features
4
Recommended Breastfeeding Positions
Find the hold that best suits you and your baby.
Not
sure where to begin? Here are four recommended breastfeeding positions:
1. Cradle Hold.
This is the way
most of us envision nursing: You cradle baby's head in the crook of
your arm and use your other hand to support your breast. Baby's face,
tummy, and knees should be facing you and leaning in toward you, and
her head could be a bit higher than her body. The arm that's doing
the cradling supports baby's neck, spine, and bottom. Note that this
hold is actually a little tough for women recovering from c-sections,
and for preemies and newborns, so although it's the way many women
are inclined to begin, you'll probably have more success with it a
few weeks after baby's birth.
2. Cross-Cradle
Hold.
Instead of resting
baby's head in the crook of your arm, rest it in your palm, so that
baby lies on your right arm if you're using your left breast and vice
versa. Again, her body should be directly facing and leaning into
you. This is a great position for newborns and babies who have latch-on
trouble, because it's easier to move her to your breast.
3. Football Hold.
The funny name
gives you the idea that you keep baby tucked against your side, not
your tummy. She rests on a pillow and your armpit goes over her body
so your arm can reach under and support her neck and spine. This is
a great hold for babies who have latch-on trouble and for moms who
have had c-sections. Because you may need to lean over a bit for this
one, experts also say it's a good hold for women with large breasts
or flat nipples--gravity helps make the breasts easier to catch hold
of.
4. Lying down.
You're tired,
baby's tired--sometimes it's easiest to nurse in bed. Lie on your
side and support your neck and back with pillows. Put a pillow between
your legs, too, if it helps keep your hips and back in a straight
line. Cradle baby's head on your bottom arm. If you need to, put a
pillow under baby, too, so neither of you has to strain. Then lean
over to breastfeed--some women use the breast that's on the bottom,
but some women give baby that breast that's on the top. Another way
to get into this position: Sit back in bed and get baby latched on
while she's on top of you, then roll to your side, holding onto baby
the whole time.
Your
should know:
The
information on this Web site is designed for educational purposes
only. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical
advice or care. You should not use this information to diagnose
or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your
pediatrician or family doctor. Please consult a doctor with any
questions or concerns you might have regarding your or your child's
condition.
Rebornne Baby. American Baby
