Helpful Guide: Breastfeeding Positions

When finding a breastfeeding position that works for mother and baby there are three very important factors: a comfortable mother, a position that enables mother and baby to be as close as possible, and supporting (holding) the breast so that the breast is not weighing heavily on the baby's chin (especially in newborns). Establishing a good latch is vital to keep the mother free of pain and for the baby to effectively take in milk. A correct latch and finding the best breastfeeding position that works for mother and baby takes some trial and error. There are several common breastfeeding positions laid out by La Leche International:   1. Cradle position Baby lies across the mother’s lap on their side in this position Starting with the right breast:

• Baby’s head will be resting on the mother's right forearm (inner side of the elbow).
• Baby will be laying on their left side across mother’s lap with the baby’s back along the inner right arm and palm
• Baby’s mouth should face mother’s breast at nipple height
• Baby’s tummy should be facing close to mother’s tummy
• Left hand can be free to support the breast, if needed
• Pillows can be used under the mothers arm to give baby a “lift” and also behind mother’s back to keep her comfortable
• Mother should avoid hunching over while nursing. The baby should be brought up to the mother's nipple and not vice versa.

Reverse for the left breast   2. Cross-cradle position This position is similar to the cradle position but baby’s head is supported by the mother’s palm instead of the forearm Starting with the right breast:

• Mother should bring baby’s head to her right breast using the inside of her left palm
• Baby’s body should be laying on their side at a slight angle towards mother’s left side, with the mother’s left arm behind baby’s back

• The arm that is supporting the baby’s body can be held up with a pillow across the mother’s lap so that the mother’s arm does not get tired
• The mother should turn the baby’s body towards her body so that tummies are touching
• The mother can use her left fingers to have better control over the baby’s neck (very beneficial in newborns who have weak neck muscles and need extra support) and bring the baby’s head close to her nipple when latching
• Right hand can be used to hold uper her breast
• Mother should avoid hunching over while nursing. The baby’s mouth should be brought up to the mother and not vice versa.

Reverse for the left breast   3. Clutch/Football position In this position the baby’s legs are tucked under the mother’s arms. Pillows under the baby will help bring the baby to the correct height Starting with the right breast:

• Mother should hold the baby facing up at her right side
• Baby’s head should be place near the mother’s right nipple
• The mother should support the baby’s back and legs under her right arm (tucking the legs behind her right side - similar to how you would hold a football)
• The mother should hold the baby’s head with her right palm and bring baby up to her nipple to begin nursing
• Mother should avoid hunching over while nursing. The baby’s mouth should be brought up to the mother’s nipple and not vice versa.

Reverse for the left breast   4. Side-lying position In this position the mother lies down to nurse with the baby laying on their side in a similar position. This position is usually more comfortable for those mothers who have mastered one of the other positions and established a good latch. It is good for nighttime feedings Starting with the right breast:

• Mother lies down on her side
• Baby lies down on their side facing the mother
• Baby’s mouth is level with the mother’s nipple
• Baby’s chest should be parallel (facing) to the mother’s chest
• The baby’s head can lay on the mother’s forearm for more support

Reverse for the left side If breastfeeding in bed, always return your baby to their own cot for sleep. This will help to reduce the risk of Sudden Death Syndrome (SIDS), also known as “cot death”.   Breastfeeding positions adapted from: https://www.llli.org/breastfeeding-info/positioning/ Kendamil recognises that per the World Health Organisation (WHO) breastfeeding provides the best nutrition and protection from illness for babies. As such, mothers should be given guidance and support on everything related to breastfeeding including information on lactation and an appropriate diet while breastfeeding. Mothers should be informed on the drawbacks to not breastfeeding and/or stopping lactation as well as be made aware of the financial cost to formula feed. If a decision to use formula is made, it is important to discuss correct formula preparation techniques and sterilisation.