6 The correct and comfortable breastfeeding position for both mother and baby

The breastfeeding process may not always go smoothly. Sometimes, you may experience difficulties, especially in the early days of breastfeeding when you still have to adapt to get used to it because you haven't found the right position.

As a solution, applying the breastfeeding position and using a nursing pillow and bra can be one of the considerations to help facilitate breastfeeding.

Do you know how to properly breastfeed, how to use a nursing pillow, and choosing a nursing bra? Check out more information, let's go!

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The correct breastfeeding positions for you and your baby

There are many myths of breastfeeding mothers and challenges of breastfeeding mothers, but the benefits of breast milk given to babies from newborn are real to support their growth and development.

In order for optimal breastfeeding, you should pay attention to the proper breastfeeding position.

Adopting the correct breastfeeding position is not just about helping babies to breastfeed more easily.

On the other hand, finding a comfortable position can also prevent you from experiencing breastfeeding problems, aches, and back pain.

In fact, the right position can make it easier for breast milk production to increase.

Unfortunately, not all mothers and babies can do various breastfeeding positions correctly.

So, it is important to find the correct and right breastfeeding position for you and your baby, especially during the exclusive breastfeeding period.

So, so that the breastfeeding process feels more comfortable and enjoyable, here are various breastfeeding positions that you can try:

1. Leaning position (laid-back breastfeeding)

The reclining position is a natural position that is usually done when you breastfeed your baby for the first time. Most mothers like this position because it makes breastfeeding time more relaxing.

If you want to apply this position, it's quite easy. Here are the steps for doing a leaning position:

1. Rest your back on a pillow against the wall, chair, or back of the bed.
2. Position the baby's stomach under your chest and the baby's head is parallel to the chest.
3. Make sure the baby's nose is not squeezed and the neck is not bent.
4. Babies can usually find your nipples on their own. However, it is okay to help her to properly suck your nipples.
5. Start breastfeeding as usual.

This position of giving breast milk from the breast while leaning can be done anywhere, as long as there is a comfortable place to lean on.

Launching from the Baby Center, make sure your body is in a comfortable position while the baby is feeding.

2. Correct breastfeeding position with cradle hold

Position cradle hold similar to the correct position of breastfeeding the baby in general. Here, one of your arms will bend over to support the baby's body.

As a result, the baby will lie comfortably on one of your hands while doing this correct position.

So, if the baby is fed on the right side of the breast, the baby's head and hands that are used to support the body are also from the right side.

Here's how to do the breastfeeding position cradle hold:

1. Hold the baby in one of your hands. Make sure that the head is on your bent arms, and the stomach is against your body.
2. The position of the baby's head and your arms should be on the same side as the part of the breast where the baby is feeding.
3. So that the baby's neck is not tense, keep the baby's head in line with the rest of his body.
4. Try using a nursing pillow or other soft base to further ease the burden on your hands while supporting the baby.
5. Start breastfeeding as usual.

Usually, the breastfeeding position cradle hold which is true for babies who are used to breastfeeding but not too big.

Meanwhile, to breastfeed a newborn or have grown in size, this position may be less effective to apply.

3. Correct breastfeeding position with cross cradle hold

Correct breastfeeding position with cross cradle hold similar to cradle hold. It's just that the arms are used to support the baby in position cross cradle hold opposite the breast on which the baby is feeding.

You see, if the baby is fed on the right breast, the baby's head will also be on the right. Previously, on position cradle hold, your hand that is used to support the baby's body is the right hand.

However, on position cross cradle hold this, your hand that is used is precisely the left. This position makes it easier for you to see and control the attachment of the nipple that is sucked by the baby, reported by Kids Health.

Here's how to do the breastfeeding position cross cradle hold correct:

1. Hold the baby in front of you with his back and neck parallel.
2. Lift the baby's back with the left hand. Position the baby's head on your right so that he can suckle on the right side of the breast.
3. Allow your baby's lower body to be supported by your bent elbows.

