In what position should you feed your baby? Is it possible to feed a newborn with breast milk while lying down and how to do it correctly? Description and photos of the most comfortable poses
Breastfeeding is the best thing that nature could come up with for humans. After intrauterine life, the baby is uncomfortable in this world, and only around his mother does he feel safe. The child hears the beat of his mother’s heart, the sound of her blood flowing through her veins, and her warmth.
And mother's milk is the healthiest food for babies . It contains all the substances necessary for a newborn - hormones, enzymes, antibodies that protect him from diseases.
Consequences of incorrectly attaching a baby to the breast
Breastfeeding (BF) if done incorrectly can cause certain difficulties, which will soon bring with it very unpleasant consequences for the child and mother.
- If the baby does not latch onto the breast correctly, then hurts his mother . This is why many mothers refuse to breastfeed. The woman tenses her whole body in pain, and the gland cannot work at full strength.
- If the baby attaches incorrectly, he does not suck out enough milk, and as a result - slight weight gain .
- Due to inept application, it appears baby's anxiety , because he is constantly hungry. And too frequent feedings exhaust the mother and make her nervous.
- The mammary glands become engorged . Milk is not evacuated in a timely manner, which is fraught with the appearance of lactostasis and mastitis. Therefore, in this situation, you need to additionally express milk.
- If the breast is not latched on correctly, the baby's gums squeeze the harder tip of the nipple, and the delicate skin on it is injured . Hematomas, swellings and even cracks may appear, from which blood is released. All this further increases the pain of feeding.
- If applied incorrectly iron does not increase the volume of milk produced due to growing needs. Because the child cannot completely empty the breast in this situation.
Breastfeeding technique in photos and videos
This process itself is not that complicated. But today most mothers, especially young ones, have difficulty with it. This is explained by the fact that previously there were many children in families, and little girls always saw how to properly feed babies. Today, unfortunately, there is no such practice.
Of great importance baby's first feeding in the delivery room . It leaves the technique of attachment in the newborn’s memory and engenders a new, extrauterine connection between mother and child.
Video. Rules for breastfeeding a newborn
Application rules can be described point by point.
- When feeding in a sitting position, you need to take the baby in your arms and place the head in the crook of your arm. In a word, do this so that the baby's tummy touches the mother's belly . That is, the baby should not turn his head to grab the nipple.
- Mom needs completely relax while feeding . This is easier to achieve in the lying position.
- The child must take your chest wide open mouth , as if he were singing the letter "O" loudly or yawning.
- The baby's nose and nipple should be at the same level. The baby should not throw back his head or reach forward.
- The baby should not suck the nipple itself, but the areola. The tip of the nipple is deep in the mouth, and the lips lie on the areola.
- To properly breastfeed, the woman should pinch it a little with her fingers (as if with scissors) and direct the nipple into the baby’s mouth. Moreover, you first need to attach the lower edge of the areola to the baby’s lower lip, and then push the remaining part of the areola into the baby’s mouth with a rolling motion.
Basic positions and rules for breastfeeding a newborn
There are at least 20 feeding positions. The main ones are “sitting” and “lying down”.
Positions for feeding a baby while sitting
Cradle
Mom holds the child in her arms. If she feeds from the left breast, then the baby’s head lies in the crook of her left hand, if from the right, then in the crook of her right.
Reverse cradle
When feeding the baby from the left breast, the mother holds him with her right hand. Thus, the baby’s head lies in the mother’s palm, and the butt is placed almost in the crook of the arm.
Hand feeding
The child is sitting
An older baby can feed while sitting on his mother’s lap or standing next to her.
“Lying” poses for proper attachment of the baby during breastfeeding
“Lying” - feeding on the side
In this case, the baby should lie on his side, like his mother, and touch her with his stomach. The mother may have a pillow under her head for comfort, but the child does not need it.
“Lying” - feeding from the upper breast
Baby in mother's hand
“Lying” - child on a pillow
Usually mothers feed babies in this position from the lower breast. However, you can change your breasts without changing your body position. To do this, you just need to place a high, dense pillow under the child.
"Jack"
This position is good at the first signs of lactostasis. In this case, mother and child lie on their sides facing each other, and their legs look in opposite directions.
