How mother, baby can master breastfeeding strategies that work for them

... 6 best breastfeeding positions

Alt hough it is a natural activity, breastfeeding is also a skill that takes time to learn. It tends to get easier with practice, as both a woman and baby master the breastfeeding strategies that work for them.

The best breastfeeding positions enable a baby to latch on to the breast well and comfortably, do not strain the muscles, and reduce the risk of nipple injuries and pain.

The best breastfeeding positions can also change as a baby grows and a woman gains confidence. No single position works for everyone.

Instead, try out a variety of positions to find the ones that work well in different situations. Best breastfeeding positions

While not every woman will find the same positions comfort

able or effective, some of the best breastfeeding positions include: Cradle hold

The cradle hold is the classic breastfeeding position. In this position, the baby feeds with its stomach against the woman’s body.

To do the cradle hold:

Hold the baby with its stomach against your body.

Support the baby with the arm that is on the sames ideas the breast from which the baby is nursing.

Keep the baby’s head in line with the rest of their body to avoid straining their neck.

Try using a nursing pillow or an armrest to support your elbow to make this hold more comfortable.

However, some women find this position difficult to master with a newborn. Also, as babies

grow, they may become too large to support in this position. Cross-cradle hold

The cross-cradle is usually the best latch for newborns. The hold is similar to the cradle hold, but the woman supports the baby with the arm opposite to the breast the baby is feeding from.

To breastfeed in the crosscradle position:

Hold the baby flush against your stomach, with their back and neck aligned. Reach across the baby’s back and support their head with your hand, allowing their bottom to rest in the crook of your arm.

This hold can be tricky to master at first but allows the woman more control over the baby’ s lat ch. this position can be helpful for babies who struggle with getting a deep latch.

Reclining or lying back

This position is sometimes called biological nursing because it stimulates a baby’s instinctive feeding reflexes, and allows the woman to feed from a comfortable, supported position.

It may require some shift sin positioning, but the rec lining position can also be very comfortable for women struggling with muscle pain or recovering from surgery or childbirth.

To master this approach to breastfeeding:

Find a comfortable reclining position that supports your head and neck. Imagine watching TV or reading a book while reclining. A reclining chair can help.

Position the baby stomach down on your chest, with their head at breast level.

Ensure that nothing is covering the baby’s nose and that their neck is not bent.

The baby may find the breast by themselves, but feel free to help as much as necessary.

Some women put the baby in an upright position, with toes pointing down. Other women find it more comfortable with the baby slightly reclining against their bent arm.

Experiment with different options to find one that works. Sitting baby

When a baby is old enough to support their head, they can breast feed in a sitting position. This position works well for breastfeeding on the go. Babies who squirm when they feel restrained may also like this position. Culled from Medical News Today (MNT)