Breastfeeding position is one of the factors that can support the success of breastfeeding, so that the baby's nutritional needs can always be fulfilled and support their growth and development. Come on, breastfeeding mothers, identify various correct breastfeeding positions.
Breast milk is the main nutritional need for babies. Every breastfeeding mother is encouraged to give breast milk until her baby reaches the age of 2 years. Not only the health and psychological condition of breastfeeding mothers, various factors can also affect the process of breastfeeding. One of them is the breastfeeding position.
A good breastfeeding position is a position that makes mother and baby comfortable. Thus, the baby can get breast milk smoothly and easily, while the mother does not experience injury to the nipple. If the breastfeeding process is painful, it means that something is wrong with the breastfeeding position and the baby's latching.
Some breastfeeding positions may not be suitable for mothers who have just had a cesarean section. In addition, there are also positions that are more suitable for mothers with large breasts. Therefore, breastfeeding mothers is recommended to try various breastfeeding positions in order to find the position that is considered the most suitable for the condition of the mother and baby.
Variety of Breastfeeding Positions
So that the process of breastfeeding the baby can run more smoothly, here are some breastfeeding positions that mothers can do:
1. Cradle hold
The cradle hold is one of the most common breastfeeding positions, especially in the first week after the baby is born. Cradle hold is done by holding the baby with the right hand to make it suckle on the right breast and the baby's stomach is attached to the mother's stomach.
If the mother wants to move to the left breast, the baby's position is also on the left. This position is suitable for premature babies or babies who have difficulty latching. However, this position is not suitable for mothers who give birth by caesarean section because it can press the stomach. In order not to get sore, sit back in an upright position. Breastfeeding mothers can also use a nursing pillow to help support the little one.
Read Too : Follow these 4 Steps to Breastfeed Twins
2. Cross-cradle hold
This position is almost the same as the cradle hold described earlier. It's just that, if the baby suckles on the right breast, the left hand is used to support it. This position can make it easier for breastfeeding mothers to monitor the attachment of the Little One.
3. Football hold
If in the previous lap position the baby's stomach was attached to the mother's stomach, the football hold position was slightly different. The baby's head and neck are supported by the right hand, but the baby's body is flanked by the mother's armpit. How to hold a baby is similar to how to hold a ball in football or rugby.
This position is recommended for mothers who gave birth by caesarean section because the baby's body does not press on the mother's stomach. In addition, this position is also suitable for breastfeeding twins, mothers with large breasts, and mothers with flat nipples.
4. Lying position
This position is done while lying half-sitting by placing the baby on the mother's chest. To be more comfortable, breastfeeding mothers can put a pillow under the back when trying this breastfeeding position. The lying position is a natural breastfeeding position and is carried out during early initiation of breastfeeding (IMD) shortly after delivery. This position makes it easier to breastfeed premature babies, twins, or babies who have difficulty attaching their mouth to the nipple.
The lying position also allows for more skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby. Expanding skin-to-skin is one of the keys to successful relactation, which is an effort to restore the ability to suckle a baby who has nipple confusion.
5. Side lying position
If breastfeeding mothers feels tired with the above position, try lying on your side. This position is also more comfortable if breastfeeding mothers gave birth by caesarean section or has large breasts.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind when breastfeeding on your side. If breastfeeding mothers uses a pillow, make sure the position of the pillow is not too close to the baby's head because it is feared that it can block his airway. Next, place one hand under your head or pillow and use the other hand to direct your baby closer to the breast.
6. Koala position
The koala position is also known as the upright breastfeeding position. This breastfeeding position is suitable for babies or children who can sit up independently. The koala position is done by placing the baby in a sitting position facing the breast. Furthermore, the mother can support the back so that the baby does not fall backwards.
7. The position of breastfeeding twins
Breastfeeding twins at the same time may seem inconvenient. However, it is still possible to do this with the double cradle hold or double football hold breastfeeding position. Use a nursing pillow for support and added comfort. However, before trying to breastfeed twins at the same time, breastfeeding mothers are advised to first master the breastfeeding position by feeding the babies separately.
A comfortable breastfeeding position for both mother and baby supports optimal breast emptying. In addition to maintaining milk production, this can also prevent mothers from breastfeeding problems such as sore nipples and breast engorgement. Just because breastfeeding is natural, doesn't mean it shouldn't be learned. Sometimes, it takes time for both mother and baby to get used to it, especially in determining which breastfeeding position is the most comfortable.
If you still feel uncomfortable despite trying all of the breastfeeding positions above or experiencing other problems related to breastfeeding, breastfeeding mothers can consult a doctor regarding breastfeeding positions and how to breastfeed properly and comfortably.
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