4 Easy latching positions for successful breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is a beautiful process which ensures the baby’s health and develops an emotional bonding between the mother and the baby. Breast milk contains sufficient nutrients, antibodies, is safe and helps to protect against many childhood illnesses. 

It is seen that children who were breastfed in their childhood perform better on intelligence tests. They are less prone to become overweight or obese, and have less chances of certain lifestyle disorders like diabetes. Breastfeeding benefits both the baby and the mother in many ways. Breastfeeding mothers have a reduced risk of breast cancer and ovarian cancers.

Breastfeeding brings many problems like not having enough milk supply, breast soreness, difficulty in latching etc. The holding position or the latching technique is important for successful breastfeeding, so experiment with many techniques and find out what works for you and your baby.  A good position ensures an easy feeding for your baby and your nipples don’t get sore easily. 

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Let’s learn some specific Latching positions that can be used for properly feeding your baby.

The football  hold:

Lay and hold your baby along your side, supporting the back of the baby’s neck with your hand. Keep the baby’s head near your nipple. 

This latching technique can be useful if you have a large breasts, C-section, or inverted nipples. 

Cradle hold: 

This technique can be useful for premature babies or babies who don’t have a strong suck, or for babies who are a few weeks old and they are able to hold the latch while breastfeeding. Lay your baby breast level with their tummy toward your chest. Rest the baby’s head on the crook of your elbow, on the same side, you will be breastfeeding. You can hold your breast from your opposite hand to give a proper latch.

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Straddle hold: 

This technique is led by the baby. Lay on your back on a pillow and lay your baby on your body, baby's head just above and between your breasts. Your baby will search for your breast, and will find the nipple. Just support your baby's head but don't force them or direct them towards your nipples.

Side-lying: 

Lie on your side and lay your baby facing you. Pull your baby close and face  you.

Breastfeeding can bring many challenges but with the right guidance you’ll be able to provide a successful breastfeeding experience to your baby and yourself.