Breastfeeding positions. Is vertical the right and best one?

Breastfeeding is a natural way of feeding an infant, but also the time you spend in close contact with the child. These moments should be relaxing for both of you and should be enjoyable for both of you.

How to breastfeed properly?

It will take a while for you and your baby to become a well-matched couple, and you need to try out several positions and follow a few guidelines so you know you're doing it right.

Principles of the "correct" position when breastfeeding:

When breastfeeding, the child should be calm, breathe freely and take full sips. The breast should not strain and breastfeeding should bring you relief, not pain.

Sitting position

The mother is sitting next to her on a chair, in an armchair or in bed, her back is firmly supported, but she is relaxed. The baby has his head on his forearm, his face is turned towards the mother and his mouth is at the level of the nipple. Shoulders, hips and legs are in one plane, the child is horizontal.

The classic position is also called cradle or madonna. A pillow for you and a nursing pillow for the baby will serve well as support. In this way, you will avoid excessive strain on your back or shoulders. The breasts should be in a natural position (the mother should not lean over) to avoid nipple pain.

The hands can be changed, so the child will lie on the opposite forearm and the mother can support his head with the hand next to the breast.

In the transverse sitting position, the baby is placed on the mother's hand and its head is in her palm. Thanks to this, he can regulate the latch well and can see whether the baby is drinking or not.

In the semi-sitting position, in which the mother has her legs supported, the abdominal muscles are not tensed. The child is placed on the forearm and does not press on the caesarean section scar, which is why it is a suitable position after a section.

Lying on your side

It is breast-feeding after cots, during which the mother and the baby are in the side position. The mother is lying on her side, her head is supported by a pillow, the child has his head in the crook of her arm and is lying on her side. The baby lies along the mother's side facing the nipple, belly turned and possibly pressed against the mother's belly. This is a position suitable for mothers after caesarean section, it is also popular for night breastfeeding.

Laid-back nursing

The mother is lying on her back, the baby is lying on his stomach on the mother's stomach, while supporting his back with her hand. This is one of the positions for breastfeeding after a section, it is also suitable for breastfeeding premature babies and babies who suck poorly.

Breastfeeding vertical position

In this position, also called koala, the mother is sitting, ideally her back should be supported. The child sits astride the mother's thigh or on the side with the back and head in a vertical position. When breastfeeding from the right breast, the baby sits on the right thigh, while the left hand supports the head, neck and body, the right supports the breast. Koala is a suitable breastfeeding position for reflux in a newborn, it has also proven itself for older children.

Football position

The child is located longitudinally at the mother's side, lying on the forearm, the mother supports his shoulders and head with her hand. The head should be slightly tilted, the child should lie horizontally. It is advisable to use a pillow to support your hand.

Dancer position

Dancer's position is suitable for children who cannot latch on, premature babies, babies with Down's syndrome or other diseases. The child lies on the mother's forearm supported by a pillow, the head is in the palm. The mother supports her breast with her other hand.

Kneeling position over the child

The baby lies in this position on his back and the mother bends over him on all fours, putting the nipple in his mouth. This is a method suitable for breastfeeding if a woman cannot bear any touch or pressure on her breasts, but also when she needs to unblock blocked milk ducts.

Breastfeeding in a scarf

This method of breastfeeding is suitable for older children. It is necessary for them to be able to keep their heads upright. The position is suitable for breastfeeding in various slings and carriers, it is always important that the mother can see the baby's face and his chin is not pressed to the chest.

Breastfeeding with both hands

Breastfeeding method suitable for mothers with large breasts. The help of a second person is necessary, who will put the baby to the breast, while the mother holds the breast with both hands - the fingers should support it from below and the thumbs should surround it from above.

Breastfeeding positions - experiences

Most often, mothers in the first weeks recommend breastfeeding while sitting or on their side/lying down. Moms with larger breasts recommend the football position. Several women have found the breastfeeding pillow to be effective, thanks to which they got rid of back pain. According to mothers, it takes a while to find the most suitable position, so you have to try several positions before your child finds what suits him best.

The most frequent questions - FAQ

It takes time to find a position that suits both mother and baby and in which both feel good. Some positions even help with a specific problem, e.g. with reflux or after caesarean section. Which positions have you tried? Which do you recommend to other moms? We will be happy if you join the discussion and share your experience.

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