The Best Breastfeeding Positions: How To Breastfeed Comfortably

Are you unsure about breastfeeding positions?

Are you having back aches?

Are you feeling that holding your baby is wrong, cries and doesn’t like feeding?

Or, perhaps you feel uncomfortable feeding your baby in public?

Breastfeeding during the first days after birth is really a ritual. Although you do not believe it, feeding a baby has its own technique, and you should try all the positions to make this experience more enjoyable. You and your baby should enjoy the most of this relationship.

You should not feel tired when you are breastfeeding, you have to relax arms and shoulders, and try different positions because the most important is being comfortable.

Being comfortable will allow your baby to latch more easily.

The correct position and how your baby latches are essential to be comfortable and to succeed in breastfeeding. Each breastfeed will last for about 30 minutes, so be prepared.

Now it’s time to learn how to breastfeed your baby and try different feeding positions.

Try one of these breastfeeding positions

Cradle Hold:

• You have to sit in a chair or a bed with your back straight. Use a pillow on your back, or lots of pillows in case you sit in bed. Keep your knees slightly higher than your hips, use a footrest if necessary.
• You can use a pillow to put your baby to your breast height. Your baby has to be lying on his side with his face, stomach, and knees directly facing you.
• Once your baby is positioned correctly, use your hand to hold your breast, placing your thumb above the areola and the four fingers underneath.
• Put your nipple on the lower lip of your baby’s mouth, and when it is open, put your breast quickly.
• Your baby should cover completely the nipple with his mouth and part of the areola. Do not allow the baby to latch on to the breast with his mouth half open.
• Your baby’s nose and chin should be in contact with your breast.

The Clutch or Football Hold:

This breastfeeding position is a good option when your breasts are big size, if you have had a c-section, or if you had twins.

• Sit down and put a pillow next to you to rest your arm.
• Place your baby with his back resting on the pillow; hold his head with your hand and his body with your forearm.
• Place your baby’s feet under your arm and his knees under your armpit. If your baby is smaller, it may be necessary to place a pillow to get closer to your breast.
• Use your hand to hold your breast, placing your thumb above the areola and the four fingers underneath.
• Put your nipple on the lower lip of your baby’s mouth, and when it is open, put your breast quickly.
• Your baby should cover completely the nipple with his mouth and part of the areola. Do not allow the baby to latch on to the breast with his mouth half open.
• Your baby’s nose and chin should be in contact with your breast.

The Side Lying Hold

This breastfeeding position allows you to lie down on bed while you breastfeed your baby. It is also good choice after a c-section or when you’re tired.

• Lie on your side with a pillow supporting your back.
• Place a pillow between your legs and bend your upper leg.
• Place your baby near to you, belly with belly and your baby’s mouth will be placed towards your nipple.
• Hold your breast with your other hand to help your baby to latch.
• Put your nipple on the lower lip of your baby’s mouth, and when it is open, put your breast quickly.
• Your baby should cover completely the nipple with his mouth and part of the areola. Do not allow the baby to latch on to the breast with his mouth half open.
• Your baby’s nose and chin should be in contact with your breast.

Final Thoughts:

If you can not find the correct position for breastfeeding, do not be discouraged, I’m sure with a little practice and breastfeeding tips, feeding your baby will be like a walk in the park.

If you have difficulties getting a breastfeeding position, there is always someone who can help, try with your doctor, midwife, or “La Leche League”. They can also tell you what are the breastfeeding benefits for your baby.

Remember that while you are breastfeeding, there will be an increase in breast milk, otherwise it will be reduced or even stopped.