Breastfeeding can be challenging for many new moms, but these breastfeeding positions can help take a good start.

Breastfeeding is a natural process. However, it takes some time, practice, and a lot of trial and error to succeed in this ‘natural’ process. Patience and persistence are required from day one. When you’re still in hospital, take the full help of nurses and lactation consultants to help you and your baby perfect the latch and find the best breastfeeding positions.

“Baby’s latch depends on many factors, such as the size of your breasts and your comfort level,” says Natasha K. Sriraman, MD, associate professor of paediatrics at Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughter in Norfolk, Virginia. 

BEST BREASTFEEDING POSITIONS

The following are the best breastfeeding positions to nurse your baby comfortably. Feel free to try one or all of these breastfeeding positions, depending on your need and comfort level.

LAID-BACK BREASTFEEDING

The mothers mostly love the laid-back position of breastfeeding. It is natural for the baby and relaxing for the mom.
To do laid-back breastfeeding, you have to recline 45 degrees back over the couch, in bed, or on a recliner. And baby lies face down on the top of your breast with their arms hugging your breast on both sides.

FOOTBALL HOLD

This breastfeeding position is also called the clutch hold position. Here, the baby is tucked under your arm off to the side, like the way you hold a football. The baby is held with one arm while giving support to the breast with your other arm. So, if you hold your baby from the right side, your baby will latch on to your right breast while you support your breast with your left hand.

SIDE-LYING POSITION

This breastfeeding position is suitable when you are lying on the bed. Simply lie down on your bed with the baby facing you. Baby nurses from the breast that is resting on the bed. For some moms, it is easy to latch a baby and a comfortable position, especially at night.

CROSS CRADLE HOLD

This position is one of the widely used breastfeeding techniques used by new mothers. Furthermore, it is also the most straightforward nursing position while in public. To try cross-cradle breastfeeding position, bring your baby close to your tummy and hold the baby supporting his neck. You may use a breastfeeding pillow while trying this position to nurse your baby.

CRADLE HOLD

This type of hold is very similar to the cross-cradle, but in this one, you support the baby with the arm on the same side as the breast they’re feeding on, not the opposite arm. This is one of the popular breastfeeding positions during the first few weeks of nursing when you’re getting comfortable with your new job. Like with a cross-cradle, a breastfeeding pillow can help lift the baby and support your elbows.

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