The Best Position For Breastfeeding Revealed..
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1. Lying On Your Side
The mother usually lies on her side as she props up a pillow to support her head and shoulder. The infant also lies down while facing the mother. This position works great in case of a Caesarean section as it allows the mother to take rest while still nursing the baby. This position is also adopted by few women who are scared they might crush the baby.
2. A Variation Of Football Hold
Your baby can sit while feeding.
3. Cradle Hold
It’s the most common position used by mothers. The mother supports the infant’s head using her elbow while its back and buttocks are supported in the arm as the baby is lifted to the breast.
4. Standing In A Cradle Hold Position
You could even stand and feed your baby in a cradle hold position.
5. Cross Body Cradle Hold
This position is suitable for early breastfeeding. This is simply the opposite of the normal cradle hold position in that the baby latches on the breast opposite to the arm that the mother uses to hold it. The baby’s trunk and head are supported with the forearm and palm. The other arm is placed under the breast to form a U-shaped guide to allow the baby’s mouth to your breast.
6. Cross-Cradle Hold With A Breastfeeding Pillow
Some women even use a breastfeeding pillow for a more comfortable cross cradle hold position.
7. Football Hold Position
The mother holds the infant under the arm as if she is holding a football. The baby’s body is supported by the forearm and the head is supported with the hand. While many women find this position uncomfortable, it turns out to be a good position in case of operative procedures.
8. A Variation Of The Football Hold Where The Baby Can Sit While Feeding
This position is used when the mother feeds a toddler or an older child whereby the child can sit and take the feed.
9. Saddle Hold Position
This is also called the Australian Hold position. It is usually adopted to feed older infants or children. However, it’s not a position commonly used by most mothers. It works best when a mother has to feed an older infant with stuffy or a runny nose or an ear infection.
10. The Push-Ups Style
Do you do aerobic push-ups? Then you will well identify the position. Your body will be in a push-up position while your breasts will be latched on by your baby as it lies
down.
11. Upside Down Breastfeeding
Your baby will be all up for it. If your baby has started crawling, then it will roll over with you to capture this position.
12. Reclining With A Young Baby
This is a very relaxed position that most mothers might appreciate.
13. Sitting Up With An Older Baby
And an older baby is fed as you sit down.
14. Standing With An Older Baby
Your older child will be up for his antics. So you might as well be prepared to feed him in a standing position.
15. The Sling Position
You could be sitting up and hold your baby in a sling position.
16. Tandem Feeding Twins
If you have twins then tandem feeding is probably the most plausible solution. Moreover, you only have to support them on your sides.
17. Tandem Feeding A Baby And A Toddler
If you have a baby and an older child who is refusing to wean, then you might try tandem feeding position as well.
18. Standing While Supporting With A Thigh
If you are feeding an older child, you might as well make her sit on your thigh while you stand.
Points To Remember While Feeding
- Your baby must be positioned in a comfortable way.
- Make sure your baby has latched effectively.
- Your baby’s mouth, chin and umbilical should be aligned with the head in a neutral position.
- Make sure your baby has a close skin-to-skin contact – it’s nose could be touching you.
- As the baby suckles, ensure that the gum line covers the areola and the nipple.
- Your baby’s tongue must move beyond the lower gum in a cupped shape as its mouth forms a reservoir.
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