What Are The Different Types Of Breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding (also known as nursing) is giving your baby breast milk, which is usually taken directly from your breast. It should be your personal choice whether or not to breastfeed. Consider looking into the many types of breastfeeding. When we think about breastfeeding or chestfeeding, many of us picture a happy baby gently nursing while nestled in the crook of our arm. Most of us discover that feeding a baby is anything from simple, at least at first, even though many of us experience peaceful, fuss-free moments like these. 

Latching and positioning, in particular, may be difficult. Finding the ideal technique to hold a baby so they successfully latch on and maintain that position throughout the breastfeeding session is not always easy. Finding the best breastfeeding position for you could take some trial and error. ¹

How many types of breastfeeding are there?

Since no two parents or their newborns are the same, having options is essential when selecting a comfortable and efficient breastfeeding position. Fortunately, you have a lot of options for breastfeeding positions. As we continue reading this article, let's learn more about these breastfeeding positions for the baby.

What is the best method for breastfeeding? 

Which breastfeeding position is best for the baby? Every new mum wonders about this at some point. The ideal breastfeeding position for you is one in which your infant is at ease, and you don't have to make an extra effort to maintain your posture or continue nursing. The following are some typical breastfeeding positions for your baby:

• Cradle position: The baby should be facing you, and their head should be in the crook of your elbow. For your baby to feel totally supported, lean in close and press their belly against your body. You can reach through your baby's legs to support the lower back with your "free" arm or wrap it around to support the head and neck.

• Football position: To hold your baby like a football, line your forearm with their back and support their head and neck with the palm of your hand. When dealing with newborns and small babies, this position is helpful. It's also a beneficial posture if you need to protect your tummy from your baby's weight or pressure when you're healing after cesarean delivery.

• Side-lying position: Take a seat with your back straight in a cosy chair with armrests. Hold the baby in the crook of the arm that will be used to breastfeed them. You can hold their head steady with your hand. Your tummies should be facing one another when you bring the baby across your body. You can cup your breast in a U-shape with the other hand. You should hold the baby close to you without leaning forward, with their mouth on your breast.

• Cross-cradle hold: The baby should be facing you with their complete body and head in the crook of your elbow. So that your child feels fully supported, press your tummy against theirs. Your "free" arm can stretch through your baby's legs to support the lower back or loop around to hold the head and neck.

• Laid-back breastfeeding position: This position, usually called biological nurturing, is exactly what it indicates. It strengthens the instincts you and your baby have for breastfeeding. Lean back a little while lying on a couch or bed. Make sure your shoulders and head are supported and well-rested. Hold the baby so that both of your fronts touch. As long as your baby's cheek is near your breast, you should let them sit in whatever position is comfortable for them. If your baby needs assistance latching on, you can help. 

How to get a good latch during breastfeeding?

Face the baby towards you so that they may feed comfortably and without having to strain their neck. With one hand, cup your breast and gently stroke the baby's bottom lip with your nipple. Your baby will automatically open its mouth wide. With your hand holding the baby's neck, try to bring your mouth closer around your nipple and position it in the middle of your mouth, above the tongue.

The baby has successfully "latched on" when both lips purse outwardly around your nipple. The baby should be sucking on most of the areola, the darker skin that surrounds your nipple, as well as your entire nipple. Even if you experience a slight sensation or tugging when breastfeeding, it should not be uncomfortable for you. If the baby isn't correctly latching on and nursing in a smooth, pleasant rhythm, break the suction by nipping your finger between your baby's gums, then try again. An effective "latching on" technique can help avoid painful nipples.

How to know if your baby is hungry?

One of the most frequent ways a baby will attempt to communicate their hunger to you is by crying. Additional indications that your baby is ready for food include - 

• Sticking out their tongue 

• Licking their lips

• Rooting (when they move their jaw, mouth, or head to look for your breast)

• Putting their hand in their mouth.

• Opening their mouth.

• Fussiness

• Sucking on something ²

What is the 5 5 5 rule for storing breast milk?

Moms can preserve their breast milk using the 5:5:5 method. You should store the milk within five hours at room temperature, five days in the refrigerator, and five months in the freezer, as advised by your lactation consultant. ³

Signs and Techniques of Effective Breastfeeding :

• Watch for your baby's hunger cues and feed them whenever they need anything to eat. It's referred to as "on-demand" feeding. During the first several weeks, you might need to breastfeed eight to twelve times each day. Hungry babies may grasp for your breast, make sucking noises, or move their mouths towards their mouths. Do not wait for your baby to start crying. That is a sign of extreme hunger.

• Please be patient and let your baby nurse for however long the baby wants to each time. Do not hastily complete your baby's feedings. Babies typically breastfeed on each breast for 10 to 20 minutes.

• It's crucial to feel comfortable. When breastfeeding, try to relax to improve the chance that your milk will "let down" and flow. Make yourself comfortable by using cushions to support your arms, head, and neck, as well as a footrest to support your feet and legs, before you start breastfeeding. ⁴

Learning alternative breastfeeding positions and techniques might be a game-changer. Breastfeeding has several advantages for babies. Having someone else show you how to try these positions can be incredibly helpful, especially the first few times, as sometimes trying these tactics on your own isn't enough. Never be reluctant to ask for assistance from a lactation consultant or another mother who has had successful breastfeeding. You'll soon be the one with experience. ⁵

Breastfeeding isn’t always easy but with the right support and posture, it gets better. Talk to a gynaecologist on the Pinky Promise app for tips that fit your body and baby.

References:

1,5 - The 10 most effective breastfeeding positions and holds; From Healthline

(https://www.healthline.com/health/breastfeeding/breastfeeding-techniques). Retrieved on 25.01.2023

2, 4 - Breastfeeding; From Grow by Web MD

(https://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/nursing-basics). Retrieved on 25.01.2023

3 - Are you properly storing your breast milk and formula?; From Michigan Medicine

(https://www.michiganmedicine.org/health-lab/are-you-properly-storing-your-breast-milk-and-formula). Retrieved on 25.01.2023