Feeding your baby is one important part of your child care responsibility. It is more than just a matter of nutrition. It is also about nurturing and comfort.

Positioning is very vital to take into consideration. You can choose any position you wish to latch on the baby to your nipple, whether that be a seated or laying down position. But this may vary with the baby’s age, your comfort level and even the time of day.

Here are the usual positions for feeding your baby:

~ Cradle Hold

It is one of the most frequently seen breastfeeding positions for babies. It is highly recommended because it allows the mother to hold the baby closely and support their little bodies, particularly when they are newborns and not quite able to hold themselves up in any way.

It is a comfortable and natural position for older babies with better head control.
Use a pillow to help support the baby and your arms.

~ Football Hold

It is a great position if you really need to see the breast. It works well for large breasted mothers as well as mothers who need to avoid the baby being on their abdomen, such as after a cesarean section.

Be sure to use pillows with this position so that you can be sure that the baby is well supported. If the baby is longer than the space you have between you and where you are sitting, bend the legs upward, so that their bottom is against the back of the chair or bed. This prevents you from leaning out.

With this position, you can also use the other hand to help better position the baby’s mouth or your breast. It gives you a visible look at the breast while nursing. So, it works well if you’re having latch issues. This position is also great for premature or very tiny babies.

~ Side-lying position

It is indicated for resting with baby or after a cesarean section.

~ Saddle Hold

It is a fun way to easily nurse babies who are sitting up. It also works well if your baby has a runny nose or a sore ear.

So now you have read the usual positions during breastfeeding. Find the best position that will suit your needs and your baby’s. Be sure to take rest periods or changing the position so as to prevent you and your baby for any pain or cramps in the muscles.