The correct breastfeeding position is one of the essential factors for successful breastfeeding, as in addition to ensuring the mother’s comfort, it also helps the baby to better extract breast milk, avoiding common problems such as cracked nipples.
There are several positions that can be used to breastfeed, but the most important thing is that the mother finds the position that is most comfortable for her and that allows the baby to breastfeed satisfactorily.
The 6 most recommended positions for breastfeeding are:
1. Lying on your side in bed
This position is very comfortable for both mother and baby, and is especially useful at night or when the mother is very tired.
The breast that is closest to the mattress should be offered and, to make the mother more comfortable, she can rest her head on her arm or a pillow.
2. Sitting with the baby on your lap
In this position, you should place the baby lying on your lap and sit comfortably on a chair or sofa. The correct position consists of placing the baby’s tummy against the mother’s, while the baby is held with both arms underneath the baby’s body.
3. Sitting, with the baby in the “piggyback” position
The baby must sit on one of the thighs, facing the breast and the mother can hold him, supporting his back. This position is ideal for babies over 3 months old who already hold their head well.
4. Stand
This is a good variation of the more classic breastfeeding positions and often ends up being more comfortable for some mothers, especially when the baby is still very small.
To do this position, you must lay the baby on your lap and place one of your hands between the baby’s legs to better support him.
5. No sling
The baby can also be breastfed in the sling. To do this, you must place the baby sitting or lying down, depending on the position he is already in.
The baby’s weight will be supported by the sling and the mother will be able to have her hands a little freer, making it a good position for when doing household chores or shopping, for example.
6. Sitting with the baby under your arm
Placing the baby lying down, but passing him under one of the arms, supporting his body with a cushion or pillow, is an excellent position to relieve back tension while breastfeeding.
Positions for breastfeeding twins at the same time
Breastfeeding twins at the same time is a great way to save the mother time because the babies start to breastfeed at the same time and, consequently, sleep at the same times, allowing the mother to have more free time.
The four best positions for breastfeeding twins at the same time are:
Position 1
Sitting, with a breastfeeding pillow or two pillows on your lap, place one baby under one arm, with the legs facing the mother’s back and the other baby under the other arm, also with the legs facing the mother’s back, Supporting the baby’s head with your hands, as shown in image 1.
Position 2
Sitting, with a breastfeeding pillow or two pillows on your lap, place both babies facing the mother and slightly tilt the babies’ bodies to the same side, but taking care to keep the babies’ heads at the level of the nipples, as shows image 2.
Position 3
Lying on your back with your head supported on a pillow, place a breastfeeding pillow or pillow on your back, so that you are slightly inclined. Then, place one of the babies lying on the bed facing the mother’s breast and the other baby on top of the mother’s body, facing the other breast, as shown in image 3.
Position 4
Sitting, with a breastfeeding pillow or two pillows on your lap, place one baby facing one breast and with the body facing one side and the other baby, facing the other breast, with the body facing the other side, as shown in image 4.
