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Breastfeeding takes practice. Learning how to hold and support your baby while being in a comfortable position requires a bit of coordination and patience. Babies are born with the instinct to latch on and suckle, but new moms might need some assistance with the positioning. How you sit, hold your baby, and offer your breast all affects how a baby latches on and they determine how comfortable you will be during feedings. Parents.com contributor Tricia O’Brien shares some of the best breastfeeding positions for mom and baby.
The easiest position for breastfeeding is to sit upright in an armchair or rocking chair. Cradle your baby’s head with the crook of your arm and use your hand to support their bottom. Your other hand supports the breast. Rest your feet on a stool or other raised surface to avoid leaning down toward your baby.
This position is ideal for early breastfeeding. Sit up straight in a comfortable arm chair with armrests or consider using a nursing pillow. Bring your baby across the front of your body and hold in the crook of the arm opposite the breast you’re feeding. If you’re feeding on your left breast, use your right arm to support the baby’s body and your right hand to support the head, while your fingers support the left breast.
This might be a good position when you’re tired. Before you try this position, it’s best if the baby can latch first, says O’Brien. Lie on your side with your back supported. Lay the baby on their side facing you. The baby’s chest should be against yours. To feed on the left breast, you should be on your left side, your right arm will support the baby’s body, and your right hand will support the head.
If you’re recovering from a C-section or have large breasts, this might be a good choice. Hold your baby at your side face up lengthwise. Use nursing pillows for added support. When nursing on your right side, use your right arm to support the baby and guide them to your breast. Your baby’s back will rest on your forearm. Babies and moms should be comfortable when breastfeeding. Whichever position you choose, make sure you support your body, breasts, and baby. Also, vary your routine. Some women find the best way to avoid clogged milk ducts is to alternate positions because each hold pressures a different part of your nipple. When you alternate breasts, you’re also boosting milk production. Breastfeeding may feel a bit awkward at first, but the key is patience and practice. Any of these positions can be altered as you become more experienced. All photos courtesy of Parents.com