Breastfeeding a baby can provide various benefits to the baby’s growth and even strengthen the bond between mother and baby. Although breastfeeding a baby is highly recommended and has a plethora of benefits, no one can deny that the breastfeeding process is a process that requires a lot of patience, energy, and sacrifice. There are many mothers who experience terrible discomfort, and injury to the breasts after breastfeeding their babies. The mother begins to feel pain and sometimes experiences bleeding in the nipple to ensure that their child gets a natural, highly nutritious drink. Yes, that is one of the sacrifices made by the mother. We would like to share with you the best positions or best way to breastfeed your baby to make sure you feel much more comfortable while nursing the baby.
Breastfeeding in a supine or reclined position
The relaxed breastfeeding position, also known as biological nurturing, is frequently among the best ways to breastfeed the baby that new mothers can try. If your baby is placed on your chest or tummy as soon as he is born, he will instinctively work his way toward one of your breasts and attempt to latch on, and this is known as the ‘breast crawl’. Skin-to-skin contact stimulates his feeding instincts, while gravity aids in latching and keeping him in place. You will be much more comfortable reclining gently rather than lying flat on your back. Cushions or pillows are helpful to keep you supported while breastfeeding your baby and at the same time, you can look at your baby directly.
Classic cradle hold
When most of us think of breastfeeding, we imagine ourselves in this classic cradle-hold position. This breastfeeding position entails you sitting upright with your baby on his side, his head and neck laying along your forearm and his body against your stomach in a tummy-to-mummy position. Although it is a popular position, it is undeniably easy with a newborn because it does not provide as much support as other breastfeeding positions. You may place a pillow or cushion behind your back and a breastfeeding pillow across your lap to provide more support and prevent back or shoulder strains.
Side-lying position
Breastfeeding your baby in a side-lying position can also be more comfortable than sitting if you have experienced a caesarean or stitches. It is ideal for relaxed night nursing and breastfeeding in bed or on the sofa. This breastfeeding position requires you and your baby to be lying on your sides, stomach to stomach.
Nursing in a sling
It may take some practice, but breastfeeding your baby in a sling can be useful when you are outdoors and caring for older children, or doing light housework. You can multitask doing the chores or carrying out your favourite activities by wrapping a sling or sarong at your upper body part and placing your body in the wrapped sling or sarong, or maybe a front carrier. This way works best if your baby is a seasoned breastfeeder who can hold his head up on his own. Breastfeeding can be done in a variety of slings, including stretchy wraps, ring slings, and front carriers. Whatever you choose, make sure your baby’s face is always visible and his chin is not pressed against his chest.
In conclusion, you should not forget about your comfort and baby’s safety during the breastfeeding process. You may practise those breastfeeding positions and find which one works best for you and your baby. No matter what, safety and comfort come first!