How should I position my newborn to breastfeed?

Positioning Your Newborn for Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a beautiful yet sometimes challenging experience for new mothers. Proper positioning is crucial not only for the comfort of both mother and baby but also for effective feeding. Here’s a detailed look at how to position your newborn for breastfeeding.
Understanding the Basics of Positioning
When you first start breastfeeding, it’s important to remember that both you and your baby are learning. Experimenting with various positions can help you find what feels most comfortable for both of you. The goal is to ensure that your baby can latch on effectively while you maintain a comfortable posture.
Common Breastfeeding Positions
1. Cradle Hold: This is one of the most traditional positions. Sit comfortably with your baby lying on their side, facing you. Support their head with your arm, and use your other hand to guide your breast to their mouth. This position allows for close contact and is often favored for its intimacy.
2. Cross-Cradle Hold: Similar to the cradle hold, but you use the opposite arm to support your baby. This can give you more control over the baby’s head and is particularly useful for newborns who may need a little extra help latching.
3. Football Hold: In this position, you tuck your baby under your arm like a football, with their feet pointing towards your back. This can be especially helpful for mothers who have had a C-section, as it keeps the baby away from the incision site. It also allows for good visibility of the baby’s latch.
4. Side-Lying Position: This position is great for nighttime feedings. Lie on your side with your baby facing you. This allows both of you to relax and can be a comfortable way to nurse while resting.
5. Laid-Back Position: Also known as biological nurturing, this involves reclining slightly and allowing your baby to find the breast on their own. This position can be very natural and encourages skin-to-skin contact, which is beneficial for bonding.
Tips for Successful Breastfeeding
– Support Your Baby: Regardless of the position you choose, always ensure that your baby is well-supported. Their head should be in line with their body, and they should not have to twist their neck to reach the breast.

– Comfort is Key: Make sure you are comfortable too. Use pillows to support your arms and back, and adjust your seating position as needed. If you’re uncomfortable, it can affect your ability to relax and let down milk.
– Be Patient: Remember that breastfeeding is a skill that takes time to master. It’s normal for both you and your baby to need a few weeks to get the hang of it. Don’t hesitate to seek help from a lactation consultant if you encounter difficulties.
Conclusion
Finding the right position for breastfeeding your newborn is essential for a successful and enjoyable experience. By experimenting with different holds and ensuring both you and your baby are comfortable, you can create a nurturing environment that promotes effective feeding. Remember, patience and practice are key as you embark on this rewarding journey.

Do I always have to hold my breasts while breastfeeding?

First of all, because it is not needed. You also “lose” a useful hand by trying to keep your breast away from the baby’s nose. Furthermore, holding the breast during the feed could unintentionally cause the baby to latch on poorly (more on how to achieve a good latch here).

Can I breastfeed my newborn baby in sleeping position?

Lie on your side, next to your baby with your head on a pillow. Make sure the pillow is not near your baby’s head. You can also put a pillow between your legs and one up against your back if these help with your comfort.

Which position is not good for breastfeeding?

Avoid leaning your breast forward into your baby’s mouth, as this can lead to poor attachment. Your baby needs to get a big mouthful of breast. Placing your baby with their nose level with your nipple will encourage them to open their mouth wide and attach to the breast well.

What is the best position for a baby struggling to latch?

Laid-back is a fantastic breastfeeding position. It lets you relax while your baby is able to attach easily to your breast. This is very important in the early days when you are both getting used to breastfeeding. Laid-back is a great position to try if you are having difficulties with breastfeeding.

Is it okay to breastfeed newborn in side-lying position?

The side-lying position allows you to breastfeed while lying down. You should only use this position if you are on a bed with a firm surface and with no loose bedding, pillows, or other soft objects.

What position should a gassy newborn sleep in?

When a baby has trouble sleeping due to gassiness, it may be tempting to place them on their side or stomach to see if that helps their digestion. However, to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), the best sleeping position for a gassy baby—and every baby—is on their back.

What is the best position to breastfeed a newborn?

The baby’s body should be turned toward you and the baby’s belly should be against yours. Support the baby’s head in the bend of your elbow so that the baby is facing your breast. [A woman breastfeeds her baby in the cradle hold position.] As in the cradle hold, nuzzle your baby’s belly against yours.

How to position a newborn for bottle feeding?

When feeding your baby, they should be held with their head and shoulders up. They should not be fed while they are lying flat. Never prop your baby’s bottle. This can lead to choking and possible ear infections.

What position should I breastfeed to avoid gas?

Use positions for feeding that keep baby’s head higher than her tummy, such as a laid-back position or having baby diagonally across your chest in a cradle hold. Avoid positions that have baby bending at the waist, putting more pressure on her tummy.

How to get baby to latch deeper?

With your baby’s head tilted back and chin up, lift him or her to touch your nipple. The nipple should rest just above the baby’s upper lip. Wait for your baby to open very wide, then “scoop” the breast by placing the lower jaw on first. Now tip your baby’s head forward and place the upper jaw well behind your nipple.