Upright Breastfeeding
Finding a comfortable breastfeeding position for you and your baby can take time and practice. Trying different positions can help you find one that works best for both of you. One way to nurse your baby is in an upright position. Your baby’s head will be positioned higher than his/her belly when latched at the breast.
Benefits to Breastfeeding Upright
- Reduces gas, colic, and reflux
- Encourages a deeper latch
- Helps baby manage an overactive milk supply or strong milk let down
- Improves milk transfer
- Provides good support for babies with low muscle tone, cleft lip, and cleft palate1
- Helps improve latching with a tongue tie
- Reduces damage to sore nipples
- Provides a comfortable feeding position for a baby with a cold or ear infection experiencing pain when laid flat2
- Supports an older baby getting harder to hold while breastfeeding
Koala Hold
The Koala hold is an example of an upright breastfeeding position.3 With one arm free, you can easily position your breast to ensure a good latch. Older babies also enjoy this position since they can breastfeed while watching what is happening around them.
- Have baby straddle your thigh facing your stomach. Baby’s hips should touch your hip.
- Ensure baby’s spine and head are upright and in a straight line. The chin should be slightly lifted.
- Your baby should be close to you, preferably skin to skin.
- Use one arm to support your baby and one arm to help position your breast. Baby’s upper lip should be at the level of your nipple.
- If your baby does not have good head control, lean back slightly to give your baby more support. If your baby was born premature or is still a newborn, you may need to give extra chin support using your finger on the hand holding your breast.
Breastfeeding While Babywearing
Wearing your baby in a carrier is a simple way to make breastfeeding and caring for your baby easier.4 Your baby will have easy access to your breasts in an upright breastfeeding position. Simply adjust the carrier and your breast to give your baby enough space to latch. Just remember to read the carrier product manual to ensure you are correctly positioning your baby when you are finished breastfeeding. Then you can have both hands free to do other tasks while also providing comfort to your baby.
Final Thoughts
When breastfeeding in any upright position, it is important that your baby’s head, neck, and body are well supported and aligned. The best position is the one in which you and your baby are most comfortable. If you need further support, contact an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) for assistance.
What If I Have Questions?
If you are interested in learning more, these Aeroflow classes expand on some of the topics discussed above:
- Ultimate Breastfeeding Prep
- Babywearing and Breastfeeding
To register for these classes, log into your portal or click here.
Want More Info?
For a directory of Aeroflow’s other Care Guides offering information on pregnancy, baby care, and more, browse our comprehensive list of titles:
References