Breastfeeding is very important both for mom and baby. There are many breastfeeding positions which are comfortable for mother and baby. The main thing you need to remember – your baby should take your nipple correctly and you need to relax and think of your baby.
breastfeeding position cradle

Perhaps the most frequently used breastfeeding position is the cradle, or cuddle, hold. To feel more comfortable make sure your arm is well supported in such case you will not become tired before your baby is finished nursing.

Place your baby across your stomach, tummy to tummy. Her face and knees should be close into, and facing, your body.

Her head should be in the bend of your elbow, with her mouth directly in front of your nipple.

Her body should be in a straight line from her ear to her shoulder and to her hip. You can tuck her lower arm around your waist, so it is out of the way.

breastfeeding football

If you have difficulty feeding your baby in the cradle hold, try the football, or clutch, hold. It can also work well for:

  • Mothers who had c-sections
  • Small babies.
  • Mothers experiencing difficulty on one side.
  • Mothers with large breasts
  • Mothers with flat nipples.
  • Babies who are having problems latching on.

Lie baby beside you, you might like to put her on pillows to support her and your arm. with her head will be in the palm of your hand and her back wil lay on your inner forearm. Tuck her feet slightly behind you.
breastfeeding cross cradle

The cross-cradle, or transverse, hold is another good position to use if you are having trouble latching on, or if you are feeding a small or premature baby. Because you have more control of your baby’s head and can see the latch more clearly, it may be a better position than the cradle hold.
Your baby’s position will be the same as in the cradle hold, but you will be holding her in the arm opposite the breast from which she will latch onto. As in the cradle hold, make sure she is at the level of your breast, with her body turned toward you. You may be able to tuck her bottom into the crook of your arm.

breastfeeding lying downThe lying down position is very useful, especially if you sleep with your baby.

Lie on one side and support your head and back with pillows so that you are comfortable. You might like one of those “body pillows” which are very long. I think they can be bought for about ten dollars. You can also bend one arm under your head and use the other hand to support your breast.

Line the baby up with her tummy to yours. Your nipple should be opposite her mouth. If she is still very young, you might want to place a pillow or rolled up blanket behind her to keep her from rolling back.

She will nurse on the lower breast. You can support it with your upper hand if neccessary.

Many mothers like to reposition themselves on their other side to feed from the other breast. You can cuddle your baby on your chest, support her head and gently roll yourselves over. Often, you can just lean further over with the upper side instead of getting up and rolling over to switch sides. Make sure she is still postioned well in relation to your breast.