The correct breastfeeding position is usually comfortable to apply to newborns. It might be difficult at first to try, but over time you will find it easier because you can pay attention to the baby's suction while feeding (latch on).

4. Reclining position (side-lying)

If you are feeling tired and don't want to breastfeed in a sitting position, lying down can be the right choice to do.

Not only that, the lying position is also the best solution for those of you who just went through a cesarean section or when the baby suddenly wakes up at night to feed.

The following are the stages of doing the correct lying breastfeeding position:

1. Lie on one side facing the baby
2. Position the baby's body so that his lips are close to your nipple
3. Tilt the baby's body and give her back a little push to make it easier to reach your nipples

Some babies find it easier to breastfeed from the upper breast. While others may find it easier to reach the breast closest to the bed.

This can be adjusted according to the baby's ability to feel more easily fed from which side of the breast.

While breastfeeding lying down, it's best to remove all pillows or blankets near the baby. Also avoid letting the baby fall asleep while breastfeeding.

5. Position football hold or clutch hold

Breastfeeding position football hold or it could be called clutch hold is one of the correct positions for the baby.

This position is done by holding the baby on the side of the body, precisely under your arms. This position can be used for mothers with a history of cesarean delivery and breastfeeding with large breasts.

In addition, this position is also suitable if you are breastfeeding twins at the same time. The arm used is the arm on the same side as the breast for breastfeeding.

Here's how to do the breastfeeding position football hold correct:

1. Position the baby's body on the side of the breast where the baby will breastfeed.
2. Use the hand on the side of the breast that will be breastfeeding to support the baby's body beside you.
3. Bend your arms with your palms facing upwards as if you were holding a ball to support his neck.
4. Keep your hands supported on the baby's back and body and bring it close to your sides.
5. The baby's feet should be tucked under your arms.
6. If necessary, you can use the other part of the hand that is not used to support the baby to hold the breast that is being used for breastfeeding from below.

To make it more comfortable, you can place a support such as a nursing pillow or other base on the side of the body that is used for breastfeeding.

6.The baby's sitting position (sitting baby)

As the name suggests, this position is performed exactly when the baby is sitting. That way, you don't need to support the baby's body like in other correct breastfeeding positions.

However, before trying this one position, make sure your little one is strong enough to sit alone. The following are the stages of breastfeeding in a sitting position:

1. Sit in an upright position and position the baby to sit facing you too.
2. Babies who are just becoming proficient at sitting on their own can be stumbled by leaning on your arms around their bodies.
3. Babies who are accustomed to sitting on their own are usually better able to sit upright without the need to be supported.
4. Make sure the baby's neck and back are straight.
5. Make sure the baby's nose is not squeezed and can breathe smoothly.

This sitting position of the baby is usually used when traveling or when the baby is so eager to suckle that he is looking for your own breast.

In addition to position, also pay attention to the use of nursing bras and pillows

In order to make the breastfeeding process easier, it is not only the breastfeeding position that needs attention. The use of nursing bras and pillows is no less helpful.

Nursing bras

When you are breastfeeding, usually the breast size will change and get bigger.

To support the breastfeeding process and the changes that occur in the breasts, currently there are bras that are specifically designed for breastfeeding mothers.

Because breast size during pregnancy can still grow bigger during breastfeeding, you should not rush to buy this special bra from the beginning of pregnancy.

There is nothing wrong with waiting until your womb reaches 37 weeks, aka around the 8 or 9 month of pregnancy.

Entering the final period of pregnancy, then you can buy 2-3 bras to be used alternately later. Now, when you want to buy it, here are some tips for choosing a nursing bra:

1. Choose a flexible bra

The condition of the breasts during breastfeeding is certainly different from before you were pregnant and breastfeeding. During this time, the breast tissue works together to produce milk to meet the baby's daily needs.

