Breastfeeding Positions
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
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
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
Combines side-sitting with cradle
Cross-cradle
- Allows more control to help preemie, small, or disorganized baby latch
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)
True
- Nose to nipple encourages baby to get a deeper latch
Baby’s feet angled towards parent's back. Good for preemies, nursing multiples, parents with large breasts
Side-sitting (football hold)
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
True or false: parent should lean over and bring breast to baby
False
- Baby to breast
- Pillows for support
This position allows parent to get more rest and baby can easily self-latch
Side-lying position.
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
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
Useful position for those with oversupply or fast let down
Laid-back breastfeeding (Biological nursing)
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)
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