Breastfeeding for the first time can be a tough experience for many parents. Even experienced mothers may struggle with it, depending on their newborn’s size, their breast size, and much more. This is why it is necessary to use the correct breastfeeding positions for excellent comfort and milk supply.
The best part is that many breastfeeding positions have been developed to help mothers feed their babies. If you want to know more about these positions, you’re in the right place.
Key Notes
- Laid-back positions are best for mothers with smaller breasts
- The cradle position is the classic position for breastfeeding
- You and your baby can lie on your sides for feeding during the middle of the night or when tired
- Correct breastfeeding positions such as football hold and rugby hold can prevent sore nipples
The Right Breastfeeding Positions For Toddlers
Here are the top positions you can try when feeding your baby:
1. Recline Position
The reclined position is also famous as the laid-back position amongst mothers. It is one of the top positions that women who have become mothers for the first time try. Your baby will be on your chest while your arms will hold his body.
This position is suitable for the following:
- Mothers with relatively small breasts
- For newborns
- For toddlers with tummy sensitivity problems
You can lie down on your bed, sofa, or resting chair to maintain a partial sitting position. This will allow your baby to latch on the nipple naturally. Of course, if latching issues are present, you can change the position of your toddler’s head.
2. Cradle Hold
The cradle hold is the classic breastfeeding position that almost every mother visualizes on the first try. You will be maintaining an upright sitting position while your baby rests on the side of your body. Your toddler’s head will be against your forearm.
Meanwhile, the baby’s body will rest against your tummy. The famous position can help you avoid sore nipples and make it easy for the newborn to latch. However, you may have to provide additional support to make the position more comfortable.
Keeping a pillow behind you for back support will prevent your shoulders from tensing. It will also help you breastfeed comfortably with a good milk supply.
3. Football Hold Position
You may come across many positions related to the names of different sports when breastfeeding. The football hold is the best breastfeeding position for:
- Mothers who gave birth through a caesarian (C-section)
- Females with large breasts also prefer this position because the milk comes naturally with ease, and latching is easier
This position requires you to place your baby on your body’s side. The infant’s legs should be tucked under your arm on the side of the feeding breast. If your baby is feeding from the right nipple, his legs must be under your right arm.
Use your hands to offer more support if your baby is a newborn and not experienced. This position will prevent sore nipples and keep you comfortable if you follow the instructions.
4. Side-Lying Position
Another popular breastfeeding position is the side-lying position. This option is for all mothers whose babies wake up in the middle of the night. You may be tired after a long day of chores and taking care of the newborn.
The side-lying positions involve you and your baby lying on your sides. Your stomach should touch the tummy of your toddler in this position. The comfortable position is also best for mothers with C-section stitches.
You may use one of your hands to offer support to the baby by holding the infant’s back. Another thing you can do is cup your breast to make feeding easier. With the side-lying position, you can rest without worrying about suffocating your baby if you doze off during the feeding.
5. Dangle Feeding
Dangle feeding is an excellent technique for mothers who have an issue with providing an adequate milk supply. This may be due to blocked ducts or other reasons. The position will enable you to use gravity to unplug your blocked milk ducts.
Of course, there is no specific evidence that gravity helps with unblocking ducts. However, mothers who have used this breastfeeding position do benefit from a better milk supply, especially if they suffered due to blocked ducts earlier.
The dangle feeding position requires you to place your baby on their back on the bed. Meanwhile, you will use your hands and feet to crouch above the baby so that your breast hangs above the newborn’s face. The infant can latch to the nipple more easily and enjoy more milk supply.
Remember, this position may be a bit uncomfortable for you if you lack physical strength. This is why you should include the position only a few times a week instead of using it for daily feeding. The position is also suitable for babies who struggle to latch to the nipple.
6. The Sling Position
Nursing your baby using a sling is another famous breastfeeding position. This method is mainly suitable for older infants, such as toddlers of ages one to three. You will have to practice a bit before using this position, but once you get used to it, your life will be easier.
You can use a front carrier for holding one or two babies if you have twins. Another thing you can do is use a strong cloth for tying around your neck and back to form a sling at home. The garment will act as a cover and hold the baby while feeding.
The best part is that your baby can also fall asleep more easily after feeding in this position. Stretchable garments may also be used for forming a reliable sling. The only thing you must ensure is that your infant can keep their head up while feeding in this position.
7. Rugby Hold
The final comfortable position you should try for breastfeeding is the rugby hold. You will have to tuck your baby under your arm. Typically, your underarm will be over the infant’s side or stomach. Meanwhile, the baby’s legs will extend towards your back or the sitting platform.
This nursing position is best for having a good view of your toddler. It will also make your baby feel safer during breastfeeding. Mothers with twins, premature babies, large breasts, and C-sections prefer this position. Your baby will receive excellent support while your comfort level remains high.
It will also make it easier to raise your breasts using towels or other tools if they are relatively heavier. So you don’t have to worry about your breast size or your newborn’s size when using this breastfeeding position.
Final Words
These are the top seven breastfeeding positions that will maximize your comfort level and milk supply. It will be easy for the baby to latch on your nipple in these positions. You will also not have to worry about issues such as sore nipples or muscle straining when breastfeeding.
Remember to follow the correct instructions when placing your baby in a specific position. You should also consider your needs and birth method when choosing a breastfeeding position. Mothers with C-section stitches should use positions that allow them to feed babies while keeping them on their side bodies. Check here the best breastfeeding positions after C section.
