Breastfeeding is a magical moment of sharing between mother and baby. But it is also a moment that can be complicated for some. Indeed, it is not easy for all mothers to find and adopt the right position to breastfeed from the beginning. Especially for those who have just had their first child. In addition, as the baby grows, you have to change your breastfeeding position to adapt and find another one that suits you. Finding a good breastfeeding position helps avoid pain and allows you to fully enjoy this intimate moment.
There are several breastfeeding positions. These positions are intended to facilitate this action and make it simpler and more enjoyable for both mother and baby. We have prepared a small list for you by grouping together a few of them. This list is obviously not exhaustive. Each mother has her favorite position!
Good grip for breastfeeding
First of all, before talking about the different breastfeeding positions, we need to talk about the correct grip. This is what helps prevent sore nipples. Whatever position you adopt, you need to be comfortable, your baby facing or against you and well supported, their ear, shoulder and hip on the same straight line and their ear not touching their shoulder.
That being said, we can move on to positions!
The Madonna (or cradle )
This position is the most classic, the simplest. Baby is in the crook of your right arm, your right hand supporting his buttocks. His body is on the side, turned towards you. This is the position most often practiced at the beginning. This is explained by its simplicity.
Reverse Madonna position (or reverse cradle)
This position is suitable for giving the left breast. Still positioned in the crook of the right arm, place the baby's head slightly to the right of the breast to force him to lift it. The crook of your hand should be under his neck, and the palm between the two shoulder blades. Finally, his body should be glued to you, slightly above the right breast, your left hand supporting your left breast!
Biological Nurturing (BN)
For this position you must be semi-reclining. Place baby face down on yours and place your hand (depending on which breast you are giving) under baby's bottom to prevent him from rolling to the side. This position allows you to completely relax and rest your back if it hurts!
The side lying position
Lie down on the side of the breast you are giving to your baby, which is facing you. Place your breast slightly above his head so that he can lift it. This position is also ideal if you are tired, have back pain and need to relax.
Position of the "rugby ball"
For this position, you need to be sitting with your baby's legs hanging out behind you. Again, you will use your left or right hand and arm, depending on which breast you are giving. Baby should be placed under the arm you are using and your hand should support the back of his neck. As this position is not comfortable, you can use a cushion to reduce and facilitate the effort. Our Hugo spelt husk cushion will perfectly meet this need!
Special cases
However, there are special cases that require more effort or finding a more suitable position. Twins, for example, if they want to eat at the same time, will not be able to wait for one to finish so that the other can eat in turn. This is why certain breastfeeding positions are adapted to this particular case!
The double “rugby ball”
You will need a pillow on which you can place your babies to facilitate breastfeeding, comfort and stability. One baby per breast, surround them with your arms for more security, and that's it! Once again, our Hugo pillow made of spelt husks will be of great help to you!
The Biological Nurturing (BN) Position for Twins
As with the classic Biological Nurturing position, you should be semi-reclining and each of your hands under the baby's bottom to support them and prevent them from slipping.
We hope this article has helped you. Again, this is a non-exhaustive list. Some cases require specific positions and requirements. Feel free to share your favorite positions with us on our networks, especially if they are not on our list!