supports the base of your baby’s head, neck, and shoulders positioning your baby to face you – tummy to tummy. If you need to support the breast you are feeding from, use your other hand. Supporting your newborn on a pillow may help to keep your baby’s body close to your breast.
Underarm (or football) position is where your baby is facing you with the legs tucked under your arm. You support your baby’s head with your hand at the base of his neck and his body with your arm. Your other hand may support your breast or you can use your finger to tip the nipple towards your baby’s nose. This position may be helpful if you had a caesarean birth or are breastfeeding twins. Using a pillow may help to support your baby at the breast.
Cradle position is what many people think of as the most common way to breastfeed. This is where you cradle your baby across your lap with your baby facing you – tummy to tummy. Your baby’s head rests on your forearm with his back along your arm. Use pillows to support your baby to the level of your breast. This position is often most useful for an older baby who is breastfeeding well. An older baby no longer needs pillows.
Side-lying position allows you to rest while your baby is breastfeeding but can take more time to master. In this position, you and your baby lie on your sides facing each other. Your baby can be cradled with your arm on his back.
It is important that you and your baby find a way to breastfeed that works for you. Try different positions to see what works well. You don’t have to use them all! The positions you and your baby prefer may change as your baby gets older.
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