Breastfeeding - How to Breastfeed

Getting Started - Positions

Proper positioning of your baby is essential to successful breastfeeding. There are a number of different positions for you to try. No matter which position you prefer there are some things that remain the same. Your baby should be elevated to the height of the breast, so you may need pillows for extra support for you or the baby. Your baby's whole body should be turned to you, so that you are chest-to-chest, Your baby's head and trunk should be in a straight line so your baby does not have to stretch his neck to get to the nipple. It is important that you vary positions with each feeding to prevent sore nipples.

• Cradle Hold (Madonna position)
  This position is the most frequently used. It is also the position we generally picture in our minds - the newborn infant cradled in his mother's loving arms while breastfeeding. However, this position can be difficult to master for new mothers. Without the aid of pillows, this position does not allow for great control of the baby's head and proper alignment to the breast. Once more experienced, mother's can use this position without difficulty. A small footstool can help keep your body in alignment
• Football Hold
  In this position, the baby is held like a football under the mother's arm. The football hold is great for mothers after a Cesarean birth because the weight of the baby is not on the incision. Also premature and small babies breastfeed very well in this position. The mother can have good control of the baby's head and easily see the baby's mouth to ensure a proper latch.
• Side Lying
  This position is great for breastfeeding a baby during the night or anytime when the mother needs more rest. The use of several pillows (under the head, behind the back, & between the knees) around the mother provides a very relaxing way to breastfeed. This position is not recommended in a waterbed or featherbed, or for mothers who are obese. It is extremely important that you do not co-sleep with your baby. Infants can die while co-sleeping with parents, usually due to suffocation from heavy blankets or parents rolling on the young baby.