Lying on your back pose
During intense milk flows, it is convenient to feed the baby while lying on his back. The baby is positioned lying tummy down on the mother. In this position, the baby does not choke on the flow of milk, which is convenient for both mother and baby.
To express the required lobe of the mammary gland during lactostasis, you need to try to ensure that the stagnation falls on the straight “nose-chin” of the child. To do this, mothers feed the baby while standing on all fours, twisting him in different directions. This pose may seem funny and stupid, but it is great for getting rid of congestion.
How can you tell if your baby is suckling correctly?
- Pain is sure sign problems with GV. When applied correctly, the breast does not hurt.
- When the baby is properly attached to the breast, it is completely released. By the end of feeding it remains empty and soft.
- The baby takes the breast with his mouth wide open. Therefore, there is no corner between the lips. No visible tension in the cheeks. The lower lip is inverted, and the upper lip covers the areola.
- The baby's chin touches or sinks into the mother's chest.
- When sucking, no movement of the muscles of the face, lips, or cheeks is visible. But you can notice the work of the submandibular muscles, which act together with the tongue.
- The baby swallows milk, and the nipple is located far on the upper palate, closer to the throat.
- The lower part of the alveoli is almost open, but the upper part is almost entirely covered by the lips.
- The child does not smack and gasps for air.
If the baby takes the breast incorrectly, then you need to pull out the nipple and put it in the mouth correctly.
Incorrect latching of the nipple by the baby when feeding
Correct grip is the most important condition successful war , without which the normal development of the baby is impossible.
With the wrong position for feeding and improper latching of the nipple, the baby’s uneven weight gain, the mother’s concern and constant pain during feeding turn the normal natural process of feeding into real torture.
From the first days of breastfeeding, mothers should follow the rules breastfeeding , and then the entire period of GW will be accompanied only by positive emotions.
The process of feeding a child should take place in the most comfortable conditions and not cause unnecessary trouble. You need to choose suitable positions for breastfeeding so that the mother can relax and unwind, and the baby can be well fed. In a favorable environment, the outflow of milk occurs more easily, but in an uncomfortable position, on the contrary, breast problems may arise, including cracked nipples or lactostasis.
Although any mother tries to intuitively choose a comfortable position for feeding her baby, it is better to know a few possible options, which can be useful in different situations. In addition, to reduce the likelihood of milk stagnation, it is recommended to periodically change positions, since in each position only certain areas of the mammary gland are emptied.
Whatever position you choose, there are several rules for comfortable feeding:
- The baby's body should be in one direction, that is, the head, shoulders, tummy and legs should be turned in one direction.
- It is better to hold newborns with your hand diagonally along the entire body, while supporting their head.
- Make yourself comfortable without leaning to the side or pulling your chest toward your baby. Better pull the little one closer to you.
- It is necessary to give the breast so that the baby grasps not only the nipple itself, but also part of the areola (nipple circle), mostly from below.
- Sponges infant When feeding, they should be slightly turned out and the mouth should be wide open.
- For a comfortable position, get several pillows, from small to large sizes, so that they can be placed under your arms, lower back or head.
- Due to skin-to-skin contact, milk is released more easily, so it is advisable to choose thin fabrics in clothing for yourself and your baby at the time of feeding.
By following the basic rules, you can make the feeding process comfortable in any of the selected positions. And yet, what breastfeeding positions are there and in what cases are they best to use?
Cradle position
This position is considered classic. Sitting on an armchair or sofa, the woman holds the baby in her hand under the breast with which she is going to feed. The baby's head at this time is located at the level of the elbow. If the baby was born quite recently, then the mother holds his butt with her palm, and if he is already several months old, he holds his back. The baby is turned towards the mother's breast, belly to belly.
To make it more comfortable to hold your baby at your chest, you can place your legs on a slight elevation. For added comfort, place a pillow under your back and lean on it. In this position, it is difficult, out of habit, to keep the weight of the infant at own hand for a long time, so it is recommended to rest your elbow on some object. Such support can be, for example, a pillow or the armrest of a chair.
One option for this position is feeding while standing. Thus, moving with smooth steps around the bedroom, the mother can rock the baby to sleep and put him to sleep.
