Laid-back breastfeeding is also known as biological nurturing that tap’s your baby’s natural reflexes by using different positions of handling them. Your baby has the ability to sense where her food is and go towards that direction which is in your breast. Laid-back breastfeeding is a technique used in feeding your babies. After birth, the doctor or the nurse will place your baby into your stomach and it is a reflex for newborn babies to find the nipple and begin to feed themselves.
How to do the laid-back position
- Find your favorite spot where you can comfortably sit or lay back half of your body just to have support.
- You may need to place pillows into your head and shoulders so that it will be well supported as your baby is in your belly. You should be in a semi-reclining position, avoid lying flat on your back because your baby may have a hard time sucking for milk. The advisable position for you is to rest on your sacrum which is the bony part of your tailbone.
- Makes sure that the position of your baby is comfortable and be sure that her cheeks are just right after your breast. As soon as your baby lies in your belly, the gravity will let her stay in this position without slipping off.
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- If you see that your baby is moving her mouth about to suck your breast but her place is a bit far, you may guide her to the breast.
- Take your time breastfeeding your baby. Wait for her to remove her mouth, don’t limit her feeding session.
- While you are feeding your baby, touch, hug and rub your baby. Studies show that babies who feel affection during their early years tend to develop their personality and other attributes faster.
Advantages of laid-back position
- This is a comfortable position for both the mother and the baby that will also give the mother time to relax or catch up with her baby.
- There are babies that are comfortable in their tummy position, it will be much more comfortable if they are on your tummy as well.
- This is a skin to skin position where your baby feels so much care and affection.
- Your baby can explore your breast and lead to her feeding session.
- Baby takes the lead with this position, which can feel strange for mom at first.
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- This breastfeeding position is suitable for any age as long as your baby is still breastfeeding.
- This position is beneficial for mothers who have small breasts with little supply of milk where your baby has all the force to suck it for more breastmilk.
- First time moms may have a hard time doing this position but practice makes perfect. If your baby is about 6 months, she can latch into your belly on her own without helping them.
- It is a perfect time for you to spend time with your baby and let her feel your love, care, and affection.
How to do this position after having a cesarean section?
Whatever the delivery method used, you can still take advantage of this breastfeeding position. Since you have a fresh wound in your belly, you may position your baby in such a way that she won’t be able to touch or kick on your wound. Your baby is lightweight so it wouldn’t be a challenge positioning your baby. As your baby grows and gets heavier, your birth wound is also healing.
Why is laid-back breastfeeding is beneficial?
The laid-back position is not only beneficial for babies who are feeding on the breast of their mothers but it is also beneficial for mothers who lack sleep and tired attending to their needs of their baby’s needs. This position will allow you to relax your whole body while still being productive because you are still attending to your baby. This position is suitable for newborn babies and for those who are having a problem latching.
Read also: Breastfeeding facts should you be worried about bleeding nipples
Difficulties that you may experience in this position
1. Mothers who have large breast
Babies might have a hard time grabbing for your breast if you have large breasts. If you have a large breast, it is advisable for you to use the side-lying position or the football position so that the baby won’t have a hard time to latch and breastfeed. If you would use the football position, make sure to hold your breast while the baby is feeding so that the weight of the breast won’t be on the baby’s chin.
Read also: Why babies are making noises while breastfeeding
2. If you have a sore nipples
If you have a sore nipple, it would be difficult to feed your baby no matter what breastfeeding position you are in. When your nipples are still in soar and there’s no way for you to feed the baby, the pain that you may feel may worsen when there is pressure from the baby’s weight that is why you need to feed on your baby on the other part of the breast in rotation. Nipple soreness is normal when your baby bites your breast or when there is an oversupply of milk, breastfeeding the baby will reduce the pain, however, if the pain doesn’t go away after 2 weeks, you need to ask help from your doctor for further evaluation.
3. If you are still recovering from cesarean section
You may still do laid-back position even if you went through cesarean position, you may just have to find a suitable position where the baby doesn’t touch your wound. However, as your baby gains weight and still your wound hasn’t recovered yet, that is the time that you may find other breastfeeding positions.
Facts about the laid-back position
- The laid-back position is suitable for babies who are experiencing reflux where the gravity will help indigestion.
- After feeding the baby with a laid-back position, it is important to keep the baby upright for about 20 minutes so that the baby won’t vomit the milk consumed.
- The laid-back position also helps prevents gas, this is acquired when the baby’s digestive system is sensitive to the foods you eat, remember whatever food intake that you have, that will also be converted as food to your baby.
Read also:
- Your Go-To Guide For a Healthy Breastfeeding Diet
- Why Babies Are Making Noises While Breastfeeding
- What You Didn’t Know About Nausea While Breastfeeding
