8 Popular Breastfeeding Position for You to Try
Breastfeeding is a process that takes time and patience, its a skill that both you and your baby need to master. Every baby is different so even if you are a seasoned mom what worked for your first may not work for your second child. Irrespective of whether you are a new mom or seasoned, there are multiple tried and tested positions for you to explore before you decide on what works the best for you both.
Laid Back or Reclined Breastfeeding Position
The first position that you both try, called the biological position where nurses put the baby on the mom's chest immediately after delivery for baby's to move toward the nipple and feed. Many babies do well in this position where you need to lie down preferable inclined so you can keep a watch on the baby while feeding. Use a chair, or pillows to support your back and direct your baby to the breast and help latch. Gravity aids in staying latched as baby rests over the breast and feeds. This is a good breastfeeding position to try if your baby is a preemie or if you are large breasted.
Related: How to Successfully Breastfeed Your Baby
Cradle Hold
The most common position that moms use. It may not be the easiest breast feeding position for newborns or premature babies to start with but over time with practice most mothers prefer this hold. Sit upright, you could use a pillow to support your back. Lay the baby along your forearm with the head supported close to your elbow and positioned at your breast. The baby should run across your body with tummy to mommy. You could use your other arm to support your breast and direct the nipple for baby to latch.
Cross Cradle Hold
The opposite of cradle hold and actually one of the best breastfeeding position for latching for newborns, premature babies and for babies with latching difficulties. In this position you use the opposite arm to support the baby with head resting on your palm and directing baby to the breast. Use the other arm to help baby make a latch. As the neck and shoulder is supported by the opposite arm you can direct the head and let tilt to help a better latch, this works for newborns and smaller babies that more need guidance.
Photo by Al van Akker
Football Hold
This is another great position to try for babies with difficulty latching, preterm, for moms with large breast or if had a c-section as you have a lot of control with the baby lying across your side, legs facing back of your chair and body close to yours. Looks a lot like you are holding a Rugby or Football in your hand. Your other hand is free to guide the baby and also do other activities while the baby nurses.
Photo by Al van Akker
Double Football Hold
Perfect if you had twins so you can nurse both at once. Everything is just the same as football hold but you can nurse two babies at once. As they get a hang of feeding with a tight latch, invest in a twins feeding pillow so you can let go while they rest on pillow and feed you can do other activities like reading, using phone, etc.
Related: Common Breastfeeding Mistakes To Avoid
Dangle Position
As the name suggests you lay your baby on their back and quite literally dangle your breast over their mouth and direct your nipple to help you baby open their mouth wide open and establish a latch. You need to balance yourself on all fours or on side or could sit and lean forward on the bed based on what suits you. Many moms say this position helped them with blocked ducts, latching issues and mastitis. This is not a position for long term but more for short term issues.
Koala Hold or Upright Feeding Position
Comfortable feeding position for older babies, for reflux issues and babies with low muscle tone or tongue tie. Sit your baby upright straddling on your thigh or across your hip and let them latch on to your breast and feed. It can be used for newborns as well but will need a lot of support and work from your end to hold them upright.
Related: Foods to Boost Breastmilk Supply
Side Lying Position
Feed your baby while lying down on your side facing your baby on their back slightly tilted or on their side once they can and let them latch. This is breastfeeding position of baby is perfect for night time feeds when you are too tired to sit upright and can rest a little while they feed.
Whatever you choose remember it takes time for the baby to learn and get comfortable and the positions keep changing as the baby grows and also you may find one more practical or comfortable over the other. Bottomline no position is better or more ideal it all depends on personal preferences. As long as your baby is able to establish a good latch and is feeding well that all that should matter. All the best and keep trying till you find what suits you the best.