Breastfeeding positions- what can you try?

Breastfeeding can be a case of trial and error, but when you've got a tiny baby needing feeding it can become stressful.

'Finding a position that works for both mother and baby is key both in terms of baby accessing the milk that they need to grow and develop and to ensure the comfort of the parent,' says Victoria Evans, our Antenatal and Infant Feeding Lead. 'Breastfeeding should not be painful and may be a sign of positioning and attachment support is needed.'

The best breastfeeding positions

Try different positions to see what suits you and your baby best. Some key considerations should be:

• Being comfortable- both of you. Use cushions and pillows to get comfortable, and ensure your baby's head and body are in a straight line.
• Make sure you're holding your baby close to your body, and provide support for their back, shoulders and neck.
• Allow your baby to latch themselves to your breast by bringing their nose level to your nipple.
• Remember that babies need to get a large mouthful of breast- their mouth will need to open wide. 

Cradle hold breastfeeding

This is probably the most-used breastfeeding position, however it doesn't suit everyone and may be painful for those who have had a caesarean. 

To try this position, get comfortable in a chair with either armrests or pillows to support your elbows. Then, lay your baby in a straight line facing you, with their nose towards your nipple. Your baby's head should be resting on your forearm and the back of their body supported by your hand.

Lying down breastfeeding positions

Lying on your side to breastfeed can be more comfortable if you're recovering from a difficult birth or still in pain from a caesarean. 

Have your baby lying facing you so that their body is in a straight line- any twisting can create problems for them latching. Use pillows to support your head and get comfortable. Make sure that your baby has no pillows or blankets covering their face and nose. Lastly, tuck your arm under the pillows or stretch it out while you use your free hand to support your baby's head near the breast.

If lying on your side isn't suiting you, try lying back in bed or on the sofa. Make sure your head, back and shoulders are supported, so you're not lying flat but softly reclining. Lay your baby on you- tummy to tummy. You can move them slightly to one side if this is more comfortable. While supporting them, guide them towards your nipple.

The rugby hold technique

This position is another good choice for those who have gone through a caesarean as it avoids pressure on the tummy area. 

Use a chair and place a pillow along your side that you're going to feed your baby from. Lay your baby on the pillow so that their hip touches your hip and their nose is by your nipple. Hold your baby's head with your hand and move them towards the breast. 

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