Another type of pose is the “cross cradle”. The position remains the same, only the hand with which you cover the baby changes. If the baby is suckling from the right breast, you support him with your left hand, and vice versa. This position is suitable for newborns, as it is convenient for the mother to hold the baby's head with her palm and make sure that he grasps the breast correctly.
Overhand pose
The baby is in a lying position, on the side of the mother, as if looking out from under the mother’s hand. It is recommended to place a pillow of suitable height under the baby’s body. The baby's legs lie behind the mother's back, and the stomach is pressed against the mother's side. The woman sits and holds the baby with her hand on the side on which he is located, and supports his head with her palm. You can vary the position slightly by feeding reclining or leaning on your side, which is especially suitable for women who are prohibited from sitting for some time after childbirth.
This pose has a number of advantages:
- Mom can guide the baby's head and control the breast latch.
- This position is relevant for mothers with flat nipples or big breasts.
- The baby actively empties those lobes of the mammary gland that are located below and in the armpit area.
- Milk stagnation occurs quite often in this area.
- The baby does not put pressure on the suture on the mother's abdomen if she has had a cesarean section.
- The position is relevant for simultaneous feeding of twins.
Side lying pose
This position is great for night feedings, as it allows the mother to rest. This pose has two variations:
- Feeding from the lower breast. The mother settles down lying on her side, and the baby lies on her arm and is completely turned towards her. Do not place the baby on his back with his head turned, as it will be difficult for him to swallow milk. With the hand that is on top, place the breast into the baby's mouth. A pillow is placed under the mother's head, while the shoulders and back are not raised by any means. Alternatively, place your arm bent at the elbow on a pillow next to or under your head. To keep your baby in a lying position and not roll over from side to back, you can prop him up from behind with a pillow or a folded blanket. If you have large breasts, then place a rolled up diaper under it.
- Feeding from the upper breast. Mom and baby are in a lying position facing each other on their sides. To ensure your child's comfort, it is better to place him on a pillow and hug him with your free hand. This position will come in handy if you have stagnation of milk closer to the center chest. In addition, it is not prohibited to use the position if the mother fed the baby from the lower breast and she does not want to roll over. Among the disadvantages of the pose, one can note a rather large load on the mother’s hand, because she has to lean on it and slightly raise her body.
Jack pose
This position is similar to the side-lying position, but the baby is positioned in the opposite direction, as if upside down. This position helps to cope with lactostasis in the upper parts of the chest, because the baby sucks most effectively in the area where his lower jaw is located.
Lying on your back pose
This position is also called the “Australian” or “telephone” position, since the baby is positioned lying on the mother’s chest, like the handset on old telephones. Maintain correct position infant To prevent it from rolling, a woman can do it with her hands. It’s easy to get into this position from a sitting position if you lean back.
This position can be useful for mothers whose babies cannot cope with a large flow of milk. The baby swallows less milk and therefore does not choke. This position is also good for newborns, because the baby needs to make less effort to latch deeply into the breast. Another advantage of the position is stimulation of the baby’s tummy, which prevents colic and gas.
Hanging pose
The mother gets on all fours and seems to hover over the baby, placing him on a pillow, slightly turned on his side. Alternatively, you can have your baby lie down on the changing table and lean over him. This position will improve your condition with lactostasis, as the outflow of milk occurs more easily. This position is also suitable for weak babies who find it difficult to suck. However, it is not convenient to feed in this position for a long time.
Pose "on the hip"
This position is suitable for babies who can sit, that is, most often after reaching the age of six months. The downside of the position is that there is a high probability that the baby will become curious and turn his head while feeding, so you will have to carefully hold it all the time.
Kneeling pose
The mother places the baby on her lap in a sitting position. This position will come in handy if your baby is windy: he has a stuffy nose or is bothered by ear pain. In this position, the baby's discomfort will be less. The situation is also relevant for those children who tend to swallow too much milk and regurgitate it.
“Standing” pose (baby is standing)
This position is more suitable for those children who already know how to walk, but you can try to use it earlier. The pose can be used to calm a sobbing baby by holding him to the chest for a few minutes.
Standing pose (mom is standing)
If your child is playing up and doesn’t want to sleep, but it’s time to put him to bed, you can offer him the breast while standing. If you rock gently at the same time, your baby will quickly fall asleep. What is valuable is that this position is suitable for both a newborn and an older baby.
