9 Extremely Basic Breast Feeding Techniques For A New Born

One of the best experiences for any mother in the world is feeding her baby. Breast feeding is an awesome feeling for both mother and baby. There are no specified breast feeding techniques, it’s just that both mother and the baby should feel comfortable.

Breast feeding is a natural phenomenon. There are different breastfeeding techniques in which mother and baby both feel comfortable. It requires lots of patience. Proper breastfeeding provides a good amount of nutrients which is beneficial for the baby.

When to start breast feeding?

You can start breast feeding just after the birth of the new-born. The initial days of breastfeeding are very nutritious for the baby. Babies show signs like linking, nuzzling nipples, and putting fingers in the mouth.

Full-term and healthy babies need breastfeeding every hour.

Breast feeding techniques for newborn

There are no single or particular types of breast feeding techniques for newborns. The breast feeding techniques for a newborn baby is only a way through which mother and baby both feel comfortable.

Here it is discussed about various types of breast feeding techniques for newborns.

Cradle hold
Cross cradle hold
Football hold
Football hold to twins
Side-lying position
Upright breastfeeding
Dangle feeding
Nursing in a sling
Back lying

Mentioned below are step by step procedures of the breast feeding techniques which needs to be followed by the mother.

Cradle hold

This is the simplest, easy, and one of basic breast feeding techniques that most of the mothers adopt. It is the most comfortable position. This is best for older babies as they can handle their heads easily. Steps to follow for using the technique:

Sit comfortably with the baby and sit at the level of your heart.
Take your baby from his/her stomach and cradle in your arms
The head of the baby should rest in your elbow end
Place the lower arm of your baby under your breast
Keep his/her mouth near to your breast
Support your breast by using your free hand
Put your thumb above the areola and rest fingers under the breast
For opening the mouth of the baby gently fondle your nipple on his/her lower lips
Pull up the baby towards breast and let him feed

Cross cradle holds

This position is also known as the crossover hold. It is also one of the common breastfeeding techniques. This position gives good and better support to the baby. The mother can handle the baby with one hand only. Steps for using the technique :

Sit comfortably with your baby
Cradle the baby in your arms by taking his/her from tummy
Put your hand at the base of head and neck
Ear, shoulders, and hip of the baby should follow a straight line
Put the arm of your baby out and mouth near the breast
Support your breast from the other hand
Put your thumb above the areola and rest fingers under the breast
Pull the baby near you.
Don’t lean over the baby

Football hold

The mothers who have C-section or the breast is large in size, Football hold is a good option for them of breast feeding. For premature babies it is one of the best breast feeding techniques as a mother can use to hold the baby perfectly. Steps to follows for using the technique:

Place your baby’s legs and body under your arm
Put your hand at the base of head and neck
Pull your baby close to you and place your other hand on your breast
Hold the baby in a way that his/her chin and nose touch your breast
Let the baby starts feeding
Mother should relax her shoulder while the baby is latching

Football hold for twins

If you are the mother of 2 babies then by using football hold for twins breastfeeding technique you can feed them simultaneously. This will make your work easy and relaxing. Steps for using the technique –

Hold each baby with your two arms by partially bending your elbows
For more comfort, you can place babies on the pillows
Incline them towards your body
Put your palm on their neck for supporting
Pull babies upward and let them feed

Side-lying position

This is one of the best type of breastfeeding techniques when the mother is tired and wants to rest. During rest, she can feed her baby as well. It is a somewhat complex position but if the mother and child both become comfortable then it is the most relaxing position.

For the mothers with C-section done during delivery then side-lying is one of the best breast feeding techniques for them. Steps for using the technique –

Place yourself and your baby side by side touching tummy to tummy
Put your upper arm on your head and position upper knee with a pillow by bending
Push your breast outward and pull your baby close
Let the baby latch out

Upright breastfeeding newborn

This breast feeding technique is also a koala hold. This position is much comfortable for both the mother and baby. Steps to follow for using the technique –

Let your baby sit on your thighs
Spine and head of the baby is in an upright position
Put your one arm on the back of the baby and palm on the head
Place your free arm on your breast
Pull the baby close to you and let him latch out

Dangle feeding

It is the sitting position in which you can breast feed the baby. This breast feeding technique cannot be used on a regular basis. Steps to follow for using the technique –

Sit in a crouch position while folding your legs
Place the baby lying on your legs
Put the head of the baby on one of your knees
Push the breast outward and dangle the nipple in your baby mouth.

Nursing in a sling

This position is best when you are outside from home. It is one of convenient breast feeding techniques when you are looking after an older child. Steps for using the technique –

Wrap your baby while using some clothing
Sling the baby on your baby and both mother and baby tummy should touch
Put one arm beneath your baby
Put your breast out and pull the baby up for latching

Back lying

This is one of the comfortable breast feeding techniques especially for the mothers with C-section. But lying back can reduce and slow the flow of milk. Steps to follow for using the technique –