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Breastfeeding Positions

Breastfeeding positions step-by-step

The best nursing positions (breastfeeding holds):

The Cradle Position:

The cradle hold is one of the best positions for a new born, since a new born cannot hold himself up yet.

How its done:

- Make sure that your arm and back are supported so that you are comfortable. (Special nursing pillows are usually a great help with this)

- Place your baby across your tummy so that his tummy is touching yours. His face and knees should be facing your body.

- His head should be in the bend of your elbow, with his mouth in front of your nipple.

Cradle hold, breastfeeding photos, breastfeeding positions, breastfeeding pictures

The Cross cradle hold:

This breastfeeding position is almost the same as the cradle hold except that only one of your arms are supporting from underneath baby's body. The other is supporting his head.

The baby is in the same position as the cradle hold, but here you can use your hands more efficiently to help steer the baby's head, while the other hand manoeuvres the breast.

This is a really great breast feeding position for motherswho:

- Have small babies

- Have large breasts

- Have inverted nipples

- Have babies with latching on problems

How its done:

- Again same as above make sure that your arm and back are supported with a breastfeeding pillow

- Baby's head should be in the palm of your hand. His back will lay on your inner forearm.

The football hold position:

With this nursing position you will be holding baby on either one of your sides. This is a great position for mothers who have just had a caesarean section.

The breastfeeding football hold is also great for mothers with large breasts.

How it’s done:

- You will need a pillow to support baby

- Your baby should be resting on your forearm, tucked under your arm.

The lying positions:

The lying breastfeeding position is the easiest position breastfeeding for many moms. Breastfeeding lying down is nice for moms that sleep with their babies.

How it’s done:

- Lie on your side and support your head and your back with pillows.

- Lie baby next to you so that your tummies are touching. If your baby is still very young you can place something behind his back to prevent him from rolling backwards.

- Your baby will be drinking from the breast that is against the mattress.

- After your baby has securely latched on, you can use your lower arm to support your own head

- When you wish to give baby your other side you only need to cuddle him over your chest, and gently roll yourselves over.

- This position is great for moms who have has a c-section delivery

More detail on nursing while lying down

(more on breastfeeding after a c section)

saddle hold, australian hold, breastfeeding photos, breastfeeding positions, breastfeeding pictures Saddle hold (Australian hold):

The Saddle Hold is a fun way to easily nurse babies who are sitting up. It also works well if your baby has a runny nose or a sore ear. This is a great position for breastfeeding toddlers.

How it's done

- Have your baby sitting upright with his legs over your one leg.

Breast feeding twins:

Try holding both babies in a football hold at the same time

Step By Step Breastfeeding Guide

These positions for breastfeeding can be modified for your own comfort, as long as it works for you and baby. Find the best breast feeding position for you

Breastfeeding pictures

Many moms feel that they want to give up on breastfeeding after a while due to the many different difficulties they might be experiencing during breastfeeding, but can I please encourage you to read our page on the benefits of breastfeeding, not just for your baby but for your sake too.