Feeding in a sling
Modern mothers often carry their baby in a sling with them wherever they go. This accessory will not only not interfere, but will also facilitate breastfeeding. By organizing feeding in a sling, the mother can even move around and do simple housework.
Feeding positions for twins
While the new mother masters the intricacies of breastfeeding, she can feed the twins in turns. However, to save time, it won’t hurt to get the hang of it and arrange simultaneous feeding, for which the following positions are suitable:
- The “under-arm” position is very convenient to use if there are suitable pillows to accommodate the little ones.
- You can hold the twins in a “cradle” so that their legs touch in front.
Position yourself so that one baby is in a lying position in the “cradle”, and the other is looking out from under the arm.
Feeding during pregnancy
For a mother expecting a baby, feeding her older child becomes more difficult. Many poses are no longer suitable due to the noticeably enlarged mother’s belly and restrictions on lifting heavy objects. Various devices like a special pillow for pregnant women come to the rescue. You can lay the baby on it, thus raising it to the height of the mother’s chest. The mother can feed while sitting or lying down.
There is also the “over the shoulder” pose. In this case, the mother sits lying down or reclining so that she is as comfortable as possible. You need to place a pillow or rolled up blanket to your right or left so that you can lay your child on it. Then the mother places the baby on her shoulder on her tummy, head to chest. The legs remain behind the shoulder on a pillow or blanket. In this position, the mother's back is relaxed, the stomach is free, and the baby has free access to the mother's breast.
Each mother is individual and has personal preferences, and children have different temperaments. Therefore, a woman will have to choose the position for feeding her baby herself from all the variety presented. The main thing is that the mother can relax and get pleasant emotions from the feeding process, and the baby remains full and peaceful.
Comfortable positions for breastfeeding a baby
Undoubtedly, every mother wants her baby to be healthy. Therefore, most women want to feed their babies with their own milk. True, not everyone gets it right the first time. It is very important to put your baby to the breast correctly. After all, not only the health of the baby, but also the well-being of the mother depends on this. Therefore, today we will learn everything about such an important action as proper attachment during breastfeeding, the poses (photos are given in the article) used in this process. We will also define the basic rules that a woman should not neglect if she wants her boy or girl to grow up healthy and strong.
Signs of correct attachment
Signs of improper attachment
The uncomfortable position of the baby may interfere with his saturation, and also cause In this case, the child’s long-term eating may not be possible. You can understand whether latching is correct during breastfeeding or not by looking at certain signs. So, signs of an incorrect application may be the following:
- The baby tilts its head down or turns it to the side.
- The baby does not open its mouth wide, but its lips do not turn out, and its cheeks are retracted, although they should be puffed out.
- The baby performs not sucking, but chewing movements.
- Only the nipple is in the baby's mouth, while the areola is completely visible.
- When feeding, you can hear the tongue clicking and smacking.
- The baby spits up a lot after feeding due to the large amount of air he swallows.
- The baby is restless, he cries, stops taking the breast and again demands food.
- The mother feels pain during feeding or experiences discomfort.
If one or even several of the situations described above are observed, this means that the woman is not putting the baby to her breast correctly. Then it is necessary to complete the feeding and position the baby correctly. To do this, you can insert your fingertips into the corner of the baby’s mouth and gently press on the lower jaw. In general, proper attachment during breastfeeding is a procedure that needs to be learned gradually. Therefore, the main thing that a mother should think about at this time is her state of mind. Even if nothing works out the first time, don’t despair, because the second or even the tenth time everything will certainly be different. As a last resort, you can contact a pediatrician who will help the mother in this seemingly difficult task.
How to breastfeed correctly?
Since the baby does not understand anything in the first days after birth, the mother must help him eat. To do this, a woman must do the following: before each feeding, move the nipple across the baby’s mouth strictly from top to bottom. You should never move it from side to side! In this way, the mother will teach the child to only turn his head, but will not achieve a wide open mouth.
Movements from top to bottom should be repeated as many times as necessary. How is it - in full breadth? The mother must catch the moment when the baby yawns or, for example, cries. At this time, the woman should pay attention to how wide the baby can open her mouth, and strive for this. Also, the mother can catch the moment when the baby yawns and quickly put the breast into his mouth. This must be done at lightning speed, otherwise you may be late.
