7 Breastfeeding Positions To Try — Cloud Nine Birth Services | Birth Doula Services | Postpartum Doula Services
Laidback Breastfeeding – This is a great position, especially in the first few months when your body is learning to regulate milk supply and your baby is learning to nurse. This allows mum to stay comfortable and relaxed instead of bending over and straining – it also helps women who are experiencing oversupply or engorgement. This encourages the baby to have more control and allows them to nurse at their own pace. How to do it: A reclining chair/bed or lots of pillows are needed. Mom, get comfortable in a reclined position and place the baby’s stomach on the stomach. Use your arm to gently cradle their head if needed. No need for a nursing pillow!
Cradle/Cross-Cradle Hold – These are the two positions most thought about and used in our culture and involve the mother wrapping her arms around the baby. You can do this sitting or standing and use a nursing pillow or regular pillows for extra support while sitting. There are some common mistakes we see in this position as birth and postpartum doulas – often, moms bend over and bring their breast to the cradled baby closer to their lap. This will cause back and neck pain in the long run. Hold the baby high, maintain good posture and remember – baby at the breast. Second, we see babies lying on their backs which causes them to strain their necks to reach the chest. Tuck baby tummy to tummy with yourself. As always, make sure to have water and snacks handy!
Football Hold – This position is another frequently used in the first few months of the baby’s life. This is great for women with larger breasts. This is done by sitting up straight or slightly reclined with the baby on your side rather than in front of you. This allows you to have more space to work with and control the breast. As doulas, we often fold a hospital pillow in half and place it under the baby to keep them elevated so mom doesn’t struggle to hold the baby and work on her chest. Use one hand to support the baby’s neck and head and the other to hold the breast. Again – water and snacks nearby!
On its side – This position is wonderful when the baby is old enough and has a little more neck control. For families that choose to bedshare/cosleep, this is often used at night to allow mom to maximize her own sleep. Many women also use it at bedtime. Lying side by side facing each other, mom instinctively brings her knees up to support the baby near the feet and wraps the arm closest to the bed around the top of the baby’s head and the other locked baby on top of their stomach/side – like a cocoon of protection. Sleep!
Baby Carrier – It’s great for when out and about or when mom has to deal with chores around the house. This is useful for those who prefer to nurse discreetly in public and often the baby will also sleep in the carrier. Depending on the carrier, the cradle position or a more upright baby position may be used. If it’s a structured carrier, most women loosen a few straps to get the baby in place properly. This allows for lots of interaction that keeps baby calm and happy but also allows mom to be more hands free. Win!
Gymnastics – For families nursing through infancy, this is for you! Mom, be as comfortable as possible and let your child position themselves in any unique way they choose. You’d be surprised at the silly things they come up with.
