Positioning Your Baby For Breastfeeding

Positioning Your Baby For Breastfeeding

Although breastfeeding is the most natural thing in the world, there is a correct technique that will help feeding go smoothly and avoid many common breastfeeding problems. In fact, incorrect positioning is one of the main reasons why many new moms find breastfeeding difficult and eventually give up trying.

Preparation is key

Make sure you have everything you might need to hand before you start. This may include a special breast feeding cushion, designed to wrap around your body and support the baby in the best position for feeding, a glass of water for you, and a cloth to mop up spills. Wearing a nursing bra can help; nursing bras are designed so that only the nipple area is exposed when feeding and also to support the breast.

Positioning your baby

Your baby should be lying on her side facing towards you, with her head level with the breast you plan to feed from. Position your baby so her mouth is just under your nipple area and then tickle her nose with your nipple or stoke her cheek gently to encourage her to latch on.

When your baby is feeding correctly it shouldn’t hurt. She will be sucking with the whole of your nipple in her mouth and most of the areola – but you should also be able to see some of the areola above her mouth. If she is sucking correctly and swallowing milk, her ears will be moving backwards and forwards slightly. A baby’s sucking reflex is very strong, but it can still take them a while to get the hang of it so do persevere if she doesn’t do it correctly right away.

Other positions

Once you have taken the first steps and your baby can latch-on and feed correctly, there are a number of feeding positions you and your baby can try:

Upright – Where you are sitting upright and your baby is lying in your lap, feeding from either breast.

Lying down – You are lying on your bed or sofa on your side, and your baby is lying by your side feeding. N.B. NEVER fall asleep with a baby on a sofa.

On the move – Carrying your baby in a sling or carrier. This will allow you to carry on with other tasks while your feeding – although you really should rest occasionally!

Reclining – The mother is lying back, slightly upright; a useful position for breastfeeding twins.

It is important to breastfeed in a quiet, calm environment, so keep interruptions to a minimum. If you have visitors take yourself and baby off to a separate room to feed – the noise and interested stares of other people will no doubt put you and the baby off. If you are still struggling to breastfeed after a week, do contact your doctor or health visitor for help.

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