Possible poses
Proper attachment when feeding a baby clearly intersects with the choice of position for the mother. In this case, both the woman and the baby should not feel any discomfort. Therefore, choosing a pose is a crucial moment. It is influenced by many factors: the baby’s weight, his sucking style, and the mother’s well-being. Depending on these circumstances, the following poses may be acceptable:
- "Cradle". The starting position of the woman is sitting, holding the baby in her arms, pressing his belly to hers. In this case, the baby should grasp the nipple without turning his head.
- "Cross Cradle" The mother places the child in her arm and holds the back of his head with her palm. The woman should support her breasts with her other hand.
- "Out of hand." The baby lies on a pillow, with his body behind his mother’s back. In this position, the baby receives milk from the lower and upper lobes of the breast, where lactostasis most often appears.
- "On the chest." The mother, in a reclining position, places the baby in front of her. This position is convenient when there is an excess of milk, when it flows heavily, preventing the baby from sucking.
- "Standing." This position can be used if the mother wants to rock the baby to sleep. In this case, the woman should hold the baby in her arms in the “cradle” position.
- "Overhang." The starting position of the mother is lying on her side. The woman turns the baby to face her and feeds, leaning on her elbow.
If during feeding both the mother and her baby do not feel discomfort, they are relaxed, and the breasts empty well, then the position was chosen correctly. The application of the poses described above was carried out correctly. Women can experiment with positions to see which position is best for them to give their baby milk.
Feeding position if mom doesn't get enough sleep
Often mothers complain that the baby does not allow them to rest properly. After all, even at night you have to feed babies. However, you can learn to put your baby to your breast and continue to rest during this time. To do this, it is enough to feed him lying down. Below we will look at how to properly attach the baby so that both he and the mother feel good.
- The woman should lie down comfortably. You should not lean on your elbow. Only the mother's head can be on the pillow. The starting position is strictly on your side, you cannot deviate either forward or backward.
- The baby should also lie on its side under the mother’s arm. The shoulder, hip and ear should be on the same line. The tummy should be pressed against the mother, the head thrown back a little, then the mouth will open easily.
- It is necessary to conveniently present the breast to the baby. If it is the left mammary gland, then the baby should be supported by the shoulder blades with the left hand, and the breast should be fed with the right.
- Throughout the feeding, the baby should be supported to prevent him from rolling onto his back. You can define a cushion under its back.
These are four points that ensure proper attachment. If these conditions are strictly observed, then the mother will be able to rest and the baby will be well-fed.
Basic rules for breastfeeding a baby
Early breastfeeding
Obstetricians and gynecologists advise mothers in labor to feed the baby, or at least try to do so, no later than an hour after birth. This is very important, since in this case the first contact between mother and baby will be made. The duration of the first feeding should be at least half an hour.
Early proper attachment during breastfeeding will encourage the formation of milk, as well as promote the rapid passage of the placenta and will be an excellent prevention of postpartum hemorrhage. In addition, the baby will quickly develop intestinal microflora, as well as immunity.
Correct application
This point has already been discussed in detail, but it is worth mentioning what is good about the right application. If the baby correctly latches on to the mother’s breast, does not cause the woman pain or discomfort, and drinks plenty of milk, then this will protect the woman in labor from mastitis, cracks and other troubles.
Feeding on demand
This is another one important rule, which is worth paying attention to. Feeding not according to the clock, but according to the baby’s demand is one of the principles of such a basis as proper attachment during breastfeeding. Komarovsky E.O. - an experienced pediatrician, who has his own program about babies on television, claims that a baby should be given breastfeeding for any reason from the first months of life. It is necessary to provide him with access to milk whenever he wants. This is very important, because this way the baby will not only be satisfied, but it will also contribute to his psycho-emotional comfort. After 4-5 months, the child will develop his own routine. Komarovsky E.O. notes that it is advisable to feed a baby until at least six months, and better yet, up to a year.
