breastfeeding position

Proper positioning of baby at your breast is very important, in fact it’s probably the second most important aspect of breastfeeding after good latch on technique. Time and again, when Mom is experiencing pain (remember – breastfeeding shouldn’t hurt!) it is because she or baby are not positioned correctly at the breast. Baby's being positioned properly will also stimulate your milk supply because she will be better able to drain your milk effectively.

Firstly, Mom needs to be comfortable. Sit comfortably and put baby on your lap propped on a pillow (nursing pillows such as the Boppy are especially helpful if you have had a Cesarean birth). If you need to, put a pillow behind the small of your back. Relax your shoulders and take a deep breath to release tension. Babies can sense a nervous Mom. J

Relax your shoulders and neck, don’t scrunch or shrug or you will have soreness later.

Now place baby so that s/he is facing your breast squarely. Her ear, shoulder and hip should more or less line up. Don’t let her roll onto her back. She should be “tummy to tummy” with you, her belly button facing yours. If she rolls back, try placing a rolled up receiving blanket behind her back snugly. You can tuck her legs under your arm and to your side a bit if she kicks against the armrest. This will sometimes help her settle down and relax too.

This is the classic “cradle hold” for nursing. There are other nursing positions that you can learn too, like the "football" hold, and nursing lying down. This one is especially useful for Moms who want to get extra rest or who have had Cesarean births.

continued to part 2 - latching baby on