Laidback Breastfeeding – This is a great position, especially in those early months when your body is learning to regulate milk supply and your baby is learning how to nurse. It allows mom to stay comfortable and relaxed instead of hunched over and strained – this also helps women who experience oversupply or engorgement. It encourages baby to take more control and allows them to nurse at their own pace. How to do it: A reclining chair/bed or lots of pillows are necessary. Mom, get comfortable in a reclined position and place baby tummy to tummy. Use your arm to gently cradle their head as needed. No nursing pillow necessary!
Cradle/Cross-Cradle Hold – These are the two positions that are most widely thought of and used in our culture and involve mom cradling her arms to hold baby. You can do this sitting or standing and use a breastfeeding pillow or regular pillows for more support while seated. There are a couple common mistakes we see in this position as birth and postpartum doulas – often times, moms hunch over and bring their breast to baby who is cradled closer to their lap. This will cause back and neck pain long term. Hold baby high up, keep good posture and remember - baby to breast. Secondly, we see babies held flat on their back which causes them to strain their neck to reach the breast. Tuck baby tummy to tummy with yourself. As always, make sure to have water and snacks within arm’s reach!
Football Hold – This position is another used a lot in the first few months of baby’s life. It is great for women who have larger breasts. This is done sitting upright or slightly reclined with baby tucked into the side of you rather than across your front. This allows you to have more space to work with and control the breast. As doulas, we often fold a hospital pillow in half and tuck it under baby to keep them higher up so mom isn’t struggling to hold baby and work with their breast. Use one hand to support baby’s neck and head and the other to hold the breast. Again – water and snacks nearby!
Side-lying – This position is wonderful once baby is old and large enough and has a little more neck control. For families that choose to bedshare/cosleep, it is used often during the night to allow mom to maximize her own sleep. It is also used by many women at naptime. Lie side by side facing one another, mom instinctively brings her knees up to support baby near the feet and drapes the arm closest to the bed around the top of baby’s head and the other snuggling baby over their tummy/side – much like a cocoon of protection. Sleep well!
Baby Carrier – This is great for when out and about or when mom must tackle chores at home. It is helpful for those who prefer nursing discreetly in public and oftentimes baby will fall right to sleep in the carrier as well. Depending on the carrier, the cradle position or a more upright position of baby can be used. If it is a structured carrier, most women loosen some straps to get baby positioned nicely. It allows a lot of contact which keeps baby calm and happy but also allows mom to be more hands free. Winning!
Gymnurstics – For the families that nurse into toddlerhood, this one’s for you! Mom, get as comfortable as possible and let your little one position themselves in any wacky way they choose. You’ll be amazed with what their silly selves come up with.