Positioning, Positioning, Positioning

The secret to more comfortable breastfeeding is positioning, positioning, positioning. This is what you should work on FIRST, before ever trying to latch a baby.

Before I attempt to help latch a baby in my practice, I always make sure that mum is comfortable and supported - because if not, this is not going to last long. With my first baby, I did the whole leaning over, breastfeeding pillow, sitting upright, a billion pillows tucked in everywhere and it just always left me uncomfortable, and gave me lower back and upper neck pain that lasted literal years until I got physiotherapy. This is a story I hear all too much! There's honestly a much better way, and it seems too easy to be true. With my second baby, it all clicked. Why did I hunch over my first that way? Why do so many moms hunch over their babies chasing them with their breast?

When you are comfortable, your body and your baby are not compensating for your poor breastfeeding posture. Small adjustments to how you sit (if you’re doing a seated feeding position) can dramatically reduce strain and help baby stay latched more comfortably.

My number one advice is to ALWAYS bring baby to the breast, NOT bring breast to the baby. I say this a billion times in practice. Your back should feel supported, not curled forward like you’re holding a crunch the whole time. Not shoving the breast into baby's mouth, chasing them when they are turning their heads left and right. If your back, shoulders, or wrists are in pain either immediately or later on, it’s often because your body is doing all the work instead of gravity - and instead of bringing BABY TO THE BREAST. 

If you'd like to feed baby in a seated position, then set yourself up like this:

• Lumbar support behind your low back (rolled towel, cushion, or chair support)

  
  

• Densely supportive pillows under your elbow if needed - not squishy ones that collapse

  
  

• A step stool (essential!) so your feet are grounded and your pelvis isn’t tipped

  
  

• A chair that isn’t straight upright - the idea is to leaaaan back. If you don't have a reclined chair, then please sit towards the edge of your seat (kind of like you are preparing for a gyney exam). Yes, this leaned back.

  
  

• Let gravity help you hold baby across your body while leaning back instead of you leaning forward- which is a recipe for long term back pain. Letting gravity help also ensures baby’s belly stays in contact with your belly.

  
  

• Have someone help by handing you the baby. When you are learning, having someone hand you the baby before you are in position is a major benefit. Once you've finessed the latch on, you will be able to do this all yourself - hopefully 🤞

  
  

Basic latch support starts with basic body positioning. If you can get comfortable, you've won half the battle. Best of luck out there!

💬 Send this to an expectant mom you know and love and for whom you care about their neck, shoulders and back. 😅

Thanks for reading!

-Nicole

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions