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Are you breastfeeding your baby properly? Know the safest and comfortable positions for mother and baby
The initial period after the birth of a baby is very sensitive and emotional for both mother and child. During this period, mother’s milk is considered no less than nectar for the physical development, mental growth and strong immunity of a newborn baby. According to the World Health Organization and child health experts, a child should be exclusively breastfed for the first six months. However, many new mothers always have questions and confusion whether they are feeding their baby properly or not. The correct way of breastfeeding not only helps in filling the baby’s stomach easily, but also protects the mother from problems like back pain, breast swelling and cracked nipples. If you are also a new mother or are going to become a mother soon, then this detailed information about the correct positions and scientific methods of breastfeeding will prove to be very beneficial for you and your little one. Let us know which position is considered the best and most comfortable for feeding the baby.
Correct method of breastfeeding and importance of ‘latching’
The first and most important step in the process of feeding the baby is ‘Latching’ i.e. holding the mother’s breast properly by the baby in the mouth. If the baby’s latching is not proper, he will not be able to get adequate amount of milk and the mother will also have to face a lot of pain and discomfort. For proper latching, it is important that the baby not only holds the nipple, but most of the dark area around the nipple (areola) should be inside his mouth. The baby’s lower lip should be turned outwards and its chin should be close to the mother’s breast. When the baby kisses the milk in this correct position, he gets milk easily and this journey of breastfeeding becomes very relaxing for both of them.
First Best Position: Cradle Hold, the traditional and most popular method.
Cradle hold is the oldest, common and traditional breastfeeding position, which most mothers naturally adopt. In this position, the mother sits comfortably on a chair or bed and keeps her spine straight. On the side from which the baby is to be fed, the mother rests the baby’s head on the bend of her arm and keeps his body straight in her lap. The baby’s stomach should be close to the mother’s stomach so that it does not feel any kind of discomfort. This position is considered best for healthy and well-developed newborns who have learned to latch well. Apart from this, it also deepens the eye contact and emotional bond between mother and child.
Second best position: Cross-Cradle Hold, a boon for new-born babies
If your baby is very small, premature or is having difficulty latching on to the breast properly, then the cross-cradle hold is the best option for you. In this position the mother uses the opposite hand to hold the cradle. That is, if you are feeding from the left breast, then handle the baby’s head and neck from behind with your right hand and support the breast from below with your left hand. The biggest advantage of this position is that in this the mother gets complete control over the baby’s head, so that she can easily bring the baby’s face at the right angle and attach it to the breast. This position is most recommended by doctors and lactation consultants in the initial weeks when the baby is learning to suckle.
Third best position: Football Hold, very comfortable after cesarean delivery
Many mothers deliver through cesarean (C-section), after which they feel a lot of pain and difficulty in sitting normally and handling the baby due to pressure on the abdominal stitches. In such a situation, football hold position is no less than a boon for him. In this position, the child is placed on your arm as if someone is holding a football or a handbag. The baby’s legs are on the back of your elbow and his head is facing forward on the palms of your hands. In this position, the weight of the child does not fall on your stomach and stitches at all, due to which mothers recovering after cesarean operation do not feel pain while breastfeeding. Apart from this, this position is also considered the best for breastfeeding twins together.
Fourth best position: Side-lying position, best for night time and rest
When sleep is not complete at night and getting up and sitting again and again is a tiring task for the mother, then side-lying or side lying position proves to be the most comfortable. In this position, both mother and child lie on their sides facing each other on the bed. The mother places one hand under the head or with the support of the pillow and with the other hand, holds the baby slightly close to her side and feeds milk. This position is especially useful for mothers who feel extreme physical weakness or pain in sitting after a difficult delivery. However, special care should be taken that while feeding milk, no sheet or pillow should come near the baby’s nose which may obstruct his breathing.
Take special care of these small things during breastfeeding
Along with choosing the right position, it is very important for a mother to keep some basic things in mind. While breastfeeding, always keep your body relaxed and place a good cushion behind your back so that there is no stress on your spine. After feeding the baby, make sure to burp him so that the air in his stomach can come out and he does not have the problem of gas or stomach ache. If you are facing any kind of serious problem during breastfeeding, persistent pain or difficulty in expressing milk, then do not hesitate to consult a qualified doctor or lactation expert. A smooth and correct breastfeeding process not only strengthens the physical and mental health of the baby but also makes this beautiful journey of motherhood more joyful.