The Art of Nursing: Top 7 Positions for Breastfeeding

How beautiful it is to experience motherhood, but motherhood comes with challenges and also a lot of cute moments with your little one. Breastfeeding your child is a beautiful journey in motherhood that demands a little technique, a lot of comfort and loads of patience.
The art of nursing involves not only the nourishment of a child but also the nurturing connection between a mother and her baby. Certain positions for breastfeeding play an important role in the success and ease of this natural process. There's definitely no right or wrong way to breastfeed your baby, and every mum and baby will find their preferred Position to feed in. What's important is that you both feel comfortable and relaxed. It should not feel like a burden. Knowing a few different breastfeeding positions and techniques can be helpful because life often requires us to be versatile, especially as your baby gets bigger and you start to go out and about more.

Read on to explore 7 positions that will make your breastfeeding journey comfortable and fulfilling.

 

 

Position 1: Cradle Hold

The Cradle Hold Position is something every mother is familiar with as it is the most commonly known and practised Position. This is a classic posture where a mother cradles her baby's head in the crook of her arm, ensuring the baby is lying on their side with their mouth facing the nipple. The reason why this Position is the most known and adapted is because it offers intimacy and closeness, allowing eye contact and skin-to-skin contact between the mother and baby. Make sure to have comfortable and supportive seating arrangements to avoid back strain while practising the cradle hold.

Position 2: Football Hold

Also known as the clutch or underarm Hold, the football hold involves tucking the baby under the mother's arm like a football. This Position is beneficial for mothers who've had a C-section, as it keeps the baby away from the incision area. It's also advantageous for twins or premature babies, providing better control and support during feeding.

Position 3: Side-Lying Hold

Side-lying Position is the most loved among mothers as it is a saviour during night feeds when both mother and baby need to rest. It involves lying on a side and the baby positioning the breast. It is super comfy and allows mothers to relax while feeding. This Position especially aids in postpartum recovery and helps the mother respite during long feeding sessions.

Position 4: Reclining Hold

If you've had a caesarean delivery and are unable to find a comfortable breastfeeding position, this may help. The reclining Hold involves the mother reclining in a semi-upright position, almost like lounging back comfortably. Reclining with your baby's body across your shoulder will let you nurse comfortably without any weight or pressure on your wound, or you could also try side-lying.

Position 5: Cross-Cradle Hold

This looks similar to the cradle hold, but your arms switch roles so your baby's body lies along your opposite forearm. This provides extra support and control, making it an ideal position for premature babies or those having trouble latching.

Position 6: Laid-Back Breastfeeding

Laid-back breastfeeding, also known as biological nurturing, involves the mother reclining in a semi-reclined position and allowing the baby to find its way to the breast. This Position promotes a more natural latch and helps the baby self-regulate during feeding.

Position 7: Upright Breastfeeding or Koala Hold

In the upright or koala Hold, your baby sits straddling your thigh or on your hip, with his spine and head upright as he feeds.
The upright breastfeeding position involves babysitting or straddling the mother while she sits comfortably in a chair. This Position can help babies with reflux or colic issues, as gravity aids in digestion. It's also beneficial for mothers who have had a Cesarean birth.

These various positions empower mothers to find what works best for them and their babies, ensuring a comfortable and successful breastfeeding experience.

Some accessories can enhance the breastfeeding journey. Would you like to start with the pumping bra or the wearable breast pump in the next blog? Let us know in the comments.

Benefits of Different Breastfeeding Positions:

Position	Benefit
Cradle Hold	Promotes bonding, easy latch
Football Hold	Supports C-section incision, good for small babies
Side-Lying Hold	Comfortable for night feeds, postpartum recovery
Reclining Hold	Comfortable for C-sections
Cross-Cradle Hold	Supports latch for premature babies
Laid-Back Breastfeeding	Promotes natural latch, self-regulation
Upright Breastfeeding	Helps with reflux or colic, good for C-sections