BREASTFEEDING
The Breastfeeding Café with
PROFESSOR AMY BROWN
THIS ISSUE WE ASK:
WHAT IS THE BEST BREASTFEEDING POSITION?
T
he best breastfeeding position is the one that you find most comfortable – and there are lots to choose from. Here are some of the most common ones: CRADLE HOLD – this is the traditional breastfeeding pose you usually see in pictures, but isn’t necessarily the easiest or more comfortable for you. You hold your baby across your body, with her latched on one side and her feet on the other. Her head will rest on your forearm, with her whole body and tummy against you. RUGBY HOLD – this is when you position your baby along the side of your body so her feet are behind you, and her head round at your breast. It’s useful for feeding twins at the same time, or if you’ve had a caesarean section. It’s important to make sure that your baby is far back enough, and that she still has her head tilted back, rather than her chin crunched into her chest. LYING DOWN – this can be great to let you get some rest, or if you’re in pain sitting up. It is also useful if your milk flow is very fast, as your baby can let a little trickle out. LAIDBACK BREASTFEEDING – where you lie in a reclined position
and let your baby come to you. First of all you need to make yourself comfy, reclined in a bed supported by pillows or in a semi-reclined position in a chair – aim for your sacrum (the hard part at the back of your pelvis) to be the part supporting your lower weight. Then place your baby on her tummy so her head is near your breasts. Make sure the rest of her is on you as well, rather than dangling off the edge. She’ll use her little feet and legs to wiggle her way up. You might want to bring your knees up a little if you’re lying on a bed to feel like she is more supported. You don’t need to hang on to her, but make sure she’s secure and not going to drop off. Make sure she’s facing your nipple rather than needing to turn her head, although it’s likely she’ll be able to do this to latch on. Let her use her hands and feet to push herself closer to your nipple. She’ll know which direction to go by smell and will automatically open her mouth wide as she comes up to your nipple. Professor Amy Brown’s title The Positive Breastfeeding Book (£14.99, Pinter & Martin Ltd) is out now Nursing pillow £39, mamasandpapas.com
Cam Cam Copenhagen nursing pillow £69, smallable.com BabyMoov Mum & B Maternity Cushion £35, jojomamanbebe.co.uk
Nursing pillow £49.90, ergobaby.co.uk
Widgey feeding pillow £29.99, boots.com
TOP TIPS
• Being comfortable is really important! Make sure you aren’t hunched up over your baby – bring them to you rather than sitting in an awkward position. You can use pillows for comfort. • A good latch will feel comfortable to you. If you’re in pain during a feed, or your nipples are misshapen after a feed, there’s a good chance that something isn’t quite right – speak to your health visitor or a breastfeeding specialist. • Looking at visuals can really help you work out what goes where. La Leche League shares great advice and pics on the different latches at laleche.org.uk. There are also some great videos on the Biological Nurturing website, at biologicalnurturing.com. • If you’ve had a caesarean and want to try laidback nursing, but are worried about your baby kicking your wound, there are a few different approaches that you can try – including from the other direction so her feet are nowhere near you! This might need some help to start with, but nipples work the same way from any direction, and your baby can approach it from the side, or even from over your shoulder. This means her feet will be nowhere near your tummy.
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