8 breastfeeding positions to try

At birth or a little before, you made the choice to breastfeed your baby and are now looking for the best breastfeeding position . Spoiler: there isn't one. It all depends on your baby, their needs, and you. There are breastfeeding positions that can help limit regurgitation, anticipate cracked nipples, or even limit your baby's colic. In this article, we'll take a look at how to breastfeed, the best breastfeeding positions , those to avoid, and we'll offer some breastfeeding tips.

How to breastfeed?

Breastfeeding is a natural process that involves feeding your newborn through the breast milk generated in your new mother's breast. It involves getting your baby to suckle on your nipple so that he can extract enough milk to satisfy his hunger.

However, natural does not mean innate or simple: some babies and new mothers take several feedings to find the right balance and achieve a good feed.

Poorly managed breastfeeding can lead to a variety of problems. On the one hand, it can be dangerous for your baby if they don't get enough to eat—read our article on foods that promote breast milk production . On the other hand, breastfeeding can be unpleasant for you, due to breastfeeding-related pain , particularly cracked nipples .

This is why it can be interesting to benefit from advice and support from a healthcare and breastfeeding professional.

Breastfeeding coaching for reassurance

Are you about to give birth or a new mother and worried about breastfeeding the wrong way ? Have you received advice from your doctor and/or midwife but would like more information? Want to be sure you're doing it right? There are breastfeeding coaches who offer breastfeeding support, either in person or remotely.

The question of breastfeeding in public

When and how to breastfeed in public? There are many debates today about the modesty to be respected, or not, when breastfeeding in public. There are currently, in France and since 1994, no restrictions on breastfeeding in public places, outdoors or indoors. Labor law only regulates breastfeeding in the workplace, limited to 1 hour per day, divided into two 30-minute feeds during the child's first year. Beyond these two texts, it is therefore up to you to decide whether or not you feel embarrassed about breastfeeding in public and how to "hide" yourself if you do not wish to do so in public. Some breastfeeding positions are more discreet; we will discuss them again.

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The different stages of breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is broken down into different phases . Before discussing the best positions for breastfeeding , let's take the time to discuss them together.

1. Choose the right time: baby's awakening and signs of hunger

Every feeding begins with a sign from your baby: they're hungry. Signs vary in their significance and understanding, depending on your baby's age and your experience. Here are some signs of hunger to help you understand your baby early on—the better you know your baby, the better you'll be able to recognize their individual hunger cues:

• Head movements: Your baby turns his or her head repeatedly, looking for something to suck on. If your baby is close to you, he or she may also instinctively turn toward your breast;
• Mouth movements: Your baby's mouth movements can indicate that they are ready to nurse. They may open and close their mouth, or make sucking motions;
• Sucking on objects: Some babies instinctively suck their fingers, pacifiers, or other objects when they are hungry;
• Tongue movements: Tongue movements, such as tongue projection outward, may indicate preparation for sucking;
• Hand to mouth: Your baby often brings his hands to his mouth when hungry, showing an instinctive sign of seeking food;
• Scratching, moaning, and fussing: The baby may make scratching or moaning sounds, indicating discomfort and a desire to eat. If hungry, he or she may become restless, moving his or her arms and legs frantically;
• Anxiety and crying: The last sign of hunger is often the onset of crying. This is a late warning signal that can take time to subside.

2. Make yourself comfortable

The second step in breastfeeding is to position yourself and your baby correctly for maximum comfort and safety.

For your part, the important thing is to position yourself so that you feel comfortable and have good back support. Pregnancy, childbirth, and regularly carrying your child are not kind to your back: it is essential to protect it as much as possible.

As for positioning your baby, you should hold your baby against you, support their head, and align their nose with your nipple. They should be facing the breast, with their mouth wide open.

In the rest of this article, we will see the best positions for breastfeeding your child.

3. Put your baby to the breast

Once you and your newborn are properly positioned, you can uncover your breast. Nursing clothes allow you to reveal your breast without undressing completely. Next, it's time to latch your baby on. Depending on your baby's age, you can either bring your breast close to their mouth by supporting and guiding them with your free hand, or let your baby latch on on their own.

How to put your baby to the breast?

While your baby is still very young and can't yet latch on by himself, here are three steps to help him latch on to your breast:

1. Bring your breast close to your child's mouth. When your child's chin touches your breast, gently run your nipple over their upper lip;
2. Wait until he opens his mouth very wide as if he wants to yawn;
3. Quickly bring him closer to your breast by pushing on his shoulder blades with the palm of your hand. To facilitate sucking, you must:
   • his head is just tilted back a little,
   • her lower lip touches your breast first and the nipple is very close to her upper lip
   • and that your nipple points towards his roof of the mouth and not towards his tongue.

4. Alternate between sucking and pausing phases

Your baby is now at your breast and feeding.

First of all—especially during the first feedings when you're still new to your baby and breastfeeding—check that your baby's sucking is effective. Is he really sucking and drinking enough? When he's sucking effectively, you can see the sucking movements in his jaw. At the beginning of the feed, they're light and quick. As the milk starts to flow, the movements become slower and deeper. You can see and hear your baby swallowing.

