#Breastfeeding
How to find your breastfeeding position?
Updated on May 29, 2024
Created on July 26, 2021
Cradle, koala or rugby hold? There’s a name for each position and a position for each mum! All have been tested by millions of generations of mothers to breastfeed their babies. Now it's your turn to try them out and choose the one that suits you best. Just keep in mind that it should be as comfortable as possible. Here’s a few guidelines:
How to breastfeed
In theory, breastfeeding sounds simple: the idea is that the little wonder you’ve just given birth to feeds on your breast. In practice, however, the moves it requires can be a little more disconcerting. How should you hold your baby? Can you lie down? Can you use a cushion? Obviously, there’s no right or wrong answer. The idea is that your breastfeeding position should be as comfortable for you as it is for your little one, and that your baby latches on properly.
Whichever position you choose, a good latch will prevent the formation of painful cracks and ensure that your baby is feeding properly. Here’s how to: Position your baby close to you with mouth and nose facing your nipple, and make sure his head is tilted back. Then let him open his mouth wide and grab the breast on his own. Check that he latches on to your entire areola and not just the nipple.
The good news about breastfeeding positions is that there’s a real host of them, tested and trusted by generations of mothers.
Pick and choose!
Laid-back breastfeeding or biological nurturing
Aptly named, the natural position is usually the most instinctive one. Lean back comfortably on a back support, with a pillow, in a more or less lying-down position. Then place your baby on your breast and let him latch on, while you support the back of his head. The way your baby positions himself doesn’t really matter. A perfect position stroke baby’s little back!
The cradle position
Here's the idea of the cradle position: your baby's body is wrapped around yours and his head rests in the crook of your elbow. Lean back to be more stable and so that your baby’s weight is on you. Make sure the whole front of his body touches the front of your body. You can use one or more cushions to prop up. Check that your baby is supported, and that his feet also find a fulcrum.
A must-try position: sitting on an armchair with your feet raised!