(Always keep pillows well away from your baby's head). This looks similar to the cradle hold but your arms switch roles so your babys body lies along your opposite forearm.3 The aim is to support your baby around his neck and shoulders to allow him to tilt his head prior to latch. When recovering from a c-section, its important to find a breastfeeding position that doesnt put a lot of pressure on your surgical scarotherwise, you can irritate the incision site and worsen your pain, Long says. After a feeding, its best to avoid seats or swings that place baby at a 45-degree angle, Nguyen says. We explain how best to position your newborn for breastfeeding with step by step guides to the cradle hold, the rugby hold, the reclining hold, the C-section-friendly side-lying hold (and more) so you can find out which ones will work best for you and your baby. Youll probably be comfier if youre reclining gently rather than lying flat on your back. Kathleen F. McCue, DNP, FNP-BC, IBCLC-RLC, is a nurse practitioner and lactation consultant in Bethesda, Maryland. Simultaneous breastfeeding can be difficult and stressful, Sriraman says. If you're bottle-feeding, it's a good idea to burp your baby every three to five minutes during a feed. It can take time for both you and baby to get adjusted to the different breastfeeding positions. For babies with reflux, upright or semi-upright positions are best, like the koala hold or laid-back position, since gravity will help with digestion, Sriraman says. Julie, mum of two, UK, likes the flexibility of this position: I normally do the cross-cradle with my newborn. The baby finds the breast using his inborn reflexes that look smooth and purposeful, More hints and tips on breastfeeding twins, Nursing baby 'upside-down' is a great way to make breastfeeding on a nipple with a sore spot more comfortable because a different part of babys mouth will be on the sore spot. Once baby has had a satisfactory nursing session on the first side, its a good idea to take a minute to burp them before offering the other side, says Kathleen F. McCue, DNP, FNP-BC, IBCLC-RLC, a nurse practitioner and lactation consultant in Bethesda, Maryland. If milk regularly ends up on your clothes, switch to wearing white or pale-coloured cotton tops. Many mums who use this find it very comfy and restful.

If your baby's bottle-fed, trying a different bottle may help with wind and reflux. Or, if you've had a C-section, you may find that 1 position works well for you in the early days but you start to prefer another as your body heals. (You can put a breastfeeding pillow or a roll-up towel behind baby to support their back.) Try dressing him in vests and sleepsuits. If youre holding baby on the right side, baby will latch onto your right breast while you support it with your left hand. Place your baby in front of you, with their body parallel to yours and their tummy to your tummy. Sit the baby on your lap, facing you, with his/her torso upright;c. Hold the back of the babys head with your palm fully opened;e. If you are breastfeeding, bring the baby to the breast and let him/her begin suction to feed;f. If you are Bare-feeding, hold Bare right side up (nipple on top, base at the bottom) and offer it to the baby in that same position. 966 p. What breastfeeding accessories do I need? If offers your baby plenty of support and allows you a good view of their face. Optimal positions for the release of primitive neonatal reflexes stimulating breastfeeding Colson SD et al. Caring for a baby with reflux can be messy and stressful for you, but these tips will help you cope. See which one our reviewers rated highest, picture guide to how to get your baby to latch on correctly, local leaders (all breastfeeding counsellors), Optimal positions for the release of primitive neonatal reflexes stimulating breastfeeding, Everything you need to know about breastfeeding. Make yourself comfy: get in place any pillows or cushions you need to support your back or arms, Relax and give yourself time for the feed to take as long as your baby needs, Check your baby's head, neck and line are in line, and that however you're holding them, their body is stable and supported, Be alert to the need to get a good latch when your baby first attaches to your breast. Sit down on a couch and support your back;b. Make sure you have plenty so that you always have a steady supply. I placed a rolled-up towel underneath each breast to help lift them up as they were so heavy, and fed her in a rugby ball hold, but more upright so she wasnt overwhelmed by their size. In addition to seeing patients, she is an associate professor of pediatrics at Eastern Virginia Medical School. Now that youve zeroed in on the best breastfeeding positions for you and baby, youve got to learn how to do it on both sides. Its common to feel some discomfort when youre just starting out as your breasts get used to the process of nursing. Use a nipple cream Have a wee. Good news: This can be remedied with the proper breastfeeding positions, including upright or semi-upright positions, like the laid-back position. The #1 app for tracking pregnancy and baby growth. Make sure your baby's body is in line with their head and their ears, shoulders and hips are in a straight line. Most newborns will bring up a little bit of milk after feeding (posseting), but reflux means that this will happen a lot! The goal is to have babys mouth wide open, chin dropped and