Then, everything will depend on your child, their issues, and their sucking rhythm. Some children need to alternate between sucking and resting phases, particularly to avoid regurgitation. In this case, you will need to separate your child from your breast to force them to take breaks: we discuss this in the next point about breaking the sucking pattern.

Also, think about yourself: a good feed is one that isn't painful for you. If you experience pain, you can resume breastfeeding or try to improve your baby's latch. In some cases, you can gently lower your baby's chin to curl their lower lip once they're latched. If this doesn't work and the pain persists, we highly recommend contacting a breastfeeding specialist for personalized advice.

5. Break the suction

Whether it's to encourage your baby to take breaks during their meal (and thus help them digest better in particular) or at the end of their meal, it may be necessary to break the suction. To do this, you should not remove your breast from your baby's mouth while they are feeding: you risk upsetting them and hurting yourself.

To gently break the suction:

1. Gently insert your finger into the corner of your baby's mouth. Place it between their gums, then into their mouth to break the sucking;
2. Once the suction is broken, gently release your nipple.

6. Promote belching

Each feeding normally ends with a final burp. Your baby expels the air ingested during the feed. This action limits regurgitation, breathing difficulties, and digestive problems, as well as the crying associated with these various discomforts.

Once the feed is finished, place your baby against you with their head over your shoulder. Gently pat their back to help them burp. If your baby tends to spit up, you can cover your shoulder with a swaddle first to protect yourself.

8 breastfeeding positions

The best breastfeeding position is one that meets both your needs—comfort, painlessness, discretion—and your baby's needs—comfort, and safety. This position can evolve throughout your breastfeeding journey as your needs and those of your newborn evolve, but also as your baby gradually grows.

Classic position, cradle position, Madonna position

The classic position , also called the Madonna position or the cradle position , is the most common breastfeeding position used by mothers to feed their babies. It is so named because of its resemblance to many artistic depictions of the Virgin Mary holding the baby Jesus.

Madonna pose is practiced while sitting , possibly with a nursing pillow on your lap to help support your baby. If you are breastfeeding from your left breast, use your left arm to support your baby. Place your baby's body on your left forearm with their head in the crook of your elbow. With your right hand, give them your breast and then place your right arm around your baby's body for added security.

🎥 Find out below how to deploy the Madonna position in six steps with your newborn.

Inverted Madonna Position

The Reverse Madonna Hold is, as its name suggests, a reverse version of the Madonna Hold. It involves holding your baby against you with the hand opposite the breast they are nursing from. In other words, if you are breastfeeding from your left breast, use your right arm to support your baby. With your left hand, start by holding your breast and feeding it to your baby. Once your baby has latched on, you can place your left arm around your baby to cuddle them while they nurse.

This position is popular with new mothers because it allows them to easily visualize their newborn's feeding and thus determine whether or not they are latching on well. It is therefore possible to start with this position to ensure that the baby understands how to breastfeed before moving on to other, more comfortable positions.

🎥 Find out below how to deploy the inverted Madonna position in seven steps.

Rugby ball position

The rugby ball stance , sometimes also called the football stance , is a less common and more unusual stance than the previous stances.

In this position, your baby is next to you rather than facing you. If you're breastfeeding on your right breast, your baby's body and feet are nestled in the crook of your right arm, while their head rests on your right hand. Your opposite hand can help you hold your breast. You can, of course, rest your right arm and baby on a nursing pillow for comfort.

This position is beneficial for those who have had a cesarean section because the baby is not resting on the mother's stomach, reducing the weight placed on the chest and abdomen. It can also be beneficial for babies with a low birth weight or those who have difficulty latching on. This is because their head is fully supported, unlike previous breastfeeding positions.

Side lying position

The lying position, or side lying , is, as its name suggests, a breastfeeding position that is practiced lying down.

You're lying on your side, facing your baby, who is also lying down. Your breast is resting on the mattress, level with your baby's mouth. You can use a pillow to support your back and neck, or a nursing pillow to elevate your baby.

This position has advantages for you if you have had a cesarean section because your baby's weight is not resting directly on your abdomen. It is also useful for a nap or at night if you are exhausted and sleepy. Be careful, however, if you are at risk of falling asleep—ask your partner to make sure you do not fall asleep next to your baby, as this can be dangerous for them.

Laid-Back Position or Lying Down Position

The laid-back position is also a breastfeeding position that is practiced lying down. However, in this position, your baby is lying on your stomach.

Make yourself comfortable, either on the sofa or in your bed. You can rest your back and neck on one or more pillows to ensure proper support. Now place your child on top of you, lying flat on your stomach, with their head at breast level.

This position doesn't really allow you to see how much milk your baby is getting. It becomes interesting when you know your baby is breastfeeding. It allows for a real cuddle and strong contact between you and your baby.

Koala position

The koala pose is a seated breastfeeding position in which the baby faces you. It is suitable for older children who can already hold their head up and sit upright.

You're sitting, propped up in a chair or on a sofa, your thighs pressed together. Your child is facing you, against you, straddling your tightly knit legs. He's sucking on the breast he wants.

