What Are The Best Breastfeeding Positions?

It is a challenge for new mothers to know how to breastfeed their little ones. If you count yourself in this group, you will find here  a useful list of the best breastfeeding positions for you and your baby.

The 4 best breastfeeding positions

You can choose the position  based on your physical condition and what feels most comfortable for you when breastfeeding. You can also vary your child’s position so that he also feels comfortable.

Whichever position you choose, make sure your baby is holding his breast well so that he sucks properly. For example, the mouth should be open, the tongue should hold the nipple underneath and the lips should be turned outwards. In addition, both the chin and the nose should touch the chest.

Position with baby on stomach

This is the most common position in all mammals. It is also good for humans, as the baby himself can seek the breast, and change to the other when he needs.

For this position, lie with your back tilted back. Place the baby on you, so that he is lying on his stomach with his head between your breasts. Since the baby has his whole body on you, you do not need to hold him; just keep an eye on him.

It can take between 10 and 60 minutes for a newborn baby to find the breast. But when he gets bigger, it gets a lot easier. Then it will take less than 10 minutes.

Sitting mother

When the mother is sitting or leaning back, there are several different ways to place the baby, for example:

• The outstretched baby. The mother sits with her back straight and holds the baby facing her breast with her feet placed against the other breast. If the baby rejects one breast – move his feet to the other side so that he feels like he is breastfeeding the breast that he usually accepts.

• Rugby ball style. Here the baby lies on its back while breastfeeding, with its body tucked under its mother’s arm and its feet against its mother’s back. This is one of the absolute best breastfeeding positions, especially after a caesarean section, as the baby will not press against the wound. In addition, it is possible to empty the ducts in the breast and avoid blockages due to milk retention.
• Vertical or border. For this position, the mother sits and places the baby, also sitting, on one leg. In this way he remains upright. This position promotes eye contact and prevents babies from suffocating when they drink very fast. Here it is recommended that the nipple point upwards, so that a large part of the breast is below it, and the baby can hold on to it.

With the mother lying on her side

In this position , the baby is lying on the bed and is stretched out by your side. This way you can rest while breastfeeding. 

This is one of the best breastfeeding positions when the baby is very heavy or when you are recovering after the birth. You can choose to have the baby’s feet pointing towards your head or pointing towards your stomach.

On all fours

Although this is not very common, it is a good option for mothers suffering from mastitis, as it facilitates the emptying of the ducts. You place the baby face up and then kneel with your legs close to his head. Then you can lean against him and bring your breast to his mouth.

You have chosen one of the best breastfeeding positions, so what else should you think about when breastfeeding?

It is important for you to prepare yourself and have certain things on hand that you will need. Keep in mind that you will spend many hours breastfeeding. Some of the things you should have access to are:

• A good chair to sit in when breastfeeding.
• Pillows to rest your arms on when you give support to the baby, and other pillows for the area around the uterus and lumbar spine, as well as for the knee creases.
• Books to read, handkerchiefs, a glass of water and other things you may need so you do not have to get up so often.

Now that you have broadened your knowledge when it comes to the best breastfeeding positions, you can use the ones you like or find most comfortable for you and your baby.

Finally, remember that breastfeeding is a perfect bond of love and makes your baby happy, strong and healthy.