touching your breast, tongue down, with their lips flangednot puckered inon the areola. Luckily, you can achieve the ideal latch in many different breastfeeding positions, so experiment and find the one (or ones) you like the most. Sit your baby on your belly and let her rest her back on your legs;c. Hold Bare right side up and offer it to the baby. You can try feeding your baby in this position whether you are, Once your baby has finished feeding, try not to lay him down for a nap or a, Encouraging your baby to have shorter feeds means that his tummy won't get too full. But make sure you. This type of hold is very similar to the cross-cradle, but in this one you support baby with the arm on the same side as the breast theyre feeding from, not the opposite arm. It was also discreet when we were feeding in public.. Try the rugby hold (1 on each side) which should keep them both well supported and allows you to see what both are doing. Other breastfeeding positions you could try with twins include two cradles crossed across one another, one twin in a rugby ball hold and one in a cradle hold, and double laid-back or double upright breastfeeding positions. Like with cross-cradle, a breastfeeding pillow can help lift baby and support your elbows. DOI: 10.1891/215805310807011864, Best breastfeeding positions for newborns (with pics), As soon as mothers lie back, they look comfortable, relaxed and focused upon their babiesoften smiling, giggling and oblivious to the world. A breastfeeding pillow can be helpful when nursing in cross-cradle hold or football hold, Nguyen says. 4 Wambach K, Riordan J, editors. It seemed to help I think because gravity was in my favour, and because the angle and position of my baby were so different to our normal breastfeeds that she drained my breast differently, says Ellie, mum of two, UK. Find a support system Discover 11 different breastfeeding positions and find out what is best for you and your baby: Whichever breastfeeding position you choose, remember: The laid-back breastfeeding position, also known as biological nurturing,1 is often the first mums try. It offers your whole body plenty of support and, studies suggest, not only encourages your baby's instinctive breastfeeding reflexes1 but can also helps you feel more relaxed2. It felt comfortable and I liked sitting there just looking at my baby, says Rachael, mum of two, Italy. Off to the best start; 2015 [cited 2018 Feb]. I used a dangle feeding position when my baby was struggling to latch, says Lorna, mum of two, UK. Ultimately, though, it comes down to what works for you, your baby (or babies) and your body. If your baby struggles to latch or breastfeeding makes you sore, seek. How to get into position for the football hold: Top tip for success: "We found the football hold very successful but I definitely needed a pillow to be able to do it properly", says Laura C on our MadeForMums Facebook page. All contents copyright BabyCenter, L.L.C. Being tucked in closely alongside your body will help your baby feel safe too. Get a nursing pillow J Midwifery & Womens Health. This a great picture-perfect position!a. 2008;84(7):441-449. Private Breastfeeding Spaces Are Now Required at New York Airports, Moms Need Support to Breastfeed for Up to 2 Years, AAP Says in Update, Where to Shop for the Best Nursing Tops and Dresses, The Best Nursing Covers for Breastfeeding on the Go, This Genetic Mutation May Explain Why Some Women Struggle to Breastfeed, Tips and Tricks for Tandem Nursing Two Kiddos at Once, Cluster Feeding: Everything You Need to Know, Nipple Shields for Nursing: What They Are and How to Use Them, Any Amount of Breastfeeding May Lower Babys Blood Pressure, Study Says, Is CBD Safe for Breastfeeding Moms? Milk may end up on your furniture, so to minimise damage, stick to a particular chair to feed your baby in. 'And it can take a little while to find the hold that works best for you.". Family life is busy enough without having to factor in replacing your car. If you want even more guidance on best breastfeeding positions and solutions to nursing problems, looking for a local lactation consultant or breastfeeding-friendly pediatrician is a great place to start. What Does A Safe Sleep Environment Look Like? To give you the best experience, BabyCentres website and emails use cookies and similar tracking systems to personalise the content and ads we provide to you. Sit in an upright chair. A baby who brings up milk will get messy very quickly! By clicking the button, you agree to our policies and to get emails from us. Here, some tips to help you get adjusted: If baby doesnt break their latch by themselves, help by gently sliding your finger into the corner of their mouth, between their jaws. Two best breastfeeding positions for moms who have had a c-section? breastfeeding in a reclining or laid-back position may be the optimal way, Best feeding pillows? Mother-to-mother groups like La Leche League can provide excellent support for a new mom and help her feel more comfortable with normal breastfeeding behaviors, McCue says. One thing to remember is that breastfeeding advice varies greatly, so if you arent getting the answers you need, dont get defeated. You can also dangle feed while youre sitting, kneeling up over your baby on a bed or sofa, or almost lying down but propped up on your arms. This position actually puts pressure on the esophageal sphincter, making reflux worse.. It may take a little