I just finished my first educational video, and the positive feedback has made it worth the work! It’s about my S.O.S. positioning strategy for the breastfeeding parent. For those of you that haven’t seen the video yet, I’m going to hit the high points.
First, the whole point of my breastfeeding video is for the breastfeeding parent to have a lactation experience that is as comfortable, joyful, and successful as possible. There are many possible problems that can get in the way, such as low milk supply, mastitis, or tongue-tie, BUT the most common problem is NIPPLE OR LATCH PAIN.
Now, most people focus completely on the latch. But what I have found (and research shows) is that if you first make sure that the breastfeeding parent is well-positioned, then your chances of having a comfortable latch increased greatly. I cannot over express the importance proper positioning of the breastfeeding parent before trying to get a comfortable, functional latch. Good breastfeeding parent positioning is especially important for the first-time parent, newborns, or premature infants.
Thankfully, positioning is not that complicated, and to make it even easier, I have created a system for the cradle-hold that is easy to remember:
S.O.S.
- “S” for Semi-reclined Positioning
- “O” for Open Shoulders and Chest
- “S” for Skin-to-Skin Contact
Semi-reclined Positioning
Semi-reclined positioning is achieved by laying back 30 to 45 degrees like you were sitting in your grandparent’s recliner. Not only is the semi-reclined position comfortable for repetitive nursing sessions, but it also enables the baby to rest her weight against the nursing parent’s chest and brings the nipples upward so that they are more accessible to the baby. The mother in the top picture is semi-reclined.
Open Shoulders and Chest
Focusing on maintaining open shoulders and chest brings the breasts even more out for the baby and keeps the nipples upward for the baby and keeps the arms out of the baby’s way. It’s also just more comfortable than being turned inward. Notice how the mother in the top picture has her shoulders and chest open and this helps keeps her upper arms away from the baby.
Skin-to-Skin Contact
And the last “S” is for skin to skin contact, which comforts the baby, activates the breasts to produce more milk, and activates the baby’s natural nursing reflexes. In the picture, you can see that she will maximize skin-to-skin contact by nursing without a bra or top. She will also have the baby covered only by a diaper. If a nursing parent is in a situation where clothing is necessary, it is very helpful to at least have the baby’s face, her nose, cheeks, and chin, make contact with the bare breast. Last, notice the wonderful skin-to-skin contact the mother in the top picture is getting.
Not every breastfeeding parent that has poor positioning will have breastfeeding trouble. But, breastfeeding problems are more likely if there is poor body positioning. Breastfeeding position is especially important for the first-time parent, newborns, or premature infants.
An Example of Poor Positioning
Now consider the body positioning of the woman in the above picture. She is not in a semi-reclined position, rather she is upright and is even leaning over somewhat. Second, her shoulders are turned inward and her chest is turn downwards. Last, she and the baby are both fully dressed, which minimizes skin to skin contact.
Again, this mother-infant pair may be having breastfeeding success in spite of poor positioning, but again, breastfeeding problems are more likely with poor positioning. Conversely, breastfeeding success is not a guarantee with good positioning either.
IF you would like to see more examples and hear more about SOS body positioning for the Cradle Hold. I hope you found the information helpful. Visit the video section of my website to view the actual SOS breastfeeding video or click here to sign up for my weekly mailing list that will have helpful information like SOS positioning. Visit the events section of my homepage to see my Facebook Live schedule. Check back in a few days for the next blog!