More Breastfeeding Positions (Breastfeeding: Latching on & Positioning continued)
If you had a caesarean section or if you have large breasts, you can choose either the football position or laying position to breastfeed your child. The football position uses the same hold as the cross cradle, but this time you are feeding your baby with the same side breast.
Following the previous example, if you are using your left arm to hold your baby, you are also feeding them with your left breast. It’s almost as if your baby is sort of sitting up. Like the cross cradle position, squeeze your nipple area slightly so that it fits easily into your baby’s mouth. This position is good for mother’s who’ve had C-sections because it takes pressure off the stomach area, which can still be sensitive from the operation.
The lying position is one of the easiest ways to feed your child, and it often becomes a favorite among mothers, especially those who had C-sections because it allows them to rest as well as not put any pressure on their stomachs.
To feed your child with the lying position, simply lay yourself down on your bed on your side. Make yourself comfortable. Lay your child down facing you, and support their head and back with a soft towel or pillow. You can also help support your baby with your arm. Offer the breast closest to your baby, and allow them to feed. The breast closest to your baby is usually the most comfortable breast.
Sometimes baby’s prefer one breast over the other. This is normal, and it is nothing to worry about. Even if your baby has a preference, always offer both breasts to your baby as an option. As long as your baby is comfortable, growing normally, and feeding regularly, do not fret over the preference. You can express the milk from the breast that is less liked and save the milk for storage.
After every feeding session with your baby, examine your nipples. They should come out round. If they look a little crooked this could mean that your baby was not properly latched on or not positioned correctly. If your nipple looks like it was slightly compressed, it could mean that it wasn’t in your baby’s mouth enough. This can happen in the beginning when breastfeeding is new for both you and your baby. If it continues to happen, you can consult your doctor or a lactation expert to see what the problem might be.
Remember that incorrect positioning and latching can lead to irritated or sore nipples, and this is something you do not want. If you have inverted or flat nipples, you can massage your nipples outward gently before your feed your baby. Massaging your nipples will give your baby more to latch on to and will lessen your chances of having irritated or sore nipples.
Next Artcle: All About Expressing Breast Milk
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