What is the best position to breastfeed the baby?

All experts say: the success of breast-feeding depends on a good catch. What is not always explained to mothers is that the way in which the baby is accommodated during the feeding is fundamental for him to correctly latch onto the breast. According to the Ministry of Health, there are five positions considered good. Check out:

1. Inverted

Sitting down, accommodate the baby under your arm, supporting his body on your forearm and the little head in the palm of your hand in a C shape. He should face the breast that will be offered, with his belly against your ribs and the legs supported by a pillow. If you prefer, use a pillow to support his whole body. The advantage is that this position allows the child to latch on, draining the milk better. It is especially indicated in case of cesarean sections, cracks in the breasts and when the little one cannot grasp the entire areola or wants to suckle in only one of the breasts. In the latter situation, you can change sides without the baby noticing. Just change it arm, without turning it.

2. sitting

Make yourself comfortable in a firm chair, with support for arms and feet, and lay the baby down transversely, facing you, with the little head supported by your forearm. Make sure his belly and yours are in contact. The closer together you are, the easier a good grip will be established. The little one should have his face level with your chest. If you need to elevate him, support him by the buttocks or use a pillow. When taking the breast, the child must have his mouth wide open and grab a good part of the areola, keeping his chin leaning against your chest. This position is adopted by most mothers.

3. Lying down

Mother and baby should be positioned side by side – you with your head on a pillow and baby with his head and back resting on your arm. With your free hand, offer your breast on the side you’re lying on. The child himself will open his mouth wide and establish the attachment of the areola and nipple. If you prefer, place a pillow between your legs. Because it does not compress the abdominal region, this position is often used by women who have had cesareans. It is also widely adopted at night feeds – but in that case it is prudent for the mother to be accompanied so as not to fall asleep and put the baby at risk.

4. Belly up

Lie down and place your child on top of you, lining up belly to belly. That way, his face will be facing the chest, favoring the handle. This is a good position for those who have excessive milk production, as it slows down the flow, preventing the baby from choking. If the breasts are too full, however, remember to massage and empty them a little before starting the feeding. Otherwise, the little one will not be able to bite the areola in its entirety or properly press the beak.

5. little horse

Sit comfortably and accommodate the baby on one of your legs, sitting facing the breast that will be offered. His little legs remain open, as if he were riding a horse. One of the mother’s hands should support part of the child’s spine and head, while the other offers the breast. This position is suitable for women with large breasts, as it favors attachment, and also for newborns with little muscle strength, as it facilitates sucking. Another advantage is keeping the child alert, which helps in the case of sleepy and premature infants. It is also recommended for babies with reflux – as the child is upright, instead of lying down, the milk does not come back as often.