Breastfeeding: what you should know about feeding positions
Before the next feed, consider which position will be most comfortable in the circumstances. Some positions may work better for you and your baby than others. Because bodies differ in height, arm length and breast size, there is no single best position for everyone. What works for a friend may not work for you.
Different Feeding Positions
Breastfeeding in a natural laid-back position, also known as the biological nurturing position
The mother's entire body supports the child's weight, so she does not even need to think about the stimuli that trigger the child's natural reflexes. In this position, gravity keeps the child's chin, torso, legs and feet in contact with her body.
Whatever feeding position the mother chooses, the child's natural abilities will work best when their head, shoulders and hips remain in a straight line and their chin, torso, hips, legs and feet remain in close contact with your body or another supporting surface.
Breastfeeding in a laid-back position can make the first days and weeks much easier, when the baby's reflexes are least coordinated and the mother is still gaining experience. The best reclining angle is one that allows the mother to maintain eye contact with the baby easily while remaining reclined enough for gravity to help keep the baby, lying on their tummy, against her body.
*After a caesarean birth, positioning the newborn across the chest may allow the mother to breastfeed in a laid-back position while reducing pressure on the incision.
*A more upright variation of the laid-back breastfeeding position, with the baby lying diagonally across the body, can be used in restaurants, cinemas and other public places.
*Whether sitting or lying on your side, make sure that your baby's whole body is facing you and held close against you. A baby who is not positioned in a straight line will be more occupied with adjusting their position than with sucking. When supporting a newborn against gravity during feeding, hold the baby's shoulders securely so that their head, neck and mouth remain stable. This helps the baby suck more effectively. Try snuggling the baby in beneath your breast. The closer the baby's body is to yours, the better.
Breastfeeding in the rugby hold
Some women prefer to sit upright and hold the baby snugly at one side while feeding. The rugby hold is particularly suitable after a Caesarean section and for mothers with larger breasts.
To help the baby latch on properly and keep both of you comfortable when breastfeeding in a side-sitting position, follow these three steps:
- bring the baby’s nose close to your nipple, remembering that the baby’s head should be tilted slightly back.
- make sure the baby's mouth is open wide.
- help the baby latch onto the breast.
The most important movements to remember when a baby is preparing to latch onto the breast:
- hold the baby below your breast and close against you (with their arms and chest pressed against your body and breast).
- position your baby's nose level with the nipple.
- allow the baby’s head to remain tilted slightly back.
- support the baby securely across the back and shoulders, and bring the baby's hips close to your body.
During feeding, it is worth avoiding:
- pressing the back of the baby's head;
- allowing the child to push against a hard surface with their feet;
- leaving some space between yourself and the baby.
When the baby's head is pressed, the baby begins to push back. There are several reasons for this. First, pushing the head tilts it forwards, with the chin towards the chest, which makes swallowing more difficult. It can also press the baby's nose into the breast and make breathing difficult. If the baby has to choose between breathing and feeding, breathing always wins.
Breastfeeding while lying on your side - a few tips:
- the baby is calm and ready to feed;
- hold the baby close to the breast, with their head, neck and hips in a straight line and their body drawn so close that there is no gap between you and the baby;
– the baby's head faces the breast directly, their body is held close to yours, and their nose is level with the nipple;
- the baby’s head is tilted slightly back and the baby approaches the breast chin first.
Emilia Adamczyk