Photos of Breastfeeding Positions
Photos of breastfeeding positions are a useful way to get visual clues for how best to position your baby. After all, when you've made the decision to try breastfeeding, positioning is one of the most important things to make sure you get right. Unfortunately, many new mothers are under the misguided belief that there is only one way to breastfeed - but they couldn't be further from the truth as this page will show!
Try out some different breastfeeding positions after your baby is born to see which you find most comfortable and successful. And beware, your baby may not always be in agreement with you so take his or her preferences into account too!
As time goes by you may also find you have to change or adapt your chosen breastfeeding position as it may simply be no longer comfortable.This is entirely normal and you and your baby will soon get used to your changing breastfeeding positions.
Here are some of the more common breastfeeding positions chosen by mothers and their babies.
If you'd like to submit some of your own pictures simply email me and I'll get them up for you.
This is a very typical breastfeeding position for a newborn immediately after the birth whist you are lying down and the baby is lying next to you.
Known as the cross cradle hold, this position is one that many mothers and their newborns find very comfortable. (image courtesy of Rixa at Stand and Deliver)
This breastfeeding position is perfect for bedtime! it's also great if you are suffering from breastfeeding problems such as plugged/ blocked ducts or mastitis as the breast will drain more easily.
Another good breastfeeding position for lying down. You can either prop yourself up on your elbow as here or lie down parallel to your baby.
This is perhaps the most common position used for breastfeeding by many mothers. The baby lies across your lap and you support her with your arm on the side you are breastfeeding from. It also allows you and your baby to have good eye contact.
A fun breastfeeding position showing just how adaptable both breastfeeding babies and mothers can be!
Very often mothers of breastfeeding twins like to feed them together to save time. This position is good as it stops the babies kicking one another. It also illustrates how an individual baby can be fed if the mother finds other positions uncomfortable as may be the case after a c-section. If you are tandem breastfeeding, ie feeding two children of different ages this is again a good position to try.
This is a good position for breastfeeding an older child. The child can sit upright on your lap and is supported by the crook of your elbow.
Again a good breastfeeding position for an older child, sitting upright and leaning against your shoulder.
