New to the game? Breastfeeding can take some time before you get the hold of it, after which it becomes natural and easy.
All you have to do is try different breast positions until you find one that suits you and your baby, after which you can keep using the method.
These are some good positions for breastfeeding your baby, these can make breastfeeding easy and comfortable for both you and your child.
1. The Cradle Hold
Most mothers use this method, cradle your baby’s head with the crook of your arm, rest your feet on something. Hold your baby in your lap so that she’s lying on her side with her face, stomach, and knees directly facing you. Tuck her lower arm under your own and rest her head in the crook of your arm. Turn your baby on his or her side, so that your baby is belly to belly to you. Then, raise your baby to your breast. You can support your breast with your other hand.
2. The Cross Cradle or Crossover Hold
This is almost similar to the cradle hold, but your arms are positioned differently. Instead of supporting your baby’s head in the crook of your arm, use the hand of that arm to support your breast. Your other arm should come around the back of your baby. With your thumb and index finger behind his head and below his ears, guide his mouth to your breast. Your baby will be belly to belly with you just like the cradle hold
3. Side-Lying Position
This position is comfortable for mothers who’ve had a caesarean section, so that the baby won’t rest on the mother’s belly, also many mothers find lying down to nurse a comfortable position, especially at night. Lie on your side with your baby on his or her side too, facing you. The baby can be cradled in your arm with his back along your forearm, or you can support the baby with a pillow so that he will not roll away from you, then use a thin pillow or folded towel under your rib cage to lift your body slightly. You can then support your breast with your other hand.
4. The clutch or football hold
This is a also a good position for a mother who’ve had a caesarean section. as it keeps the baby away from the incision. Mothers with twins who want to feed at the same time can also used this position. It also helps when a mother has a forceful milk ejection reflex (let down) because the baby can handle the flow more easily. Cradle your baby, facing upward in your arm, supported by pillows. Cradle your baby — facing upward in your arm In the clutch position you support your baby’s head in your hand and his back along your arm beside you Using a C-hold (see below), guide her to your nipple, chin first. You can also use pillows again to help bring the baby to the correct height.
Mamalette, you can try different positions until you find one that works for you, and when you finally do, continue using the position until your child grows older and you need to change positions. And whatever position you are using, make sure your child doesn’t have to strain to suck your breasts, make sure she can nurse comfortably without you having to lean towards her.