Duration of application
All mothers should remember that it is not worth interrupting feeding; if you take the breast off, it will stop sucking on its own. Different babies stay at the breast for different lengths of time. And that's okay. Therefore, you should not worry if your neighbor’s baby is at the breast for 40 minutes, but 15 is enough for yours. Why shouldn't wean your breasts yet? It turns out that at the beginning of feeding, the baby receives earlier milk, rich in water, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins. But after 5-7 minutes of sucking, it reaches late milk, which contains proteins and fats. This is why it is so important not to interrupt this process.
Alternate feeding
Correct attachment during breastfeeding cannot do without this point. Experts strongly recommend that all mothers give one breast to their baby per feeding. If a woman is in a hurry and wants to give the second one as quickly as possible, then the baby will not receive late milk, rich in fats. As a result, he may have problems with bowel movements. To prevent this, the mother should know that she can offer the same mammary gland to the child for 1-2 hours. And only then change it to another. Feeding from both breasts is allowed only if the baby is already 5 months old, that is, when he no longer has enough milk from one breast and needs more.
Now you know everything about such an important action as proper attachment during breastfeeding (photos of this process and suitable poses are presented in the review). We found out what is the essential product that babies should eat. After all, it contains all the necessary vitamins and microelements that are so important for the health of children.
For a baby during breastfeeding, the position he takes while eating is of no small importance. Only with her making the right choice The baby will be able to eat fully and receive all the necessary elements for proper growth and development. Mommy should know how to feed a newborn while lying down. This position will allow her to fully relax and feel harmony with her baby. Additionally, it should be noted that this position contributes to the production of large amounts of milk. For the baby important point is also convenience and comfort. The position should ensure optimal grip of the nipple and its high-quality retention in the mouth. Thanks to this feeding breast milk ensures high-quality absorption of the required volume of liquid.
Wrong posture is dangerous. It can lead to a large number of cracks and other damage to the nipple. If children are not comfortable, then they begin to strongly squeeze the chest with their gums. The situation will not only prevent the children from getting enough food, but will also cause the woman severe pain.
Key factors for proper feeding
It is very important to feed your newborn properly.
This becomes possible only if a number of basic rules are observed:
- A woman should not allow the baby's body to become curved. It should be approximately at the same level. This rule may not apply only to the head. It is best if it is slightly raised. Thanks to this, it will be possible to minimize the likelihood of regurgitation of the baby during feeding.
- For complete relaxation and calmness of the baby, it is necessary to press him tightly to the body. It is important to ensure full body contact of the limbs, tummy and head.
- To fix the head, a woman must place her hand obliquely.
- Smacking sounds are not typical for an infant when feeding in any position. Most often, in this case, the nipple is grasped incorrectly. The situation is also one of the symptoms of problems with the frenulum in a newborn. In this case, you should not hesitate to visit a specialist. He will be able to carefully study the characteristics of the manifestation and prescribe the necessary treatment.
- Feeding must be done if the baby's mouth is located just opposite the nipple. This means that the baby should be brought to the breast, and not vice versa.
- For a baby, freedom of the occipital zone is important. A woman should not put pressure on her. It is only allowed to lightly hold the baby in this area. In this case, sudden and rough movements should be avoided.
- It is necessary to ensure that the cervical spine always remains in one line. Depending on the individual preferences of the baby, the head should be thrown back or down. Otherwise, the swallowing process will be difficult. Do not press the lower part of your head too tightly to your chest. Otherwise, the baby will not be able to open his mouth, which will lead to uncomfortable feeding conditions.
- If you have difficulty breathing, just change your position. Pediatricians recommend slightly raising the head or changing the angle of the baby's body.
- If a woman's breasts large size, then a rolled up towel will create comfortable conditions. It should be placed under the mammary glands. This will significantly reduce the pressure on the baby's jaw.
- Experienced mothers use pillows when feeding different sizes. They allow you to change the baby’s position at any time and enable the mother to feel more comfortable.
- A woman should drink water when feeding. Lactation leads to severe dehydration, so mommy becomes constantly thirsty. It must be eliminated in time.
- Mommy should worry about the contact skin. This is very important during the feeding period. That is why a woman and a baby should have a minimum amount of clothing.
Lactation in the side position
Many mothers feed their baby lying on their side. Thanks to this position, they can relax and unwind well. It is ideal for night feedings, because the woman can take a short nap until the process is completed. Additionally, it should be noted that there are three options for how to lie on your side.