practice, but breastfeeding your baby in a sling can be convenient when youre out and about, looking after older children, or even doing light chores. (When nursing in the football hold, its actually best to turn the pillow to your side.) It was only way I able to feed my daughter at the beginning. When my baby was older I often used the upright hold because it was comfortable for both of us and I could still feel her body close to mine, says Peggy, mum of one, Switzerland. Good if: You're breastfeeding a very new baby; you're struggling to get a good latch, Maybe not so good if: You've had a C-section. When will my baby smile for the first time? Babys latch depends on many factors, such as the size of your breasts and your own comfort level, says Natasha K. Sriraman, MD, associate professor of pediatrics at Childrens Hospital of the Kings Daughter in Norfolk, Virginia. A lactation consultant showed me how to do it. Whichever you choose, make sure you can always see your babys face and his chin is not pressed against his chest. Whether youre pregnant or breastfeeding, the Medela Maternity and Nursing Bra's four-way-stretch material adjusts to your changing shape for comfortable all-day support. This breastfeeding position allows moms of multiples to nurse in tandem, often with a breastfeeding pillow under both babies. Information presented on this website does not replace physician in-person evaluation and treatment. Whatever position youre in, your baby should be stable and supported, while his head, neck and spine should not be twisted. This position was also good as I had a c-section wound and couldnt rest her across my body..

Use cushions, pillows or rolled towels to support your back or arms if you need to. It may be a while before you can go! Rest both babies on a pillow on your lap lying either side of your body so they can latch on easily. I used the cradle hold because it worked! But theres really no one breastfeeding position thats best for sore nipples, Long says. Plus, problems can come up right from the start, or any time along the way. Tuck your baby to one side, resting them along the arm closest to the breast they'll be feeding from (so, right breast = right arm), with your hand supporting the back of their neck, You may find you need a cushion or breastfeeding pillow to help bring your baby to the correct level (their mouth should align with your nipple). This tummy-slimming maternity and nursing top is made from soft, breathable cotton fabric. This is one of the popular breastfeeding positions during the first few weeks of nursing, when youre getting comfortable with your new job. If you have twins, your hands will certainly be full. It worked and were still breastfeeding eight months on!. Be careful not to push your baby's chin down towards their chest with your other hand or you could get a latch that's too shallow, Lie back on a sofa or bean bag or propped on a bed, resting on your side, Hold your baby upright and, supporting their head in the crook of your upper arm, use your opposite hand to help guide your baby to your nipple, Lie on your side, just as you would for the side-lying hold (see no 3, above). Just because breastfeeding is natural doesnt mean itll be second nature. Baby will open their mouth, breaking suction and freeing your nipple. Good if: You've had a long or difficult birth; you're in the very first few days of breastfeeding; you have large breasts or a forceful 'let-down', May not be so good if: You're not at home or in hospital and/or you're not able to feed in privacy. This is the classic position most of us picture when we think of breastfeeding. Learn what causes reflux and when to see your GP, Breastfeeding: the trick to a comfy latch. For this breastfeeding position, sometimes called the koala or upright football hold, have baby sit upright, facing you and straddling your knee. Which hold should I use to breastfeed twins? This hold gives your baby plenty of support and you control over his position, as well as a great view of his latch. Theres no right or wrong way to hold and feed your baby, and each mum and baby will find their own preferred position to feed in. However, some babies will only need to eat from one side at a feeding. They would nurse like this until they fell asleep.. Different moms are going to find that different breastfeeding positions work best for them. You may want to keep that arm behind your baby's back to keep them close to you. Wrap your fingers and thumb around the lower side of the babys head;b. If you use a breastfeeding pillow, make sure it doesnt lift your baby too high your breasts should remain at their natural resting height to avoid sore nipples and a strained latch. Your baby should sleep peacefully and hopefully you will, too. Download The AppDaily pregnancy & newborn updates with our FREE app. Good if: You've had a C-section; you're tandem-breastfeeding twins; you have very large breasts, Maybe not so good if: You haven't got a pillow to raise your baby up to the right level.

It is wire-free and seam-free for maximum comfort. Register to receive news, coupons & discounts right to your inbox. Pale clothes won't show up milk stains as much as coloured ones. If you want to, you can put a throw or sheet over the chair to protect it from any mishaps. Youll support baby with the arm on the same side as baby is feeding and support your breast with the opposite hand, like in the football hold.