My Favorite Postpartum Breastfeeding Positions

Hello friends,

As a postpartum doula, I support mommas every single day on their journey to feed their babies. I really love showing some simple position modifications that are tailored to their specific needs.

These are a few of my favorite positions and tips ⬇️

🤱🏼Cross-Cradle and Traditional Hold - these positions can feel the most cozy in those first days post birth when baby’s mouth is tiny and everything can feel overwhelming. Most lactation consultants will help you with these simple positions. I love modifying these two holds to protect momma’s wrist.

💗A simple modification: use pillows instead of a breastfeeding pillow to create the height you need to feed your baby. Add pillows behind your knees and lower back to offer more support. Rolling a simple burp cloth behind baby’s head can relief your wrist from applying too much pressure to keep baby latched. These gentle modifications can support your overall fatigue and health.

🍂Koala Position - while in this position you can relief back tension and support baby with a deeper latch. This position can be a great one to keep in rotation as your body heals - it especially takes tension off your lower back.

💗A simple modification: use pillows to support your lower back. This position can support baby’s that have trouble with side preference and/or a deep latch. I love showing mommas how to hold baby’s head with their elbow verses their hand once they have leaned back.

🤱🏽Side Lying Position - aka my favorite position ever for postpartum mommas. This position can support your healing as you take pressure off your lower body including incisions, stitches and tailbone. Laying down allows the body to rest and most often baby too.

💗A simple modification: get yourself in position first meaning get cozy first before you feed. Then roll baby from back to their side. Make sure you are belly to belly with baby and use your arm that is farthest from the mattress to pull your baby in close. Support their neck and lower back with a rolled up burp cloth or your partner’s hand. Lower the hand holding your own head and put behind a pillow to rest as you feed your baby.

Feel free to reach out to me if you need additional support - postpartum doulas are trained and passionate about supporting mothers through their journey of healing no matter the season they are in.

Happy healing!

This is how we heal

Your healing matters

You matter 🤍

Holding mommas,

ML 🥹✨🤍🧺