What is the correct position to feed your baby?

For new moms, it is always a point of confusion and dilemma about how to correctly hold your baby while breastfeedingin a position which is comfortable for both the mother and the baby. We have shortlisted some positions which we found to be intuitive and comfortable. Co-incidentally these are also the scientifically recommended ways of hoding your baby while breastfeeding.

Hold your baby close, with its body facing yours & its arm around your waist. Always keep a pillow on your lap to lift the baby to the level of your breast. Never go to the level of the baby, always bring the baby to your comfortable feeding level else this might lead to back pain.

Keep the baby at the level of your breast so that its mouth is directly opposite to your nipple.The babies have an inborn reflex - when you touch its cheek with your nipple, it turns its head readily to take the nipple into his/her mouth. Baby should take the nipple & most of the areola into the mouth. You may need to support the breast by placing one or two fingers underneath. As the baby sucks, the chin should touch the breast.

As it is said -

Chest to chest, chin to breast

NOTE: Never force the baby’s head onto the nipple, this may upset the baby which might lead to him/her fighting the breast.

4 main sitting feeding positions:

1. Cradle Hold - This is the classic position most of us picture when we think of breastfeeding. It involves you sitting upright, with your baby positioned on his side, his head and neck laying along your forearm and his body against your stomach, in a tummy-to-mummy position. 



2. Cross cradle hold - This looks similar to the cradle hold but your arms switch roles so your baby’s body lies along your opposite forearm. The aim is to support your baby around his neck and shoulders to allow him to tilt his head prior to latch. This is a great newborn breastfeeding position and is also good for small babies and those with latching difficulties. Because your baby is fully supported on your opposite arm, you have more control over his positioning, and you can use your free hand to shape your breast.



3. Football hold - In this position (also known as the underarm or clutch), you sit with your baby resting along your forearm. His body tucks alongside your side, with his feet towards the back of the chair, or whatever you’re sitting on. This is another helpful early nursing position because it supports your baby well, while giving you plenty of control and a good view of his face. This position is also helpful when the baby is rejecting one breast. Suppose the baby is rejecting the left breast, using this hold the baby will feel as if it is in the same position as drinking from the right breast in cradle hold.



4. Twin feeding - While feeding the twins, it is best to feed them in the football hold position so that both the babies are equally connected to you.