Breastfeeding is an important aspect of newborn care. It provides a mother with the opportunity to bond with her child, and it ensures that the baby gets all of its necessary nutrients. Breastfeeding can be difficult for some mothers in certain positions, but there are many different breastfeeding positions for newborn that will make this task much easier. We’ll go over how to do each position so you have a better chance at success!
What you will learn
Benefits of Breastfeeding:
Breastfeeding provides nutrients from colostrum (the first milk that comes after birth) which help protect against illness such as diarrhea and respiratory infections, ear infections, asthma episodes, allergies later in life; bonding time between mother and child; improved IQ scores – research suggests children who were breastfed scored an average of seven points higher than those who weren’t.
Breastfeeding positions for newborn
Cradle Hold
The cradle hold is the most common breastfeeding position for newborns and can be used as long as you are comfortable. To do this position, you’ll need to kneel on the ground and pull your shirt up so that your breast is fully exposed. Gently cradle the baby’s head in one arm while supporting their body with the other hand or by leaning against a wall. You can use a pillow for support if necessary.
Sitting Supported Breastfeeding Position
This position is good for mothers who are uncomfortable going onto all fours or kneeling on the floor. Sit down at an appropriate height chair (a stool will also work) and place a small cushion behind you so that when you lean back it isn’t too low for breastfeeding comfortably. Use pillows to prop yourself up at whatever angle feels most comfortable as well as provide proper positioning for feeding your child.
Football Hold
The football hold for breastfeeding is similar to the cradle hold. However, instead of using your arm as extra support for the baby’s head and neck, you will have one hand supporting their chest while they’re on your lap or in a chair. The football hold is good for parents with back problems because it keeps all pressure off of their hands and arms.
Cross-Cradle Hold
Another way to hold your newborn while nursing is the cross-cradle hold. This is also a variation on the cradle hold because it uses one arm to support your child’s head and neck while your other hand supports their chest. The main difference in this position is that you’ll be holding them across your lap instead of facing them towards you, which may cause backaches if they have poor muscle tone or are too heavy for you to lift without any assistance from others.
One way to reduce pressure on your hands when breastfeeding with either the football or cross-cradle positions would be by using a reclining nursing chair like those found at many hospitals today. These chairs not only provide an elevated angle that will allow both mother and baby more comfortable but can also help alleviate some physical strain.
This is a great chair for support!
Side-Lying or “laid back” position
Laidback breastfeeding is a position that should be used when the mother has had spinal surgery, for any mothers with high blood pressure or who have to lie on their backs because of preeclampsia. It also works well for some families where the baby prefers one breast but not the other. This position can help reduce swelling in your legs and helps you stay more comfortable if you’re sick or recovering from an illness as well!
You’ll be lying on your side so that your head faces the same side as your torso, which will allow gravity to bring fluids down towards her/his mouth while she/he feeds without having to do it by hand. You may need someone else present to hold up pillows behind you so that both shoulder blades are touching.
Cradle position with Pillow
The mother sits on a chair with her back straight and supports the baby’s head. Support your breast so it is at nipple level, then place the baby’s mouth over the top of the open part of your areola. You can use this position when you’re in bed to nurse as well!
Tips to remember:
- Try different positions until you find what works best for both of you – there’s no wrong way!
- Always remember that breastfeeding is not just about food but also skin-to-skin contact with your baby.
- Remember to burp your baby after every two ounces of milk consumed before continuing breastfeeding. The reason for this is that milk contains a lot of air bubbles and when feeding in the football hold, your baby will swallow more air to get enough food.
Conclusion
There are many breastfeeding positions for newborns. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable and supported, no matter what position you choose. Feeding in different positions can help stimulate the flow of milk for an overactive or underactive let-down reflex. Which one works best for your needs?