In fact, the breasts can feel full at times because they contain a lot of breast milk. Therefore, make sure you choose a breastfeeding bra that is flexible, aka flexible so that it is comfortable to wear.

Choose a nursing bra with cup which is easy to open and close. A good bra usually comes with cup which is easy to open with one hand as well as size cupwhich makes it easier for the baby to feed.

That way, you don't have to bother opening itcupon a two-handed bra while one of your hands is holding the baby.

2. Find a bra with the right size

Even though you are interested in various shapes and appearances, you should choose a bra that suits the needs and size of the breasts for nursing mothers.

A well-fitting bra, aka not too loose and narrow, will help support your breasts during the breastfeeding period.

To make sure the bra size for a nursing mother is right, make sure that the center stitch divides in half cup or both sides of the breast lie snugly against the breast bone.

3. Choose a bra base material that is comfortable and easy to clean

The bra is in direct contact with the nipple and breast skin. This nursing bra can also be easily exposed to the milk that comes out of the breast.

That's why, choose a nursing bra material that is easy to clean and wash. In addition, make sure the basic ingredients of the nursing bra are also cool when used.

The material of the nursing bra that can be an option for nursing mothers is cotton.

4. Pay attention to the details of the nursing bra

A bra for nursing mothers that is good and comfortable to use should not shrink or make your breasts feel tight when worn.

In addition to paying attention to these points, also make sure that the bra you choose is equipped with the following complementary details:

• Has four hooks to suit your needs.
• Nursing bras have wide, non-slip straps.
• The sides and back of the bra are wider to help support the breast.
• Middle front cup nursing bras are deep enough to provide additional support for the breast.
• Cup a bra that is easy to open and close with one hand before starting and after breastfeeding.
• Holes oncupthe nursing bra is large enough to provide ample space for the baby to feed comfortably.

Every detail or detailed part of the bra has its own function to facilitate and support you during breastfeeding your little one.

If the excess milk production soaks to the bra and has not entered the breastfeeding schedule, you can use a breast pump and then apply the proper way to store breast milk.

Nursing pillow

As the name implies, a nursing pillow is a pillow that is used when you are breastfeeding your baby.

Nursing pillow ornursing pillow can be used not only when the baby is feeding through the breast, but also when feeding from a breastfeeding bottle.

The main purpose of using a nursing pillow is to make it easier for the baby to suckle on the mother's nipple during breastfeeding.

Instead of bringing your body closer to the baby's lips while breastfeeding, this pillow actually helps to raise the baby's position.

That way, you don't have to bend your body which can make it sore and uncomfortable.

This nursing pillow can also make the baby's body more comfortable because it is in a position close to the mother's body, as quoted from the Mayo Clinic.

This is because this special nursing pillow has a U-shaped shape so that it can be looped around your body.

In fact, how to use this nursing pillow is not difficult. Here's how to use a nursing pillow:

1. Find the most comfortable place to breastfeed. Avoid places that are too crowded, noisy, and feel uncomfortable for breastfeeding.
2. Place a nursing pillow around your body with the widest position at the front.
3. Adjust the height of the pillow to your body. Make sure the position of the pillow is comfortable for you first before placing your baby on it.
4. Nursing pillows come in various types with different features. If your nursing pillow includes a strap, you can tie the string to make sure it fits snugly and is ready to use.
5. After everything feels comfortable, it is time to lay the baby on the nursing pillow. This position will help the baby get closer to your nipple for easy feeding.

If you are breastfeeding from a pacifier bottle, a nursing pillow can still be used in the same way.

So, whether you are breastfeeding and formula milk directly through the breast or a pacifier, it is okay to wear pillows, bras, and apply the right position.

With a note, avoid giving mixed milk formula (sufor) to babies in the same bottle.

If you have certain complaints related to breastfeeding, consult a doctor immediately.

The doctor can find out the cause and the right treatment according to your condition, including giving drugs that are safe for breastfeeding mothers.