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KEY POINTS
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There are several positions you can use when you feed your baby. Any position that works is OK as long as your baby has both your nipple and much of your areola in his or her mouth and can breathe. (The areola is the dark area around your nipple.) Find a relaxed and comfortable position. You might want to change to a different breastfeeding position during a feeding to make sure all your milk ducts are drained of milk. A footstool is also helpful to raise your feet.
The most common position is the cradle hold. Sit in a chair with your baby in your lap and the baby's head resting in the bend of your elbow on the same side where your baby will breastfeed. Your baby's chest should be against your chest so that your baby doesn't have to turn to reach your nipple. Be sure the arm of the chair is at the right height to support your arm. Use pillows to support your back and arm and your baby's head.
The cross-cradle hold is like the cradle hold except your baby is supported on the arm and hand opposite the breast you are using. The baby's head rests between your thumb and fingers and your baby’s upper back is in the palm of your hand. This is a good position when you are first learning to breastfeed because it gives you more control of your baby's head while you are helping your baby latch onto the breast. It also is a good position for small babies and babies having trouble learning to latch on correctly.
Hold your baby like a football along your forearm, with the baby's body on your arm, feet pointing toward your back, and face toward your breast. Use your other hand to support your breast. The football hold helps if you have engorged breasts or sore nipples. It is also a good position if you have had a C-section and cannot lay your baby on your stomach. If you often have plugged milk ducts, the football hold can help your baby drain the ducts at the bottom of the breast. It’s also a good position for breastfeeding twins.
Breastfeeding when you are lying down is good for night feeding. Lie on your side and place the baby on his or her side facing you, with your baby’s head near your breast and mouth lined up with your nipple. You may want to place a couple of pillows at your back for some extra support. Be sure that your baby can breathe through the nose.
This position is restful for you. By changing your position slightly, you can feed the baby from both breasts while lying on one side. It is also a good position if you have had a C-section and cannot lay your baby on your stomach.
For this position, lie back and place your baby’s tummy on your tummy. Gravity keeps your baby’s body securely against yours. This position may help your baby latch on properly and suck deeply with less effort.
After feeding and burping, return your baby to the crib. Be sure to place your baby on his or her back for sleep. Avoid putting your baby on soft sleep surfaces or near loose bedding. Do not put your baby to sleep in places where your baby can fall or get trapped between a bed and a wall, headboard, or other furniture.
In the first few days, place your baby skin to skin on your chest. Your baby moves toward the breast. Once your baby is at the nipple, your baby will latch onto the breast and start breastfeeding. It’s very important to get your baby to latch on correctly to your breast. If your baby is not latched on correctly, you will get sore nipples and your baby won't get as much milk.
To get a good latch:
Breastfeeding after a C-Section
Breastfeeding premature infants
Breastfeeding twins