A Guide To Breastfeeding Positions
A Guide To Breastfeeding Positions
Photo Credit: Bigstockphoto

Shruti Singh

A proud mom to a beautiful little baby girl, learning the art of parenting one day at a time. Experiencing the joys of being a mom for the first time. Excited and anxious about the journey. Takes being a stay-at-home mom as a challenge and there's nothing she would change about it.

Read this article in Hindi
यह लेख Hindi में पढ़ें।

All the new moms whether first timers or experienced, know that breastfeeding is serious business. And it does get a lot difficult at times especially for the new moms out there.

Keeping in mind the fact that breastfeeding can and does take a toll on you. It is especially true when you are so worn out of child birth, you’re not getting enough sleep and feeding your child is all the more taxing.

When it comes to breastfeeding, most women usually hold the baby in one basic position – The cradle hold. But there a lot of other positions as well which are worth giving a try. So we have for you a guide to some easy and comfortable breastfeeding positions for you.

Before you read any further, keep in mind that the basic of breastfeeding is that it should not hurt while you’re doing it. If it does hurt, that means the baby’s positioning is not right.

1
Cradle Breastfeeding Position

The cradle hold

As mentioned above, this is the most common position practiced by mothers everywhere. All you have to do for this is sit with a firm back support.

The baby has to be lying on his side and his mouth should be in level with your nipple. If you have to feed him on the left breast, then his head should be on your left forearm and your left hand supporting his back and hips. Support your breast with the right hand.

In case you feel like you cannot support the weight of the baby, use a feeding pillow or a normal pillow below your baby.

2
Cross-Cradle Breastfeeding Position

The cross-cradle hold

Very similar to the cradle hold is the cross cradle hold. The only difference is that if you are feeding on the left breast, your left hand supports the left breast while your right hand supports the baby’s head.

The baby’s head rests in the space between your thumb and index finger. Make sure that the mouth of the baby is closer to your nipple. Otherwise, this will result in a poor latch and may cause problems for both you and the baby.

3
Side-Lying Cradle Breastfeeding Position

The Side-lying Cradle

This is a comparatively easier and more comfortable position than the regular cradle hold or cross-cradle. All you have to do is lie down on your side with supported back inclined. Hold your baby in a cradle position.

If you are feeding on your left breast then your left hand should be tucked into his back and hips and right hand should support the baby’s head. The reason why this position is more comfortable is that the mother gets to give some much needed rest to her back while breastfeeding.

4
Inverted Side-lying Breastfeeding Position

The inverted Side Lying

In a position like this, the mother lies on the bed with a pillow supporting her head. Or if you want to breastfeed on the left side, your left hand should support your head. Your right hand, on the other side, should support your breast.

SONA Women's Cotton Full Coverage Feeding Nursing Maternity Bra (White_38D) Pack of 1

Lay the baby in an inverted position as yourself with the feet closer to your head and the mouth of your baby towards your nipple.

It is generally believed that any breastfeeding position where the baby has to lie down should not be practiced. The reason for this is that it may cause ear infections in babies. However, research suggests otherwise.

It says that breastfeeding is safe to do lying down but formula should always be given to babies with their heads tilted up. Formula feeding a baby while lying him down increases the chances of ear infection and not breast feeding.

No matter which position you choose to breastfeed your baby. The point is that it should neither be uncomfortable for the baby nor the mother.

Next Breastfeeding Positions ⇢

More in Breastfeeding

Do you need more help?

क्या आपको और मदद चाहिए?

  • Write a Comment
  • Write a Review
  • Ask a Question
Mom's Cuddle Comment Policy
Be kind to others. False language, promotions, personal attacks, and spam will be removed.
Ask questions if any, by visiting Ask a Question section.
टिप्पणी करने की नीति
दूसरों के प्रति उदार रहें, अभद्र भाषा का प्रयोग ना करें और किसी भी तरह का प्रचार ना करें।
यदि कोई प्रश्न हो तो, अपना प्रश्न पूछें सेक्शन पर जाएं।
{{ reviewsOverall }} / 5 User Rating (0 reviews)
How helpful was this article?
What people say... Write your experience
Order by:

Be the first to leave a review.

Verified Review
{{{ review.rating_title }}}
{{{review.rating_comment | nl2br}}}

Show more
{{ pageNumber+1 }}
Write your experience

Your browser does not support images upload. Please choose a modern one

Latest Questions

Did you Know, You can improve your breastfeeding?

Pigeon Breast Pads Honeycomb

Popular on Amazon

Amazon ?? ??????

Price From ₹389.00

  • Honeycomb lining enables to spread milk evenly and trap excess milk quickly, also breathable layer and leak proof coverage ensure you and your clothing protected, you can stay dry and always feel confident.
  • Water proof tissue to prevent milk leakage
A proud mom to a beautiful little baby girl, learning the art of parenting one day at a time. Experiencing the joys of being a mom for the first time. Excited and anxious about the journey. Takes being a stay-at-home mom as a challenge and there's nothing she would change about it.