Feeding positions

You can breastfeed your baby in different positions. You can search for a feeding position that feels comfortable for you and your baby. The most important principles are that your baby lies with its tummy towards you, that your child's ear, shoulder, and hip are in line, and that your baby does not hang from your chest. If you notice that another side of the breast remains very full or has hard spots, it is good to change your feeding position every now and then.

FEEDING LYING

If you have just given birth, or if you are feeding while lying in bed, it is convenient to feed while lying on your side. Your baby will then lie next to you on his side, belly to belly. His nose is at the level of your nipple, and when your baby opens his mouth, you pull him towards you. It is often nice to get help during the first few days if you want to latch your baby while lying down, because it is difficult for you to steer the baby while lying down. Make sure you can lie down relaxed.

FEEDING SITTING

Make sure you can sit upright and well supported with your feet firmly on the floor. It is easiest, especially in the beginning, to support your baby's head with your hand. You do this with the hand on the side on which the baby is not drinking. With the hand on the side where the baby will go to the breast, shape the breast to make sure that the baby can easily grab it. His body lies on a pillow or on your arm and you make sure that his bottom is well supported. Also in this position, it is important to lie belly to belly. It is often pleasant to support the arm on which your baby is lying with a pillow.

BAKER OR RUGBY POSITION

This is also a sitting feeding position, where your baby lies on a firm pillow. You put his legs under your arm, on the side of the breast you are going to feed on. Make sure that your baby is facing you again. You support his head with your hand. In this position you have a good view of what your baby is doing. This is a pleasant position, especially when it is not pleasant to have your baby on your stomach, for example after a Caesarean section. Also, if you are going to breastfeed twins at the same time, you can place both children in the cradle position.

FEED LYING ON THE BACK

This position is good if you have a lot of milk, or if you have a very strong let-down reflex. As a mother, you lie on your back with your baby on top of you. You support the forehead with your hand so that the nose remains free. The baby must now drink against the flow of milk, which reduces the risk of choking.