11 Effective Best Breastfeeding Positions for Comfortable Feeding

Being a new mother can be overwhelming. There's a new member in the household, a member who constantly cries and demands your attention. In these times, advising a new mother on all the tips and tricks of raising a newborn can be immensely helpful, mainly when feeding their newborn. Breastfeeding is new to all women who conceive. It can be stressful and even induce anxiety in women who do not know how to do it the "right way." Breastfeeding is a technique that must be learned well so that the child reaps its full benefits. For this, the Best Breastfeeding Positions are vital in maintaining a healthy flow of breast milk and ensuring that your infant is safe while taking in the mother's milk. With this blog, we aspire to encourage and help all new mothers who have stepped into the new phase of motherhood by discussing the Best Breastfeeding Positions for their little one. Read along to learn some more tips about breastfeeding.

What are the best breastfeeding positions?

Here we have listed some of the most popular breastfeeding positions.

1. Lay on your side

Laying on the side may benefit mothers still dealing with abdomen pain post-delivery. Lying on the side and placing your infant on its side, with the nose and mouth close to your breast. Ensure the baby's nose is not blocked, and support your baby's lower back with your arm. While this is a perfectly safe position, tired mothers often fall asleep while breastfeeding and may roll over the child. Ensure that you are not sleepy while breastfeeding or have someone around you all the time.

2. Cradle hold

Cradling the baby as you would in your arms comes naturally to a new mother. Mothers can make use of a nursing pillow to breastfeed the child to give her arms some rest. For this position, sit up comfortably and place the baby on your right arm, the head facing the right breast and legs reaching behind. You may set the child on a pillow instead of holding the baby, but support your baby's lower back with your hand. The position is comfortable both for the mother and the infant. 

3. Cross cradle hold 

The cross-cradle is similar to the cradle position, except that the child's back is supported by the mother's opposite arm of the breast as it drinks milk. Hold your child across your chest. Come in a position similar to cradle hold. Now instead of the head facing the right breast, let your child drink from the left breast, thus giving the mother enough room to support the baby in her arms. 

4. Recliner position

This is a good position for mothers who get some rest while breastfeeding. Women may lean back on a recliner chair or on a sofa that reclines smoothly. This position is prevalent even for the infant, as the child is placed comfortably on its stomach while supported by the mother's arm. This position also ensures that the baby's nose is not blocked while the mother gets the rest she deserves.  Also, Read Benefits of Breastfeeding For Mom & Baby

5. Rugby hold

The rugby hold is also called the underarm pose and is particularly beneficial for women with larger breasts. The baby is placed on a nursing pillow and rests along the side of your forearm, with only its head resting at the side of the breast while the baby's body rests gently behind the mother. This is an excellent way to view the child's face while your child is perfectly comfortable and well-supported throughout the feeding session. 

6. Double rugby hold

The double rugby position helps mothers who have twins or want to nurse two babies simultaneously. The positioning is similar to the single rugby hold, except the babies are placed on both sides of the mother's breast. 

7. Koala hold

In this position, the baby sits upright on the mother's lap, legs wrapped around her waist, parallel to the mother's spine. The child hugs the mother like a little koala and feeds on the mother's breast. This position is also suitable for feeding older children who do not need the mother's assistance in sitting up straight. 

8. Sling bag position

The mother may take a while to get adjusted to this position. Mothers may use a sling bag or a cloth to tie their baby around their chest, with the baby's face close to the breast. This keeps the mother's hands-free or allows her to work from home in an emergency at this time and age. Ensure the mother's breast does not suffocate the baby or block its airway passage.

9. Dangle feeding

Dangling your breasts over your baby is another position you can add to the mix if you are tired of the same breastfeeding position. Place your child on the bed or a flat surface and hover your breast close to the infant's face until the baby latches onto your nipple. Be sure to use some cushions to avoid injuring your back and arms. Mothers usually prefer the dangle position when they suffer from mastitis or blocked milk ducts. It is believed that due to gravity, the clogging in the ducts opens up. Next time you feel you have clogged nipples, try this position. 

10. The chin U position 

This position is preferred for babies who are a few months old. The chin U position involves the mother's thumb, index, and middle fingers. Place your baby on your lap, straddling your waist. Using your thumb and index finger, make a U shape to hold your baby's chin close to your breast. Then, using your middle finger, hold your breast up into your baby's mouth. This position lets the mother sit up straight while engaging with her baby. 

11. Sitting baby

This position is best for those who are a few months old. Once your child has learned to sit up and find her breast, the mother can comfortably sit on the sofa or a floor mat. The child then sits beside the mother and drinks milk. The mother may support the lower back and neck of the baby while the baby feeds off the mother. The mother may sit up against a wall or a chair, further comforting her back.  Also, Read Breastfeeding Facts for Moms

Which positions are not suitable for breastfeeding?

There are two breastfeeding stances that new mothers must practice to avoid at all times. Caution must be taken while breastfeeding for the first few times until you are thorough with your technique.

1. Do not feed at an angle

This makes it difficult for the child to grab the nipple and drink milk. The child will keep searching and shifting for the proper position, making the baby uncomfortable. The baby will also not have complete access to the mother's milk. Always make sure the breast is positioned straight into the infant's mouth.

2. Do not cover the nose with your breast

Another widespread mistake is that mothers ignore their breasts while feeding the child. The heavy breast may block the delicate nose and suffocate the child while being breastfed. Always pay attention to your child, especially while breastfeeding.

What are some things you should remember while breastfeeding?

• Babies fall asleep while waiting for the milk to drip. In such cases, the mother must keep alternating the breast that the infant drinks from. Try shifting every 15-20 minutes, so your infant does not fall asleep.
• Women who face issues while breastfeeding must immediately seek medical help. Issues related to breastfeeding can often be resolved when presented earlier. 
• Whatever position you choose, ensure your baby is safe, comfy, and well-supported in the neck, back, and head. 

Also, Read 7 Breastfeeding Nutrition For Moms Need

Conclusion-

Breastfeeding can be challenging initially, but once you learn how to feed your child, it gets easier for you and your newborn child. Certain positions absolutely must be avoided in your child's best interest. Instead, follow the best breastfeeding positions in this blog to help the child and the mother feel at ease. While breastfeeding nurtures the young, mothers ensure their health by eating foods that fortify their bones and stimulate healthy milk production. Also, make sure to consume foods rich in iron and calcium. These foods will help you feel energetic and active all day to spend maximum quality time with your infant.