As a mum of 3 kids in my time of breastfeeding, I needed to know the best feeding positions. I have used all of these positions with all three of my babies at different times. Knowing different breastfeeding positions can help you and your baby feel comfortable.
It all depends on what your needs are. For example, you could have a smaller baby who has latching issues, or maybe you had a c-section and need to breastfeed in a position that will help you to heal. It is important to know what options you have.
It is also important to note that having a good latch is very important so please check out my ‘Painful Breastfeeding? Here’s how to fix it to learn how to do this well.
Here I will be breaking down the 5 most popular breastfeeding positions.
Cradle Hold
The cradle hold is the most common breastfeeding position for mums. It is great because you can rest your arm and relax. Having propped pillows or a nursing pillow will bring more comfort.
This position is helpful when you are breastfeeding in public as it is the most discreet position. You can also do the cradle hold almost anywhere, on a bed, sofa, chair, or a parked bench. It is also the most convenient position. If you want to know how to do this position please check on my blog ‘Painful Breastfeeding? Here’s how to fix it’
Once you have mastered this position you can even do it standing up, slightly rocking baby if they are distressed. It comes with practice though.
Cross Cradle Hold
This is great for babies who struggle to latch on or premature babies. So here’s how to do it:
- Sit in a comfortable chair that has an armrest or sofa with propped cushions.
- Bring your baby close to your tummy
- Put your arm across your baby’s neck and back (opposite hand from the breast you are feeding with).
- Hold your breast with the other hand
- Put your breast towards baby’s face until his mouth is WIDE open
- Place baby onto the breast and try not to lean or bend over, always sit up straight.
I find that with this position you need to have cushions to help you, especially with the arm that you are holding your breast as it will start to ache after feeding for a long time. So make sure it is propped well with a cushion. It is always good to have someone to help you with this when you are starting.
This position can be good for mums who have had a c-section. You just need to make sure the baby is higher than the incision.
Layback Nursing
This is great for feeding your baby if you have a fast milk flow or overactive milk ejection. You can tell you have a fast milk flow your baby is coughing after a feed, coming off the breast during a feed, and having colic or wind. This will help your baby in the first few months so that they can get used to your flow.
I used this position with all 3 of my kids at the beginning stages. It helped my babies not to be overwhelmed by the fast flow. Because you are leaning backwards, it stops the flow coming out too fast, thanks to gravity. It also promotes skin-to-skin bonding and has been known to reduce nipple pain. I like this position because it helps you to relax.
So here’s how to do it:
- Lean yourself backwards in a chair, bed or sofa
- Support your back with a pillow so that you feel comfortable.
- Put your baby on your stomach and their tummy down towards you, cheeks close to your breast
- place your hand on your baby’s body for support
- Let baby find the nipple
Side lying
This is another good one for when you want to relax and rest. I asked the midwives to help me do this in the hospital because sitting up wasn’t comfortable at the time. They were really happy to assist me.
Sometimes, you might fall asleep, and that’s okay as long as you have a pillow and the way that you are lying is safe for the baby. This position promotes skin-to-skin and is great for c-section recovery and forceps recovery.
So here’s how to do it:
- Lie down on your side and place your baby on their side facing you
- Place a pillow behind your baby’s back for support
- Place a pillow under your head and on your back for support
- Bring baby towards your breast and let them latch on
- Use your arm on the side that you are lying on to support your baby’s head
Football Hold
This position is great if you have twins, and you want to feed them at the same time. Also, it is great for mums with large breasts. Also great for women who have flat or inverted nipples. I have used this position a few times mainly when my baby was a bit older but it did the job!
So here’s how to do it:
- Hold your baby beside you bending your elbow
- Place a pillow under your baby so that he is at the height toward your breast
- As you are holding your baby, use your hand to support your baby’s head and the base of the neck
- With your other hand place your breast in the baby’s mouth, using a C-shaped hold.
So there you have it the 5 most popular positions. The most important thing is to make sure that you and the baby are comfortable because they will be feeding for a long time, especially if they are a newborn. There are times when your baby will cluster feeding all day or have a growth spurt, so you need to switch positions for your own sanity.
As you are breastfeeding, you will feel relaxed or even sleepy as it gives you oxytocin (the love hormone), Prolactin, Cholecystokinin and Tryptophan and they all make you feel relaxed and sleepy so sometimes changing position can be very helpful.
Practice makes perfect, keep trying and find what best suits you and your baby’s needs. Speak to your partner or loved ones to help you and guide you through what you need. And don’t forget to eat well and to drink well too.
Keep going you are doing great!
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Love from Sheleen xoxo
