5 Functional Breastfeeding Positions

It is important to learn different breastfeeding techniques, because by using a functional breastfeeding position, the moment of breastfeeding is pleasant for both mother and baby. Proper posture is one of the most essential things for a functional breastfeeding, especially because it determines whether the baby is getting a proper breastfeeding from the mother’s breast.

Breastfeeding should be comfortable for both parties, as poor breastfeeding can reduce breast milk production and cause nipple irritation. Both problems can be largely solved with the right kind of breastfeeding technique, where the right position and posture will help the baby get a good breastfeeding.

5 functional breastfeeding positions

Don’t worry, finding a suitable breastfeeding position is very easy. Here are five functional breastfeeding positions. In addition to these, there are many other positions that a pediatrician can advise on, for example, from which you can choose the best and most functional ones for yourself.

Remember that the most important thing is to find the most comfortable position for both you and your baby so that breastfeeding is successful and it takes place in a relaxed atmosphere.

Mother is lying on her side

This position is the most effective breastfeeding position, especially for night feeds. In practice, the position works with the mother lying on her side and the baby’s face facing the chest. The baby’s belly is against the mother’s body. The mother can support her head with a folded pillow and the baby’s head with her hand.

Traditional breastfeeding position

In this position, the mother sits with her shoulders relaxed with her baby on her forearm below her chest.

The baby’s head rests on the mother’s elbow flexion. This position works in both directions. The mother’s belly supports the baby’s belly and the baby’s other hand hugs the mother.

Cross position

This breastfeeding position is a variation of the previous position in which the mother holds her breast from which the baby is sucking and with one hand supports the baby from the neck and back.

For your convenience, you need a pillow to help keep your baby’s body at chest height. This position is very easy as you can give the baby both breasts without changing the position of the baby. This position works especially if the baby only prefers one breast.

Sitting position

Mom sits with her back straight and shoulders relaxed and uses money or a stool under her feet. The baby’s gaze is directed at the mother and her belly is against the mother’s belly. Hold a pillow under the baby to lift him alongside.

Underarm position

In the armpit position, you hold the baby under the armpit on which side of the chest you are going to feed the baby. The baby’s body wraps around your waist and your hands support the baby’s head and neck.

This breastfeeding position is especially good for those who have had a cesarean section, who have cracked nipples, or who are breastfeeding two babies at the same time.

Tips for effective breastfeeding

It is a good idea to keep in mind that whichever breastfeeding position you choose, the baby’s head should be parallel to the chest, at the same height as the nipple, and the baby’s head should not turn, bend, or trip.

It’s also good to know that with your baby’s lips and tongue healthy, your baby will be able to suck from almost any position. 

The baby’s mouth should be fully open and the chest should go far into the mouth, with the nipple close to the baby’s upper lip. This leaves room for the baby’s tongue to settle between the nipple and lower lip, as the baby sucks by lifting the tongue up and back at the same time.

“When breastfeeding works successfully, you may notice the baby’s jaw moving.” This is described in the guide “Correct Breastfeeding Technique: The Positions”, which was edited by the staff of the Consejería de Salud del Hospital Vrigen de Las Nieves. Most of the breastfeeding postures presented in this article are from that guide.

When a baby’s chin moves while eating the breast, it happens rhythmically and its movement extends to the baby’s ears as well as the temples. You may also notice that the baby’s cheeks do not go into the pit but remain round. When the baby sucks properly, the mother does not feel any pain, even when her nipples crack.