Nursing for the Long Haul
Posted by:
Dr Cathy
on
5/21/2011
Planning on nursing your baby? Thinking of exclusively breastfeeding (EBF)? You'll want to find a comfortable position for you and your baby.
Lying on your side with baby snuggled up against you is perfect for bonding, relaxing with baby and establishing eye contact.
If you plan on sharing your bed with your baby, this position will allow baby to nurse while you both sleep peacefully.
During the first few weeks, you may want to begin nursing baby while lying on your side with baby psoitioned between you and your husband. As baby starts to get full and drift off to sleep, roll her on top of your chest as you roll onto your back. Keep her here while you burp her. Once she's ready to resume nursing, roll onto your other side and position her on the breast so that she is toward the outside of the bed, rather than in between you and your husband.
Some moms like to keep a co-sleeper attached to the bed just in case baby decides to roll. Other moms stack pillows up. Still others have the little bumpers that can be positioned around baby - these work great if you decide to keep baby in the middle of the bed as well. The bumpers will prevent baby from rolling, and they will also prevent dad from rolling as well.
Remember, not all babies respond well to all positions. Try different methods to determine what works for you and your baby.