Breastfeeding Positions
Latching
True or False
100

Commonly seen position. Parent may have limited control over baby's head movements. May not be optimal for transfer or latch issues

Cradle

- Most parents instinctively use this position

100

Name at least 2 signs of an effective latch

- No pain/pinching for parent

- Asymmetrical latch, wide jaw, lips flanged outward

- See little to no areola (depending on size)

- Neck, shoulders, hips in a straight line, tummy-to-tummy, chin touching breast

100

True or false: a parent cannot simultaneously breastfeed twins

False

- Parent may need more support - pillows, partner's help with positioning

- Can do a combination of positions

200

Combines side-sitting with cradle

Cross-cradle

- Allows more control to help preemie, small, or disorganized baby latch

200

Name at least 2 signs of a poor latch

- Nipple pain/bruising/lipstick shaped nipple after unlatching

- Dimpling/puckering of baby's cheeks while sucking

- Clicking/smacking noises (sometimes)

200
True or false: babies should have an asymmetrical latch

True

- Nose to nipple encourages baby to get a deeper latch

300

Baby’s feet angled towards parent's back. Good for preemies, nursing multiples, parents with large breasts

Side-sitting (football hold)

300

Name at least 3 signs of effective milk transfer

- Baby moves from short rapid sucks to slow, deep sucks early in the feed

- Breast softens as feeding progresses

- Baby's voids, stools, weight gain appropriate for age

- Baby seems content between feeds

300

True or false: parent should lean over and bring breast to baby

False

- Baby to breast

- Pillows for support

400

This position allows parent to get more rest and baby can easily self-latch

Side-lying position.

400

Name at least 2 ways pacifiers and artificial nipples can potentially affect latch and milk production

- Shaped differently than the breast - baby learns to latch on differently

- Baby may prefer faster flow nipple

- Parents can miss hunger cues and potentially delay feeds - reduces amount of time at breast and can decrease parent's supply

400

True or false: babies use different suck mechanisms to bottle feed vs breastfeed

True

- Baby draws bottle nipple into mouth and must alter the mouth to accommodate the shape of the nipple

- Baby also uses tongue to press up against nipple to compress it

500

Useful position for those with oversupply or fast let down

Laid-back breastfeeding (Biological nursing)

500

Name at least 2 risks of ineffective latch or suck

- Engorgement, plugged ducts, mastitis

- Not enough voids/stools, inadequate weight gain, jaundice

- Formula supplementation may be needed (if human milk unavailable)

500

True or false: breastfeeding should be painful

False

- Pain is a sign of a poor latch

- Common reason parents stop breastfeeding

- Reposition baby and meet with LC if pain continues

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