This position is more comfortable once your child is older and can no longer easily fit into your arms, as in the first few months.

Rider or sidesaddle position

The rider position is a seated breastfeeding position in which the child sits astride one of your thighs. It is suitable for children old enough to hold their head up and sit upright.

You are sitting with your legs spread or cross-legged, propped up on a sofa. Your child straddles one of your thighs, facing you, and suckles the breast on the side on which he is seated.

This position is comfortable if you enjoy sitting cross-legged and once your child has grown and can no longer fit in your arms.

She-wolf position

The wolf position is a breastfeeding position named after the way wolves feed their young. It is suitable for babies of all ages.

Your child is lying on their back. You position yourself on all fours over them, with one of your breasts free. Place your nipple at the same height as your baby's mouth and let them suckle like that.

The wolf position may not be a position you adopt every day when breastfeeding your child, but it can be useful occasionally. It can help relieve back pain, relieve pain related to milk drainage in your breasts, or even help your baby breastfeed differently.

Biological nurturing or instinctive breastfeeding

Biological Nurturing (BN) or instinctive breastfeeding is more than just a breastfeeding position; it's a breastfeeding concept that fully integrates the comfort of both mother and baby. There's no standard position in Biological Nurturing, just a beautiful balance between your needs and those of your child. In other words, it's not about adopting imposed positions, but positions that respect your baby's comfort and yours.

Some tips for breastfeeding

Depending on your issues and those of your child, there are several little tips to discover. We'll take the liberty of offering them to you here—it's up to you to test them out and ask your doctor or midwife for advice.

Anti-colic breastfeeding position

Infant colic is most often linked to intestinal spasms. It can be due to various pathological and physiological reasons: your baby's intestine is still developing, your baby is lactose intolerant or even allergic, your baby sucks in too much air during feeding. Infant colic is most often benign and stops spontaneously.

To limit infant colic, you can vary your breastfeeding positions to see if one is more effective. Generally, it's a good idea to place your baby's chin close to your breast and align their body with yours. This position allows for good positioning of the baby's mouth on the breast and promotes good suction, thus reducing the occurrence of colic.

Anti-gas

Infant gas is most often related to air intake during feeding. This is why it's important to burp your baby when he or she is hungry for a meal.

To limit your baby's gas, it's recommended to vary your breastfeeding positions and try those that seem to limit it. Some professionals also recommend forcing breaks during breastfeeding to allow for several burps—but this will depend on your baby's hunger and eagerness.

Anti-regurgitation

Regurgitation is the milk your baby spits up when burping after meals. Like gas, it's often related to air swallowed during feedings. Some babies are particularly prone to regurgitation, partly because their digestive systems are not yet fully formed.

To limit regurgitation, there are many simple tips that can reduce or even prevent reflux:

• Prefer a breastfeeding position in which your baby is in an upright or semi-erect position, such as the koala or rider positions;
• Slow down your baby's eating as much as possible (this will depend heavily on your child's voracity and habits);
• Promote a good latching position to prevent your baby from swallowing too much air.

Anti-crevasse

Breast cracks are small cracks that gradually develop around the mother's nipple and areola. They are often very uncomfortable in everyday life and during breastfeeding, making breastfeeding difficult and leading some mothers to stop breastfeeding even though they would have liked to continue.

Breast cracks can be limited by promoting a proper breastfeeding position. Indeed, your baby's position while breastfeeding is essential to limit the appearance of cracks. The more he pulls on the breast and the more he turns his head to latch on, the more he pinches and rubs the nipple on the palate bone, creating a crack. Promote a good latching position and good alignment with your nipple to avoid pain.

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• An organic care oil from the Talm brand , suitable for breastfeeding, which you can apply to your nipples after breastfeeding to soothe the burning sensation that can arise from the crack;

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Bad breastfeeding positions

There are many breastfeeding positions, and no one is better than another. Their goal? To ensure that you respect your baby's comfort and safety, as well as your own health, so that you can enjoy this moment. Beyond the positions indicated in this article, it is therefore possible to invent others that respect both your baby and you. However, it is essential to note that certain positions endanger your baby and can affect your comfort (particularly by causing breast engorgement and cracked breasts). Here they are, in bulk:

• Misaligned baby's mouth: If your baby's mouth is not properly aligned with the nipple, it can lead to poor latching and cause sore nipples;
• Poor baby positioning: If your baby's head is too high or too low in relation to the breast and nipple, this can make breastfeeding uncomfortable and less effective;
• Poor baby head support: Poor support for your baby's head can lead to poor sucking and an uncomfortable position for your baby;
• Poor body position: Breastfeeding can last a long time and, at first, be very regular. Adopting an uncomfortable breastfeeding position can lead to long-term back and muscle pain;
• Baby facing out: If your baby is facing out rather than toward the breast, they may have difficulty latching on properly. This can lead to poor latching for them and pain for you.

To best support you in this breastfeeding adventure, don't hesitate to shop our essentials:

The Smoon nursing bra for more comfort, the Perifit portable breast pump to make your daily life easier.

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