You can breastfeed your baby while lying down from the bottom. To do this, just place the baby's head on your hand. Thanks to this, the baby's mouth will be right in the nipple area. The second hand will be completely free, so the woman can lightly stroke the baby with it. Mommy should rest her head and shoulders completely on the pillow. Otherwise, the risk of swelling increases during the process.
Side feeding prevents the development of lactostasis
You can breastfeed while lying down using the second method. In this case, it is also possible to obtain milk from its lower part. It is assumed that the baby will lie independently on a flat surface on one side. At the same time, the woman does not have both hands occupied. Additionally, it is recommended to lightly hold the baby close to you. In this case, he feels much calmer.
Feeding can also be done with the diaper rolled up. However, in this case, it is necessary to avoid a situation in which the baby lies on his back. This situation aggravates swallowing and can lead to disturbances in the digestive system. Additionally, it should be noted that this option is used extremely rarely, because it can cause mommy a lot of discomfort.
She has to constantly lean on her elbow, which begins to get tired and numb after a certain period. The nipple also enters the baby's mouth from the top position. In this case, the risk of it slipping out of the oral cavity increases.
Is it possible to feed a baby in a lying position with top milk? The position involves first placing the baby on the pillow. He must place his entire body on it. Mommy will need to hold the baby with one hand. At the same time, the second one remains completely free. The pose helps prevent chest congestion. It can be used for each breast separately. By turning the baby from one side to the other, you can also get the opportunity to feed with upper and lower milk.
Jack: comfortable and practical position
For nursing mothers, lying on your side is quite comfortable. She can position the baby in the same way. In this case, its legs should be at the level of the mother’s head. This option is recommended to be used to prevent stagnation of lower milk. The disease in medical practice is known as lactostasis. If you feed the baby in the “jack” position, you will be able to prevent the development of the disease at the initial stage. Additionally, it is possible to obtain milk even from the upper walls. To fix the body, it is allowed to use a small pad. This will make it possible to place the nipple opposite the newborn's mouth. At the same time, mom will also feel comfortable and not feel pain.
When feeding with a jack, the process will bring pleasure to the woman and her child, and will also increase the bond between them
How to properly feed a baby in a supine position?
The process of feeding a child can be organized even if it lies entirely with the mother. At this moment, the woman can sit comfortably on her back. The baby will certainly feel contact with her through contact in the tummy area. Before starting feeding, it is recommended to slightly turn the baby's head to one side. Thanks to this, it will be possible to properly organize the saturation process. It remains possible to constantly change the breast from left to right. Pediatricians recommend using this position for feeding the baby in the first two months of his life.
This rationale has also been confirmed from a scientific point of view. During this period, every mother experiences fullness of the mammary glands. If you feed your baby in a normal position, he may experience strong pressure. The situation is not only unpleasant, but also dangerous. Incorrect posture can cause choking. If a woman lies on her back, the intensity of the stream will decrease several times. Additionally, the baby's tummy will be massaged, because he will constantly lie on it. This will ensure the release of gas and serve as a prevention of colic.
Overhang: convenience and practicality
The woman decides independently how to feed the baby (lying or sitting). However, she will need some advice from women experienced in this matter. To achieve greater feeding efficiency, it is recommended to use an overhanging position. Thanks to the correct positioning of the baby, it will be possible to give him not only fore milk, but also hind milk. The latter option contains a large amount of vitamins and minerals beneficial to the body. The position is also recommended to be used if the baby has problems sucking at the breast. The situation also occurs after bottle feeding. It is much more difficult to get food from the breast than from it.
The pose requires the woman to stand on her elbows while lying on her chest. In this case, the breasts will hang over his mouth. You should not put too much pressure on him, because in this case the baby will experience discomfort and tension.
It is best to position the baby so that his head is slightly turned to one side
The main mistakes of mothers during lactation
- The baby's swallowing process becomes more difficult if his head is almost completely turned towards the mother's chest.
- The nipple will constantly slip out if the baby does not press his chin to the chest.
- The baby's mouth is too open. In this case, the woman will experience pain. The situation is dangerous and can lead to the baby not being able to eat well.
- The baby grasps exclusively the nipple, but does not even grasp part of the areola.
