Question

What is the right position for breast feeding?

Answer

There really is no right or wrong way to hold your baby when breast feeding. The most important things are that you are comfortable and your baby is supported and feeding well.

Cradle

Hold your baby closely, in a straight line across your stomach, tummy to tummy. Your baby's face and knees should be facing your body with their head cradled in the bend of your elbow and mouth directly in front of your nipple.

Cross cradle

This is the same as the cradle position, but you hold your baby in the opposite arm to the breast from which they are feeding. Like the cradle hold, make sure your baby is level with your breast, with their body turned towards you. You may be able to tuck your baby's bottom into the crook of your arm for further support.

Underarm

Lie your baby beside you, perhaps on top of a pillow to support your baby and your arm. Place your baby's head on the palm of your hand and their back on your inner forearm and position their mouth directly in front of your nipple. Once your baby has latched on, you can tuck your baby's feet slightly behind you.

Lying down

Lie on one side and support your head and back with pillows so that you are comfortable. Then line your baby up with their tummy to yours. Your nipple should be opposite their mouth. Your baby will feed from the lower breast and you can support that breast with your upper hand if necessary.

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