Breastfeeding Positioning: Tips For Success

Aug 21, 2024 / Infants, Parenting
By Stephanie Harrison, FNP-C / Farmington

Breastfeeding your newborn can be a beautiful, bonding experience, but it often comes with its own set of challenges. One of the most common hurdles parents face is poor positioning. Proper positioning is crucial for a successful nursing journey and can resolve many issues that arise. Fortunately, with the right techniques and a bit of practice, both you and your baby can master breastfeeding together.

The Cross-Cradle Position: A Winning Strategy

When it comes to breastfeeding, the cross-cradle position is often the most effective, especially for new mothers and their babies. Here’s how you can achieve this position:

Hold your breast with the hand on the same side as the breast your baby is feeding from.
Support baby’s back and neck with your opposite hand

Image Credit: Squarespace

Three Key Tips for Effective Positioning

Nose to Nipple
Position your baby so their nose is aligned with your nipple, not their mouth. This alignment encourages your baby to tilt their head back slightly, which helps them get their nose out of the way while latching. This position also promotes a deeper latch and ensures the nipple is directed towards the roof of their mouth, which helps with their sucking reflex.
Tickle the Upper Lip
While holding your breast in a C-hold, gently move it so that the nipple lightly touches and tickles your baby’s upper lip in a downward motion towards their chin. This triggers a reflex for your baby to open their mouth wide, preparing them for a deep and effective latch.
Patience is Key
Patience is the most important element of successful positioning! Wait for your baby’s mouth to open wide before bringing them swiftly but gently to your breast. If you’re unsure, just pause and try again. It’s important to be patient and give both you and your baby time to get comfortable with the process.

Additional Tips for Success

Support the Breast: After your baby has latched, hold onto your breast for several minutes. This helps prevent accidentally pulling the nipple from inside your baby’s mouth and ensures a continued deep latch.
Address Pain Promptly: If you experience a painful latch after a few seconds, break the seal and try again. Persistent pain could be a sign of poor positioning.

By practicing these tips every time you nurse, you’ll help develop good positioning habits that benefit both you and your baby. Remember, breastfeeding is a learning experience for both of you, so keep trying and don’t hesitate to seek support if needed.

For more breastfeeding resources and guidance, call your pediatrician’s office.

Happy breastfeeding! 🌟