Correct Breastfeeding Positions for Newborns👶🍼
#breastfeedingpositions #holdingpositions #correctbreastfeeding
What are the breastfeeding positions?
What are the baby holding positions?
Which is the most correct breastfeeding position?
Cradle hold: Mothers who are not sure about the breastfeeding position can get help from a healthcare professional when breastfeeding their baby for the first time. At this stage, the mother can take a pillow on her lap or under her arm and place the baby on this pillow. Especially after cesarean deliveries, since pressure should not be applied to the mother’s abdomen, a pillow can be placed behind the mother and beside her arms so that the mother can be comfortable. After the mother lays the baby on the pillow on her lap, she can start breastfeeding. One of the most important points to pay attention to here is that the baby’s head is close to the mother’s breast and that the body and the head are in the same line. The mother lays the baby on the arm on the side she will breastfeed and supports the baby's back with the same arm to ensure the baby is safe. This position is also known as the cradle hold.
Cross-cradle hold: The difference of the cross-cradle hold from the cradle hold is that the mother supports the baby with a different arm. In the cross-cradle hold, the mother lays the baby on the side of the arm she will use to breastfeed, and supports the baby's back with her other arm. In both positions, the breast should be brought to the baby, not the baby to the breast, and the baby’s chin should be supported. Otherwise, babies may get tired while breastfeeding and may not want to feed.
Side-lying breastfeeding: Especially after a cesarean delivery, it may be difficult for mothers to sit or they may get tired from standing for too long. In such cases, lie down on the bed facing the baby. However, during this position, ensure that the baby has enough room to breathe and that you are not leaning over the baby. Placing a pillow under the mother and under the baby in the side-lying breastfeeding position can help ensure that the baby has enough space to breathe.
Clutch hold breastfeeding position: Another breastfeeding position is the one where the mother holds the baby under her arm like a bag, which is therefore called the clutch hold or underarm breastfeeding position. Especially for mothers with large breasts, this position is a good alternative. In the clutch hold breastfeeding position, the mother holds the baby under her arm, with the baby's head in front and legs behind. This position is also suitable for mothers who had a cesarean delivery as it reduces pressure on the abdomen. It is also suitable for mothers who want to breastfeed two babies at the same time. When breastfeeding two babies at the same time, a baby can be held in each arm with elbows bent.
Standing breastfeeding position: Mothers may prefer to breastfeed their baby standing up when babies are restless. In the standing breastfeeding position, the baby can be placed horizontally on the mother’s arm. In addition, while breastfeeding the baby standing, the baby can be held so that the legs hang down. However, breastfeeding with the baby's feet dangling down is not recommended very often as it may cause hip problems in the baby.