When it comes to holding and feeding your baby, there is no right or wrong approach. Every mother and baby will have their own preferences. It’s critical that you both feel at ease. Knowing a few alternative breastfeeding positions and techniques can be beneficial because life frequently necessitates that we be adaptable, especially as your baby grows and you begin to venture out more.

Breastfeeding in a supine or reclining position

Breastfeeding in a relaxed position, sometimes referred to as biological nurturing, is frequently the first option mothers explore. Baby will intuitively work his way towards one of your breasts and seek to latch on when placed on your chest or tummy as soon as he is born. This is known as the ‘breast crawl‘. Gravity aids in latching on and keeping him in position, while skin-to-skin contact stimulates his eating impulses. You might need to grab some of the best nursing pads for this.

It’s important to note that relaxed breastfeeding isn’t just for newborns; it may be effective with babies of any age. Especially if your baby has difficulty latching in other holds, dislikes having his head touched when feeding, has a forceful letdown, or if your breasts are huge, as UK parent Isabel discovered: “The combination of my big boobs and a small 2.7 kg (6 lb) baby made positioning difficult at first.”. In the end, I mostly breastfed while lying down with my baby balanced on top of me.”

While sleeping flat on your back might be relaxing, you’ll likely feel more relaxed if you recline gently instead. Use pillows or cushions to help you stay supported while still being able to see your baby.

holding a cross-cradle position

To support your baby’s neck and shoulders so that he may tilt his head before latching, adopt this cradle-like position where your arms switch positions and your baby’s torso falls along your opposite forearm. This is an excellent breastfeeding position for newborns, as well as for little babies and babies who have a hard time latching. Being able to shape your breast with one hand free is an advantage while you’re nursing with your infant on your opposite arm.

Julie, a UK mother of two, appreciates the position’s adaptability: “I generally do the cross-cradle with my newborn. It frees up one of my hands so I can simultaneously care for my toddler.”

Keep your baby’s chin off of his chest by not holding him around his head in the beginning. If your nipple strikes the base of his tongue rather than his palate, it may cause a shallow latch and uncomfortable nipples for him. As your child grows, this technique becomes simpler, and you can even rest your baby’s head in your hand.