Breastfeeding/Positioning

Whatever position the mother should choose should be comfortable and safe for the infant. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

• • Make sure the infant is in a light REM sleep. It is recommended that the baby is not crying. If the baby is sleeping it is important to remember that it may not take to the breast. Undressing the baby may help to awaken it and or a gentle massage to the baby’s feet.
• • Hold the baby tummy to tummy with the mother and support with pillows.
• • The mother should be in a comfortable sitting position, supporting her back. When offering the breast to the baby, the mother can hold her breast with all for fingers below and thumb above the breast. This is called the c-hold.
• • Making sure her fingers and thumb are not on the areola. This is so the baby has an unobstructed path to latch to the nipple.

What follows are some of the positions to hold a baby in:

1. Modified cradle position

• a. Mother sits upright with good body position. Using pillows for support, she bring baby up to breast making sure to not learn over baby
• b. Place baby on mothers lap with baby facing mother. Line baby’s nose to mothers nipple.
• c. Left breast feeding. Mother uses right hand to support baby’s neck
• d. With left hand mother can offer the breast

2. Cradle position

• a. Mother sits upright with good body position. Using pillows for support, she bring baby up to breast making sure to not learn over baby
• b. Place baby on mothers lap with baby facing mother. Line baby’s nose to mothers nipple.
• c. Craddle the baby with left arm
• d. With free right hand mother can offer her breast

3. Football hold position

• a. Mother sits upright with good body position. Using pillows for support, she bring baby up to breast making sure to not learn over baby
• b. Left breast feeding have mother hold baby heading baby into feet first position with baby’s bottom on pillow
• c. Turn baby on side facing mothers breast
• d. Mothers left arm securely clutches baby close to her
• e. Mothers left arm supports baby’s left hand

4. Side Lying Position

• a. Mother lies on side
• b. Baby lies in side lying position next to mothers side with baby facing mothers nipple
• c. Mothers free hand can offer breast and mother can then rest in a comfortable position.

Davidson, M London., Ladewig, P. (2008), Old's Maternal - Newborn Nursing & Women's Health Across the Lifespan. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson

Wellstart International (2009) Lactation Mangement Self-Study Module Level 1, Third Edition, Shelburne, Vermont: Wellstart International.