Have you ever checked the calendar lately and realize how fast the days go by? One day you were looking forward to a movie and the next thing you knew was that you already were in the cinema with your popcorn and soda.
A lot of things can happen in a matter of seconds, minutes, hours, days and months and these moments should not miss the loving and meticulous eyes of a mother. Every hiccup, the first smile, the sleepless nights and of course the bonding moment found in breastfeeding.
Since every moment seems to slip unnoticeably, it is imperative for every mom to make most of her time in feeding her child so that she can be assured on her child getting the best out of the nursing experience. As such, she can do other things in between taking care of her little one (maybe get a part-time, freelance or home-based job that does not demand much of her time for example). Does breast size matter when it comes to nursing position? It does – and it is only by making sure that mothers choose an apt spot that she can get the best out of effort and time.
For mothers with average size breasts (and those with smaller ones), the cradle hold is a classic nursing position that simply requires that the baby’s head be cradled with mom’s arm crook. Basically, if the baby nurses on the left breast then hold the child in the crook of the left arm. For moms who intend to do this, feel free to rest the feet on a raised surface to circumvent leaning down toward the baby.
Well-endowed moms usually experience more challenges in breastfeeding. As such, mothers with big areolas and nipples are advised to wait until the child opens the mouth wide enough as if yawning so the baby can take suck efficiently. Aside from that, moms are suggested to put a folded blanket or a rolled nappy under the breast so it is lifted high enough for latching. Lifting the breast clears the area and avoids covering the nose of the baby so s/he can breathe and properly swallow. Moms with large breasts also see the need to hold the breast with the thumb on top and fingers beneath to keep it away of the baby’s chin and nose and to ensure that the nipple is in the child’s mouth.
The football hold works well with moms with big breasts. Aside from that, this breastfeeding position is also a good option if the woman has had a C-section birth. Bend the elbow as the baby is held. Support the head and face of the baby with the help of an open hand. The back of the child should rest on mom’s forearm while the breast is held as if forming the letter “C”. Mom should put a pillow on her lap or a footstool so the knees are raised to avoid unnecessary strain. The cross-cradle hold is also effective for well-endowed mothers. Bring the child across your body’s front (tummy to tummy). Hold the child opposite the breast s/he is feeding from, say left arm for the right breast and vice versa. Make sure to support the back of the child’s head (with an open hand) while the other hand supports the breast in a “U” hold.
To get more details of each of the feeding positions, visit our post on Creative Breastfeeding Positions.