4 common breastfeeding positions

Choosing to breastfeed is a particularly good method. It can allow children to fully supplement nutrition and better improve their children's immunity. Therefore, many women who choose to breastfeed want to fully understand some commonly used breastfeeding postures. The following content provides a specific introduction for many women, so you can fully understand and master some breastfeeding postures.

1. Semi-lying natural breastfeeding

Semi-reclining breastfeeding is also called back-leaning breastfeeding, and is considered by many mothers to be the most natural and comfortable breastfeeding position. Mommy is half lying down and feels comfortable. (When the temperature is suitable, it is best for mom to be topless). Then hold the baby upright in front of your chest, with the baby lying on his side on your abdomen and chest. Your baby's face should have the maximum skin contact with your breast. Mommy can gently hold the baby's neck and shoulders with one hand, so that the baby's head can move freely on the mommy's chest. At this time, the mother can look into the baby's eyes and use a gentle and loving voice to encourage the baby to find the nipple.

When the baby starts to move his head towards the nipple, the mother uses her other hand to support the baby's little butt or feet, giving the baby a gentle upward force to help the baby get closer to her nipple. The baby may first use his or her little hands to touch and explore the mother's chest, and then use his or her tongue to lick the mother's areola or rub his or her nose around the mother's areola. All of this will make the mother produce prolactin and prepare for breastfeeding. At this time, the mother should not rush to put the nipple into the baby's mouth, but can continue to encourage the baby to suckle. When the baby's chin and lips are close to the breast and his mouth is wide open, quickly put the nipple and most of the areola into the baby's mouth and start breastfeeding. This position is especially suitable for mothers who have just given birth naturally.

2. Breastfeeding in the arms

This breastfeeding position is considered the most common and easiest breastfeeding position. Mommy can sit up straight and use cushions to support her waist and back, allowing herself to fully relax. Then, hold your baby in your arms. In order to save energy, mom can use her thighs to support the baby's hips, and the baby's legs hang naturally. Let the baby's head lean against the mother's bent elbow. Note that the mother and baby should face each other, with the baby's face facing the mother's chest, and the baby's mouth should be at the same height as the mother's nipple. This way, the baby will not have additional body twisting or stretching when latching, making both the baby and the mother feel comfortable. In addition, some mothers feel arm pain when breastfeeding for a long time in the cuddling position. Therefore, mothers can also prepare a small cushion to place under their arms, which will make breastfeeding easier.

3. Rugby Hold

The football hold is to imagine the baby as a football, and the mother holds the baby's body under her arm on one side of her body. If you are breastfeeding on your right breast, hold your baby's body with your right arm, and your baby's buttocks can be leaning on a chair or cushion. Support the baby's back and head with your right forearm and right hand respectively, so that the baby's head and back are in a straight line. And bring the baby's face close to your right breast, making sure the baby's mouth and your nipple are on the same plane, and do not let the baby raise or lower his head to reach your nipple. At the same time, the mother holds her right breast with her left hand, with her left thumb placed on the breast above the nipple and the other four fingers placed on the lower part. Mom can also use a cushion or a backrest to support her and her baby's back, which saves effort and makes things easier for her.

4. Side-lying breastfeeding

That is, mommy and baby lie on their sides facing each other, with baby's feet touching your body. Baby can feel mommy's body temperature, which will make baby feel more at ease. Mommy uses one arm to gently support the baby's back so that the baby's nose is in line with mommy's nipple. Note that the baby should not feel forced or stretched unnecessary when latching on. Both you and the baby should start breastfeeding in a comfortable state. For mothers who have just had a cesarean section, this posture is particularly comfortable due to their limited mobility. The mother only needs to lie down. If the mother feels weak, she can use some cushions or pillows to support herself and the baby's body, so that the mother does not have to exert extra effort, making breastfeeding easier.

Side-lying breastfeeding is also very suitable for nighttime breastfeeding. Mom can complete the feeding without getting up, which helps mom to rest better and produce milk.

There are 4 commonly used breastfeeding postures. I believe that many women have fully understood the 4 commonly used breastfeeding postures through the introduction of the above content. After understanding, they can adopt the commonly used breastfeeding postures introduced above, which will allow the child to better absorb the mother's milk during breastfeeding and ensure the child's normal growth.