Basic Breastfeeding Positions

1. The cross cradle position position is usually what I teach new and inexperinced new mothers. This technique allows you more control over the babys head. In the beginning newborns do not have the ability to control their heads, so this technique allows mom to assist the baby with latch. Use as many pillows to get comfortable to bring the infant up to breast level or a boppy. With the baby breastfeeding on the LEFT breast, place the infant on his right side, look at his ear, shoulder and hip, are they in alignment? His whole body should now be facing you. Place the palm of your RIGHT hand on the babys shoulder blades, your thumb and forefinger should be supporting his neck and your finger at his ears. DO NOT cup your hand around the back of his head. Support your breast using your LEFT hand. His head should also be slightly tilted back, as when you are drinking a glass of water, with his nose now in a "sniffing position". Tickle his top lip with your nipple, wait for him to open wide and bring his shoulders to you. Your nipple should touch the roof of his mouth, NOT ON HIS TONGUE.

2. Football or clutch position is typically used for moms who have had a c/section or with larger breasts. I use many pillows and encourage you to use as many pillows as it takes to get comfortable. Again, use enough pillows to bring the infant to breast level. This is the same technique as described above, you will only be moving your infant under your arm. If the infant will be nursing on the right breast place the infant under your right arm. Position yourself facing away from the baby, he will look as if he is wrapping slightly around your back. The babys tummy will be against your ribs, under your arm and his nose will be pointing toward the other breast. He will be laying on his side. PLace the right palm of your hand between his shoulder blades, your left hand will be supporting your right breast. Your nipple will be at the babys nose with his head tilted back slightly as if were sniffing. See Latch with help latching the baby on.

3. The cradle or madonna position is typically what is portrayed in most pictures, the mother is holding the baby in the crook of her arm across her chest. Again, use as many pillows to become comfortable to bring the baby up to you or use a boppy. Breastfeeding on the left side, place the infant on his right side laying across your chest and at breast level. His whole body should be facing you and his head is laying in the crook of your left arm. The right hand will be supporting your breast. You want his nose at nipple level to allow the baby to latch on well. Tickle his top lip with your nipple, wait for him to open his mouth, aiming the nipple towards the roof of his mouth and bring him to you using your left arm.

4. The side-lying is great for resting while breastfeeding or recovering from an episiotomy. This may be difficult in the beginning, but once you have mastered latching on it is very easy. You are going to need severa pillows, one at your head, one behind your back for support and one between your knees for comfort. Place the baby on his side with his whole body facing you, tickle his top lip and wait for him to open his mouth, bring his shoulders to you so that he is able to latch on with the nipple at the roof of his mouth.