In light of National Mothering Week, I would like to discuss the topic of breast-feeding and the different positions that mothers can breast-feed their infants. There are a few classic breast-feeding positions that are most often used successfully, these include:
The Madonna or Cradle hold
The Cradle hold is one of the most commonly used breast-feeding positions. This position is achieved by having the baby across the front of your body with both stomachs touching. The baby is held with the head supported in the crook of the same arm as the breast used to feed the infant.
You should not bend or lean forward, and instead cradle the baby close to the breast. Use a supporting tool such as a feeding pillow if required. The reverse cradle hold is similar, however the baby is held with the opposite arm as the breast used to feed the infant. The arm not cradling the baby’s body is used to provide support to the baby’s head.
The Football hold
The football hold is another commonly used position especially for women that have undergone a c-section to avoid pressure on the stomach. This position is achieved by holding the baby beside you, under the arm with a bent elbow. The baby’s back should rest on your forearm and with the free hand support the head and direct the face towards your breast.
Using a chair with broad low arms is useful for this hold. The double football or twin-hold is useful for breastfeeding twins. This is where the football hold is used for both arms in order to breastfeed both babies at the same time.
When it comes to choosing the right breast feeding position for both you and your child, it is important to keep in mind that no one position is better than another, and that each mother and child are different and may find different methods effective for their own reasons.
New mothers should experiment with different positions to find what works best for them.
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This article was written by our Speech Pathologist Ashleigh Fattah who is a Speech Pathology Australia member. If you have speech pathology related questions, make an appointment. We‘ll provide you with simple and effective therapy targeted to your concerns. Contact us today.
