Breastfeeding Positions and Techniques
The thing we all need to remember is, while breastfeeding is the most natural thing to do for a women, for the most of us it doesn’t come naturally. Breastfeeding is a learned skill for both mother and baby.
It is important to arm yourself with as much information and support as you can.
We have put together a basic guide on how to breastfeed. Like anything this is not a “one size fits all”. Each women and each baby is different so this should be used as a guide to help you with the correct techniques.
Breastfeeding Positions
Choosing a position that suits you is all about your comfort and baby’s comfort. It may take a few tries in each position to work out what is best for you and you may use a different position for each breast.
Most common feeding positions are -
Underarm or “footy” position - This is where the baby lays under your arm with their body horizontal down your side. This position can also be used to feed twins at the same time.
Lying down position - This is where you lay down on your side and the body lays directly next to you in the same position.
You will be given different advice from everyone about attachment and positions. Try them all and do what works for you.
How to attach baby to breastfeed
Position baby in the most comfortable feeding position Pull baby in close, baby’s head should be slightly back so the chin is close to the breast and baby’s nose (while baby’s mouth is closed) should line up with your nipple. Use your hand to hold your breast and place the nipple in the baby’s mouth with the nipple to the roof of the baby’s mouth. Baby should take most of the bottom aereola in the mouth.
Baby will latch on and start sucking. If your attachment is not right be sure to remove and reattach or you would cause grazing or cracked nipples from incorrect attachment.
How will you know if baby is attached correctly?
Baby is attached correctly if baby’s mouth is open wide, baby’s lips are flared out and not tucked in, baby will have mostly bottom aureola and you will feel the baby draw the nipple back. Feeding may feel tender in the beginning but should not hurt, if you are feeling pain chances are baby is not attached properly.
Tip - Use your finger to pull the top of your nipple back slightly, this will allow baby to take more aureola and the nipple to fold back into the baby’s mouth.
Comfort During Breastfeeding
Comfort is very important while you are breastfeeding to ensure you don’t strain your back and also for the comfort on the baby. Here are a few tips to make you more comfortable -
Place a pillow under your bottom and behind your back to ensure you sit up straight Place a stool or book under your feet to elevate your knees to allow baby to reach your breast level.
Keep snacks and water next to you to keep hydrated during feeding times.
The most important thing to do is relax and enjoy this special time with your baby. Make eye contact, stoke your little ones hair or cheek and savour every moment.
It is important to arm yourself with as much information and support as you can.
We have put together a basic guide on how to breastfeed. Like anything this is not a “one size fits all”. Each women and each baby is different so this should be used as a guide to help you with the correct techniques.
Breastfeeding Positions
Choosing a position that suits you is all about your comfort and baby’s comfort. It may take a few tries in each position to work out what is best for you and you may use a different position for each breast.
Most common feeding positions are -
Underarm or “footy” position - This is where the baby lays under your arm with their body horizontal down your side. This position can also be used to feed twins at the same time.
Lying down position - This is where you lay down on your side and the body lays directly next to you in the same position.
You will be given different advice from everyone about attachment and positions. Try them all and do what works for you.
How to attach baby to breastfeed
Position baby in the most comfortable feeding position Pull baby in close, baby’s head should be slightly back so the chin is close to the breast and baby’s nose (while baby’s mouth is closed) should line up with your nipple. Use your hand to hold your breast and place the nipple in the baby’s mouth with the nipple to the roof of the baby’s mouth. Baby should take most of the bottom aereola in the mouth.
Baby will latch on and start sucking. If your attachment is not right be sure to remove and reattach or you would cause grazing or cracked nipples from incorrect attachment.
How will you know if baby is attached correctly?
Baby is attached correctly if baby’s mouth is open wide, baby’s lips are flared out and not tucked in, baby will have mostly bottom aureola and you will feel the baby draw the nipple back. Feeding may feel tender in the beginning but should not hurt, if you are feeling pain chances are baby is not attached properly.
Tip - Use your finger to pull the top of your nipple back slightly, this will allow baby to take more aureola and the nipple to fold back into the baby’s mouth.
Comfort During Breastfeeding
Comfort is very important while you are breastfeeding to ensure you don’t strain your back and also for the comfort on the baby. Here are a few tips to make you more comfortable -
Place a pillow under your bottom and behind your back to ensure you sit up straight Place a stool or book under your feet to elevate your knees to allow baby to reach your breast level.
Keep snacks and water next to you to keep hydrated during feeding times.
The most important thing to do is relax and enjoy this special time with your baby. Make eye contact, stoke your little ones hair or cheek and savour every moment.
