Operation Lactation

The final positions that we will cover in this series are for advanced breastfeeders. These positions usually work best when baby is bigger and stronger. Remember, Part 1 and Part 2 cover the positions I recommend for beginners. The difference with these positions is that momma is not providing much head and neck support, and these positions make it difficult to see the latch. As you will see, these positions are awesome ones to have in your arsenal, you just might have to work up to them.

Cradle

I am willing to bet that when you picture breastfeeding, this is the position you envision. However, I have found that this position is not ideal for newborns. Baby rests in the crook of your arm, and with your opposite hand you can help shape the breast to ensure a good latch. 

It can be tricky to achieve the perfect boob sandwich and body alignment in this position. You will shape your breast with the opposite hand from breast, and hold your breast from the top rather than from underneath to keep baby close to your chest. Like other positions, make sure to utilize pillows to support baby and your arm.

Although I do not recommend to use this position to latch a newborn on the breast, I think it can be a comfortable position to transition to once baby is nursing well. Start by getting the perfect latch using the Cross-Cradle position, and allow baby to get into a good rhythm. When the latch is right, go ahead and try to switch your arms so you are holding baby in the cradle position. This switch will work best when baby no longer needs you to support the breast. If it is successful, you will have a free hand at your disposal, which is a bonus.

Side-lying

This position can be a real winner for those middle of the night feeding sessions because you get to LIE DOWN! Once again this position does not make it easy to create the perfect "boob sandwich", but it sure is nice to have an excuse to lie down. 

Both baby and momma will be lying on their sides, belly to belly, and you will use your hands to shape your breast and pull baby close. This can be another good position to try if you have large breasts because the weight of your breast will be supported by the bed/couch/floor making less work for your hand and baby. I would not recommend this position if you are feeling drowsy because it is easy to fall asleep and baby would be left in a precarious and unsafe situation.

Now you know 5 different breastfeeding positions to try out with your baby! I would encourage you to give them all a try and you might be surprised which ones work best. I have found that some babies prefer different positions on each breast so keep experimenting until you find a winner. Each position creates different points of contact between baby's mouth and your areola so changing positions may help sore nipples heal. Once again I will remind you that there are no incorrect positions. The goal is to achieve pain-free latches and a healthy, growing baby. These positions are a great place to start, but you may have to make some adjustments to make them work for you and baby.

Peace, joy and blessings!