The Best Positions For Breastfeeding

The 4 best positions for breastfeeding

You can choose from different positions,  based on your physical condition and how you feel most comfortable while breastfeeding. Furthermore, you can vary the position of your baby so that he or she also feels comfortable.

Whichever position you choose, make sure your baby is holding on tightly to your breast so that he sucks properly. For example, the mouth should be open, and the tongue should hold the nipple firmly, and have the lips outward. Furthermore, both the chin and the nose should touch the chest.

Ventral or biological positions for breastfeeding

This is the most common position in any mammal. It is also good for humans so that the baby can seek the breast himself, and switch to the other when he needs it.

In this position,  you should be half-lying, or with your back leaning back. Place the baby on top of you, lying on your stomach, with your head between your breasts. Since the baby has his whole body on top of you, you do not have to hold on to him; you just have to keep an eye on him.

A newborn baby can take between 10 and 60 minutes to find the breast. As he grows, it will become easier for him to figure it out. After that, it will take less than 10 minutes.

Seated mother

When the mother is sitting or leaning back, there are several options on which the baby can be placed, including:

• It stretched baby. The mother sits and holds her back straight while she holds the baby against her breast. The feet should be placed against the other breast. If the baby rejects one of the breasts, move his feet to the other side. Then he feels like he is being breastfed from the breast he normally accepts.
• Rugby ball style. This is when the baby lies on its back while sucking, with the body under the mother’s arm, and the feet against the mother’s back. This is without a doubt one of the best positions to breastfeed, especially if you had a caesarean section as the baby will not put pressure on the wound. Furthermore, with this position, it is possible to drain the mammary glands in the breast, and avoid obstruction due to milk retention.

• Vertical or overstretched. In this position, the mother sits down, placing the child, who is also sitting, on one of her legs. That way, the baby stays right. This position is beneficial for eye contact, and prevents the baby from suffocating when he sucks heavily. Therefore, it is recommended that the nipple point upwards so that a good portion of the breast off below and the baby can hold on to it.

With mother lying on her side

In this position, the  baby is lying on a bed, and is stretched by your side. That way, you can rest while breastfeeding. 

It is also one of the best positions to breastfeed when the baby is very heavy or you need to recover after the birth. This position can be performed with the baby’s feet against your face or against your stomach.

Four-legged position

Although this is not so common,  it is a good option for mothers suffering from mammary gland inflammation as it facilitates emptying of the milk ducts. To practice this, place the baby face up, and kneel down with your legs near his head. Next, you can lean against him, and bring your chest down towards his mouth.

What should you take into account when breastfeeding?

It is important that you prepare and have several things you need at hand, as you will spend many hours breastfeeding. Some of the things you should have nearby are:

• A good chair  where you can breastfeed.
• Pillows that you can rest your arms on while supporting your child, and others to the area around the neck and lower back,  as well as the area where the knees bend.

• Books you can read,  handkerchiefs, a glass of water, as well as other things you may need so you do not have to get up all the time.

Now that you have expanded your knowledge, according to breastfeeding positions, you can use the ones you like. E Counter ones you find most comfortable for you and your baby.

In conclusion, take into account that breastfeeding is a perfect bond of love that makes your baby happy, strong and healthy.