Breastmilk provides the best nourishment to the newborn baby, and that’s why doctors strongly recommend breastfeeding for the first six months. During breastfeeding, a lot of hormones are released in the mother’s body which helps her recover faster post-delivery. Many women find it difficult to breastfeed their baby because of various reasons- either they don’t know the correct technique, or they lack knowledge. The mother needs to sit comfortably and relax with her baby during breastfeeding. Proper positioning is essential as it helps your newborn to latch properly. There are various breastfeeding positions, and they are as follows:

• CROSS CRADLE HOLD

One of the most common positions in which a baby can latch properly, and this has to be practiced right after the delivery. Practicing this position can be very beneficial for the mother and the baby. You can comfortably sit in a chair that has armrests. You must closely hold on to your baby with the opposite arm to the breast you want to nurse the child. Your baby’s body will turn inwards to you. You can support your baby’s head, and the buttocks of your baby should touch your elbows. You can support your breast from underneath with your other arm.

• CRADLE HOLD

This is the most traditional position that every new mom tries first. You can sit comfortably by keeping a cushion in your lap and holding the baby. Cradle the baby in such a way that his/her head should be resting in the bend of your elbow. You must always support your baby’s head, and the chin of your baby should be touching the breast from which you are nursing him/her. The face and body of your baby will be facing you during the cradle hold position.

• FOOTBALL HOLD

This is the perfect position if you are blessed with twins or have undergone C-section. In this position, you are clutch-holding the baby, just like holding a football. The head of your baby will be tilted up towards your breasts, and you can support your baby’s back with your arms. This position is best for you if you have large breasts or have a premature baby.

• SIDE-LYING POSITION

You can comfortably lie down on one side and place your baby next to you. Your baby should be facing toward you and you must lift your breast to your baby’s reach so that he/she can easily access your nipple. You can use your lower arm to support your baby’s head. This can be a perfect position for all those late-night feedings and the most convenient one if you’ve had a C-section.

• RECLINING HOLD

This position is perfect for women who feel uncomfortable sitting after their C-section. You can comfortably lie back on your bed or a couch. Use pillows that can support your head, neck, and upper back. You must make your baby lie down on your tummy, straight on your chest, and the baby will naturally get a hold on of your breasts.

Few expert tips that can be beneficial for the mother and the baby:

• Every baby is different, so you cannot fix any time limit for the breastfeeding session. Approximately it should last between 20-30 minutes. You must feed your baby as per the hunger demands rather than following a rigorous schedule.

• Your baby is well-fed only when the baby seems to be relaxed, and your breasts feel softer after the session.

• You must switch your breasts during the session. You must tickle the baby’s feet, arms, neck, or ear if you notice that baby has slept during the session. You must ensure that the baby is taking burps during and after the feeds.

Summary

Breastfeeding is one of the unique experiences of motherhood as it enables the mother to nourish the baby and bond with her tiny tot. The milk’s smell is somewhat similar to that inside the womb, making the baby even more attached to the breast milk. It is a beautiful time to provide the much-needed skin-to-skin touch to the baby. New moms, if you are struggling with lactation and having issues like sore breasts or less milk supply, then you can enroll in Mylo’s lactation plan to get advice from the best lactation experts. For more information, visit Mylo’s website or Mylo App.

References

Dieterich, C. M., Felice, J. P., O’Sullivan, E., & Rasmussen, K. M. (2013). Breastfeeding and Health Outcomes for the Mother-Infant Dyad. Pediatric Clinics of North America, 60(1), 31–48. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pcl.2012.09.010

Kalarikkal, S. M., & Pfleghaar, J. L. (2022). Breastfeeding. Retrieved from PubMed website: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534767/#:~:text=There%20is%20ample%20evidence%20showing