Correct Breastfeeding Position

Proper positioning of the baby is necessary to satiate babys hunger. If the positioning is not correct then the baby will not be able to feed properly and will remain hungry. Improper positioning will lead to the cause of sore or cracked nipples.Positioning the baby the right way while breastfeeding her is very important. Right breastfeeding positions help to avoid breastfeeding problems like sore or cracked nipples as well as the discomfort caused to the baby. Holding baby the right way while breastfeeding her can help her to suckle the milk from the breast comfortably. In this articleHow does the mother get the baby to latch on?How do I get my baby into the right sucking position?What happens if the baby is not positioned properly?Latch-On PositionThe Cradle PositionFootball Hold or Underarm PositionLying Down PositionHow does the mother get the baby to "latch on"?The mother should lift her breast from below with her hand and offer the baby as much of the breast as possible - not just the nipple. When the nipple touches the babys lips, the mother should wait for the babys mouth to open and then aim to get in the lower part of the areola first. The babys lips should be everted (or facing outwards).How do I get my baby into the right sucking position?Your babys whole body should be close to you and turned towards you. Her stomach should be touching your stomach and her shoulder, which is supposed to be away from you, should also be close to you. Her mouth should be wide open and her mouth and chin should be close to your breast. You should ensure that most of the areola (the dark part, not just the nipple) is in the babys mouth, especially the lower part. Once your babys mouth is "latched on", your baby will suck long and hard and will be content. You will not be feeling any pain in your nipple.What happens if the baby is not positioned properly?If the baby is not positioned properly at the breast, she may refuse to feed and this may lead to a reduction in the production of milk. A bad position is also the cause of sore or cracked nipples. It is a myth that frequent suckling causes sore nipples.Which are the different breastfeeding positions?Let us take a look at various breastfeeding positions that can help to breastfeed the baby the right way.Latch-On PositionThis breastfeeding position is based on making use of baby’s natural reflexes for breastfeeding her. It is also known “biological nurturing”. For breastfeeding your baby in this position, sit comfortably in a semi-reclining position on a bed or on a couch. You can use pillows for supporting your back. Position your baby near your breast in such a way that skin-to-skin contact happens and provide support to her with your arms. With her natural reflexes your baby will move towards one of the breasts and start suckling the milk.The Cradle PositionThis is one of the common breastfeeding positions. Before you start breastfeeding, you must sit comfortably and wear comfortable clothes. For feeding your baby in this position hold her in one arm in such a way that she can comfortably suckle milk from your breast. You can adjust your breast with another hand to make sure that the portion of breast up to the areola is in baby’s mouth. Provide support to the arm in which you are holding your baby with the help of another arm. You can also use a pillow for support.Football Hold or Underarm PositionSit in a comfortable position. Take a pillow if required for support. If you want to feed your right breast to your baby, hold her with your right arm in such a way that she is facing your breast and she is lying comfortably under your arms. Provide support with another arm. Make sure that your baby is comfortable and not suffocating. This position is also very helpful for feeding twin babies.Lying Down PositionYou must be alert when you are feeding your baby in this position. As you will be lying down, there is possibility that you may go to sleep. So, you must make sure that you are awake until you finish breastfeeding your baby. You must lie down on your side and position your baby in such a way that she is also lying on her side and is able to suck from your breast comfortably. Provide gentle support with your arm. If you are lying on your left side, provide support with your left arm.There is no hard and fast rule for holding a baby in a particular position while breastfeeding. You can breastfeed your baby in a position which is comfortable for both of you. It is more important to make sure that baby is able to suckle the milk comfortably from the breast while you are breastfeeding her.