Breastfeeding is a beautiful bonding experience between mother and baby, but finding the right position is crucial for comfort, proper latch, and milk transfer. While many positions work well, certain positions should be avoided to prevent discomfort, pain, and potential complications.
Lying Flat on Your Back
Lying completely flat on your back while breastfeeding can be problematic for several reasons. This position increases the risk of your baby struggling to latch properly, as gravity works against maintaining a secure connection. Additionally, this position can cause milk to flow too rapidly for some infants, potentially leading to choking or gasping. For mothers who have recently had a cesarean section, this position puts unnecessary pressure on the healing incision.
When reclining is preferred, a better alternative is the laid-back breastfeeding position, where you're semi-reclined with proper support under your shoulders, neck, and head. This position allows gravity to help maintain the baby's position while giving you better visibility and control of the latch.
Hunched Forward Position
Leaning forward in a hunched position while breastfeeding can lead to significant back and neck strain. This commonly occurs when mothers attempt to bring their breast to the baby rather than bringing the baby to the breast. Over time, this position can result in chronic pain and posture issues.
The strain from hunching forward tends to concentrate in the lumbar region and between the shoulder blades. For mothers who already experience back pain, this position exacerbates the condition. Instead, use pillows to bring your baby to breast height, and ensure your back is straight and well-supported against a comfortable chair or headboard.
Unsupported Side-Lying
While side-lying can be a comfortable position when done correctly, unsupported side-lying should be avoided. Without proper support for both mother and baby, this position can lead to neck strain, improper latch, and potential safety concerns if the mother becomes drowsy.
When using the side-lying position, ensure you have pillows supporting your back, between your knees, and potentially under your head for proper alignment. Additionally, never leave your baby unsupervised in this position, as there is a higher risk of accidental smothering if you fall asleep.
Cross-Cradle Without Support
The cross-cradle hold without proper arm support is problematic because it places significant strain on the mother's arms, shoulders, and wrists. Holding your baby's weight for extended feeding sessions without support can lead to repetitive strain injuries and conditions like "mommy thumb" (De Quervain's tenosynovitis).
To modify this position, use a nursing pillow or regular pillows to support your baby's weight and your arms. This transfers the weight from your muscles to the supportive pillows, allowing for longer, more comfortable feeding sessions.
Dangling Position
The dangling position, where the mother leans over the baby with her breast hanging down, should be avoided as a regular feeding position. While this position might be temporarily used for specific situations (like relieving a plugged duct), as a routine feeding position it places extreme strain on the mother's neck, shoulders, and back.
Additionally, this position makes it difficult to observe your baby's latch and feeding cues. If you need to use this position temporarily for therapeutic reasons, limit the time and ensure you have support nearby.
Cradle Hold with Poor Alignment
The cradle hold with misaligned baby positioning is a common mistake that can lead to nipple pain and ineffective feeding. In this improper position, the baby's body is turned toward the ceiling rather than facing the mother's body, creating a poor angle for latching.
For a proper cradle hold, ensure your baby's entire body is facing yours—tummy to tummy—with ear, shoulder, and hip in alignment. This alignment helps your baby achieve a deeper, more effective latch while minimizing strain on your nipples.
Positions That Create Nursing Aversion
Any position that creates discomfort or pain should be avoided, as this can lead to nursing aversion for both mother and baby. When breastfeeding becomes consistently associated with pain, mothers may develop negative feelings about breastfeeding sessions, and babies may become fussy or resistant at the breast.
Listen to your body and observe your baby's cues. If a position causes discomfort, adjust immediately rather than enduring pain. Remember that breastfeeding shouldn't hurt when done properly, and pain is often a sign that adjustments are needed.
Cross-Body Position with Twisted Spine
Twisting your spine to position your baby can lead to back pain and spinal misalignment over time. This often happens when mothers try to breastfeed without properly turning their bodies toward their babies.
Instead of twisting to position your baby, turn your entire body to face your baby. Use pillows to support both your posture and your baby's position to maintain proper alignment throughout the feeding session.
Feeding in Stressful Environments
While not a physical position, breastfeeding in stressful, uncomfortable environments should be avoided when possible. Stress can inhibit let-down and reduce milk flow, making feeding sessions less effective.
Create a comfortable, calm environment for nursing when possible. If you must feed in less-than-ideal circumstances, practice deep breathing and focus on your baby to help manage stress and encourage proper milk flow.
Conclusion
Finding comfortable, effective breastfeeding positions is essential for both mother and baby. By avoiding positions that cause pain, strain, or ineffective feeding, you can create a positive breastfeeding experience.
FAQ
Can the football hold position cause problems for some mothers?
Yes, the football hold can cause wrist and arm strain if done without proper support. Always use pillows to support your arm and baby's weight when using this position.
Is it dangerous to breastfeed while lying flat on my back?
While not necessarily dangerous, it's often ineffective and uncomfortable. It can cause milk to flow too quickly for your baby and makes it difficult to observe and control the latch.
How do I know if my breastfeeding position is causing problems?
Signs of problematic positioning include persistent nipple pain, baby frequently pulling off the breast, poor weight gain, and maternal discomfort or pain in the back, neck, or shoulders during or after feeding sessions.
