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 holdCross cradle holdFootball holdFootball hold to twinsSide-lying positionUpright breastfeedingDangle feedingNursing in a slingBack 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 armsThe head of the baby should rest in your elbow end Place the lower arm of your baby under your breastKeep his/her mouth near to your breastSupport your breast by using your free handPut your thumb above the areola and rest fingers under the breastFor opening the mouth of the baby gently fondle your nipple on his/her lower lipsPull 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 babyCradle the baby in your arms by taking his/her from tummyPut your hand at the base of head and neckEar, shoulders, and hip of the baby should follow a straight linePut the arm of your baby out and mouth near the breastSupport your breast from the other handPut your thumb above the areola and rest fingers under the breastPull 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 armPut your hand at the base of head and neckPull your baby close to you and place your other hand on your breastHold the baby in a way that his/her chin and nose touch your breastLet the baby starts feedingMother 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 elbowsFor more comfort, you can place babies on the pillowsIncline them towards your bodyPut your palm on their neck for supportingPull 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 tummyPut your upper arm on your head and position upper knee with a pillow by bendingPush your breast outward and pull your baby closeLet 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 thighsSpine and head of the baby is in an upright positionPut your one arm on the back of the baby and palm on the headPlace your free arm on your breastPull 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 legsPlace the baby lying on your legsPut the head of the baby on one of your kneesPush 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 clothingSling the baby on your baby and both mother and baby tummy should touchPut one arm beneath your babyPut 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 – Lay down and put your baby on your tummyPut one arm on baby’s back and one beneath the hipsPull the baby upward gentlyLet him latch out Now you know all about breast feeding techniques for your new born baby. Which technique did you try to breast feed your baby?