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Laid-back breastfeeding, natural breastfeeding position, or biological nurturing is a semi-reclined position to nurse a baby. Babies’ natural feeding reflexes are stimulated in this feeding position, and they try to latch correctly.
You may try various feeding positions to find the most convenient one for you and your baby. Laid-back nursing is an ideal feeding position for babies who face difficulties while latching. Read this post to know more about the tips, benefits, and methods of laid-back breastfeeding.
Benefits Of Laid-back Breastfeeding
Babies can express their instinctive feeding behavior in a laid-back feeding position since their mother’s body supports them. The benefits of laid-back breastfeeding could include the following (1).
- Feeding reflexes of a baby are released during this position.
- Learn breastfeeding together; this position helps newborns and mothers become comfortable with breastfeeding gradually.
- It helps increase the production of nurturing hormones, such as oxytocin, in both mother and baby to enhance bonding.
- Babies are well-supported on the mother’s body during laid-back feeding.
- Gravity may also enhance latchingin this position.
- Mother is less likely to receive bites since the baby latches correctly.
- Wearing a thin layer of clothing can increase skin-to-skin contact during this feeding position.
- Mothers can keep the baby in a laid-back position beyond nursing, thus enhancing the bonding between mother and baby.
You may try and use a laid-back nursing position any time unless contraindicated by your lactation consultant or pediatrician.
Tips For Laid-back Breastfeeding
The following tips could help you breastfeed comfortably in a laid-back position and ensure a proper latch (2)(3).
- Lean back from sitting position with back support. Never lie flat on your back.
- Try to adjust the position until you are comfortable.
- Keep the baby close to support their body.
- Avoid keeping the baby on the incision site if you had a cesarean birth.
- Adjust the baby’s position so that there is no pressure on their neck and back.
- Try to wear comfortable clothing for nursing.
- Babies move their heads from side to side with a wide mouth when they are ready to latch. You may wait until they attach and begin sucking reflex.
- Mothers who have oversupply may try this position to reduce the risk of aspiration since the baby faces downwards towards the breast.
- If needed, support the baby with one hand and breast with another hand.
You can breastfeed in this position in each breastfeeding session.
How Does A Newborn Latch During Laid-back Breastfeeding?
This position enhances a baby’s ability to use their primitive feeding reflexes. The baby tries to wriggle, push their feet, and move their head side to side to reach nipples. It ultimately leads to improved reach and better latch to the breast, providing a comfortable nursing experience for both mother and infant.
Laid-back breastfeeding is the preferred breastfeeding position for many new mothers during the first few hours after birth. This feeding position also enhances skin contact, which facilitates better mother-child bonding.
Laid-back Breastfeeding After A Cesarean-section
Mothers who underwent C-section delivery can consider laid-back breastfeeding. It can be convenient after a cesarean section since mothers can sit in a comfortable position with back support (1).
You can continue to feed the baby at home in a laid-back position if you find upright feeding positions uncomfortable. If you have difficulties moving and placing your baby in the initial days, you may take the help of a nurse, partner, or family member. This semi-reclined position is quite helpful after C-section since it helps the mother avoid pressure on their belly while also letting the baby latch correctly.
How To Do Laid-back Breastfeeding In Public?
You may try the laid-back nursing position in public if you have access to a sofa or a deep chair. You may use your handbag or diaper bag for back support. Place the baby on yourself, put on a nursing cover, and you are good to go.
Many restaurants and coffee shops have seating suitable for reclined positions. However, make sure the chair or sofa is sturdy, and you are able to get into a laid-back position without straining yourself. Loose outdoor clothing or a nursing bra could make it easier for your baby to access the breast while breastfeeding.
The laid-back breastfeeding position could stimulate the natural feeding instinct in babies and make it easier for them to latch to the breasts. You may seek a lactation consultant’s help to learn about the correct way to do laid-back breastfeeding. Unless contraindicated, this position can be observed regularly since it provides convenience and comfort to both the mother and the baby.