Position yourself for success!

Finding the right breastfeeding position for you and your baby takes practice. As mentioned in a previous blog, no two breast feeders are alike and I can also say the same about breastfeeding positions! From Dancer to Football, what works for you may not work for someone else.

As you and your baby get to know one another, you will have tried most of these positions at least once:
Football: Just like it sounds! You are holding your baby as if you are holding a football; underarm supporting her head at your breast.

Cross cradle: Holding your baby across your lap, supporting her head with the opposite arm of the breast she is feeding from.

Side Lying: Both you and your baby are lying parallel to one another.

Dancer: This position provides extra support for baby’s jaw by using your thumb and index finger to support baby’s chin while cupping your breast from underneath.

Laidback: I strongly recommend this position as I find it is most effective in attaining a baby led latch and a deeper latch at that. Your baby is lying across your tummy while you are in a comfortable reclined position.

According to Health Canada, it is ideal to breastfeed your baby for at least the first 6 months. However, it is strongly recommended that you continue to breastfeed even after baby has started solid foods. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) breast-milk is also an important source of energy and nutrients in children aged 6–23 months. It can provide half or more of a child’s energy needs between the ages of 6 and 12 months, and one third of energy needs between 12 and 24 months. Breast-milk is also a critical source of energy and nutrients during illness, and reduces mortality among children who are malnourished.

It’s the most natural form of superfood your baby could ever have!

Finding the right position can take some time and effort. A lactation consultant, can help support and guide you in finding the position that is right for both you and your baby.