Breastfeeding. You type it into Google and you get over 10 million hits! Much has already been written and researched about it. People sometimes refer to it as the "breastfeeding mafia," because the advice is sometimes given in a (too) fanatical way. That's why we're not going to discuss whether you should breastfeed or for how long. That's entirely up to you, and we're all for it.
But we'd like to tell you a little about breastfeeding positions. It might help you get started in the (often!) difficult stages of breastfeeding. This way, you can breastfeed without any hassle!
Breastfeeding positions
First, a cliché: There's no right or wrong way to breastfeed. You should primarily do what works for you and your baby. And that can vary greatly depending on your situation. It depends, for example, on how easily your baby latches on, whether you nurse during the day or at night, and whether you produce a lot of milk. So pay close attention to your own needs and those of your baby. And choose the position that best suits your breastfeeding style.
These are the positions you can try when breastfeedingThe Madonna pose
This is the most common breastfeeding position. You sit upright, and your baby lies on your forearm on their side. One arm rests at your side, and their other arm rests near your breast and their head.
The pushed-forward position
The position is similar to the Madonna hold, but with a slight difference. This position works well if you need to help your baby latch on. You use your other hand to support your baby. If you're feeding your baby on your left breast, you'll support your baby with your right arm. This frees up your other hand to help your baby by bringing your breast to their mouth or supporting their body.
Lying down to feed
This is probably the position you use most often at night, when you're nursing in bed. You lie on your side and your baby lies on your side. Or you lie on your back and your baby lies on their stomach on top of you, with their face near your breast.
The rugby stance
Uh, what?! No! Of course, you're not supposed to throw on a rugby shirt right now. This position is named after the way your baby lies against you. You hold them like a rugby ball. You place a nursing pillow in front of you, and your baby lies on it. Their legs are extended behind you, towards your back. Their head rests on the nursing pillow. You can also place your arm under your baby.
Tips for all types of breastfeeding
Whatever position you choose for breastfeeding, these tips are always useful to read.
1. Place everything you need next to you or within easy reach. It's incredibly annoying when your baby is nursing and you have to interrupt them to grab a muslin cloth.
2. Make sure you're sitting or lying comfortably. Be careful not to get back pain. Once your breastfeeding gets going, you'll be nursing several times a day. So make sure you have good posture and don't strain your muscles.
3. Let your baby lie on your bare skin before and during breastfeeding. Skin contact helps your baby relax more easily and start feeding sooner.
4. When in doubt? Ask for help! It's perfectly understandable that you have questions or are unsure if you're doing it right. There are many places you can go with breastfeeding questions. For example, find a lactation consultant or consult with your maternity nurse.