- If positioned correctly, the baby should not eat in short sips. The situation with smacking and clicking is also considered abnormal. In this case, oxygen can enter the digestive system, which contributes to the appearance of colic and gas.
- The baby cannot take the nipple into his mouth well. He only squeezes it lightly between his two gums.
Every mother should monitor the position of the baby when feeding. Otherwise there is a risk of improper swallowing. The baby can be at the breast for a long time, but at the same time not eat at all. Most often, the situation arises due to improper latching: the baby takes only the nipple in his mouth. In this case, the areola remains unnoticed. The situation is dangerous and can lead to cracked nipples. In this case, mommy will experience pain throughout the entire feeding.
The baby may also feel severe discomfort and refuse to eat food. Against this background, quite often one can detect anxiety during the feeding period. That is why it is important for a woman to choose the right position that will be used by the baby while eating.
The lactation period is an important process for every woman. Thanks to her, mommy establishes a bond with her baby that will last a lifetime. It is important to choose the right pose and carefully practice the process. Thanks to this, feeding will be effective, and the baby will always feel full. Immediately after the birth of a baby, it can be difficult for a woman to navigate. However, only a few months will pass, and an invisible connection will be established between them. It is necessary to give time to learn to feel each other. On the way to this, the woman is ready to endure a stiff back and pain in her arms. It is important to take not only comfortable positions, but also position yourself in such a way as to prevent the development of stagnation of milk in the breast. Special pillows will help ease the addiction situation. Recommended to purchase various options sizes of these products.
Breastfeeding is a natural process, intended by nature itself. Under no circumstances should it cause discomfort. It should be as comfortable as possible for both mother and her baby. You can breastfeed while sitting or lying down. The latter is especially important at night, when you don’t want to get up, but you need to put the baby to your breast.
Having thoroughly mastered this science, you can do everything even automatically, half asleep. So, how to properly feed your newborn breast milk while lying down?
On the side
The baby's body should be elevated. His head rests comfortably on his mother’s arm bent at the elbow, which means his mouth is at the same level as the nipple. The ear and shoulder are located on the same line. The tummy is pressed against the mother's belly. It is important that only the woman's head is on the pillow. If the shoulders and back in the area of the shoulder blades are also on it, then feeding while lying down will not work, it will be uncomfortable.
Another option on the side
The child also lies next to the mother, but not on her elbow. In this case, you can put a small and low pillow under his head. The woman gently presses him to herself with her upper hand.
Lying from the upper chest
This position will be useful if you need to change breasts. A minimum of body movements, without having to roll over or shift the baby. You just need to lift it up by placing the body on an additional pillow. The mother's lower hand serves as a support, and the upper one holds the child. It’s true that you won’t be able to feed this way for a long time.
Jack, or underhand
An unusual position, but very effective for lactostasis in the upper lobes of the chest. It seems not too comfortable, but in fact it is not. The child lies on his side, his legs are directed towards the mother's head, and his head is towards the stomach. You need to put a cushion under its back, since it will be uncomfortable to hold it with your hand.
Riding Mom
Breastfeeding while lying on your back is also possible. The baby lies on his mother with his tummy facing her stomach. His head is turned to the side. It is very pleasant to relax in this position. And in situations where a woman has too much milk and the flow is strong, it is also useful. Milk flows upward according to the laws of physics no longer so actively, the baby chokes less, and it is more convenient for him to latch onto the breast. We especially recommend it in the first months, when lactation is just establishing. It is easy to move into this position by sliding from a normal sitting position, practically without disturbing the baby.
Incorrect breastfeeding while lying down
There is no need to lean on your elbow, as if hanging over the baby. This is very inconvenient and will quickly lead to fatigue. It is also important to ensure that in any position the baby does not roll away from you onto the back, and he does not have to lean towards the nipple. So the breast is not presented to him at the right angle, so it easily slips out of his mouth.
So, it is possible to feed a baby lying down, you just need to choose the right position. Arrange yourself so that you and your baby are as comfortable and cozy as possible. Pillows, not necessarily special ones, can be useful for this. It is important to feel completely relaxed. After all, if you practice feeding on demand, recommended by modern pediatricians, then the duration of one session can be quite long. Especially for a newborn. Relax in comfort and enjoy these wonderful moments of togetherness with your baby.