When it comes to good positions to use while breastfeeding, your comfort as well as the ease with which your baby will be able to feed is the first and foremost concern. Finding a position that you are most comfortable and happy with will make it easier for your baby to latch on to your breasts and feed with ease. Here are some of the best breast-feeding positions that you might use when you are breastfeeding.

1. Benefits of Breastfeeding

2. Breastfeeding
When it comes to good positions to use while
breastfeeding, your comfort as well as the ease with which
your baby will be able to feed is the first and foremost
concern.
Finding a position that you are most comfortable and
happy with will make it easier for your baby to latch on
to your breasts and feed with ease.
Here are some of the best breast-feeding positions
that you might use when you are breastfeeding.

3. Introduction
• Breastfeeding is the optimal source of nutrition. The Human Milk is specie
specific and it provides all the essential nutrients necessary for the growth
and development of the newborn infant.
• The AAP, AAFP and WHO recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first
six months of life , and continuous breastfeeding for at least 12 months of
life.
• The Target of USDHHS “Healthy People 2010” initiative is to achieve
breastfeeding at birth of 75%, 50% at 6 month and 25% at 12 months of
life.
• 2008 data published by the CDC shows that 77% of initiate breastfeeding
at birth. Only about 30% of women continue with breastfeeding of the
infant to 6months of age.

4. “Breast fed infants, are Healthy Infants.”

5. Anatomy and Physiology of
Lactation
Structure of the Human Breast

6. Structure of the Human Breast
• The Human breast are modified sweat glands responsible for lactation
(milk production).
• The breast contains adipose tissue and fibrous connective tissue.
• Different hormones are responsible for the development of the breast and
changes that occur during pregnancy.
• The major hormones affecting breast development and enlargement are
estrogen, progesterone and prolactin.
• Each breast contains about 20 lobes, each lobes contains several lobules
which at the end have alveolar in which milk is produced.
• Milk production and secretion are responsive to two major hormones –
prolactin and oxytocin; and the sucking reflex.
• After production of milk in the alveolus, the milk moves through the ducts
and are stored in the lactiferous sinus. When the

7. Suckling Hormonal Reflex Arc

8. Suckling Hormonal Reflex Arc (Cont’d)
• The sucking reflex arc is a hormonal positive feedback mechanism.
• The sucking of the breast by the infant stimulates the nipple; this sends
messages to the spinal cord and subsequently to the brain.
• Prolactin is released from the anterior pituitary for milk production and
oxytocin from the posterior pituitary for the milk let down.
• Prolactin receptors are established within the first eight days of delivery.
• Suckling at breast increases prolactin levels, so at each feeding, levels rise,
hence more milk production.

9. Types and Composition of Human
Breast Milk
• Types of Breast Milk:
1. Colostrum or Early Milk
2. Transitional Milk
3. Mature Milk
• Colostrum or Early Milk is produced in the late stage of pregnancy
till 4 days after delivery; and is rich in antibodies.
• Transitional Milk produced from day 4 –10 is lower in protein in
comparison to Colostrum.
• Mature milk is produced from approximately ten days after delivery
up until the termination of the breastfeeding.

10. Types and Composition of Human
Breast Milk (Cont’d)
• Fat -The main lipids found in human milk are the triglycerides
phospholipids and essential fatty acids.
• Protein –Whey ; lactoferrin, lysozymes, immunoglobulin , A-
lactalbumin, Casein; lower concentration in human milk.
• Carbohydrate –Include lactose and oligosaccharides.
• Leukocytes -Include neutrophils, marcrophages , lymphocytes.
• Non protein nitrogen –urea, uric acid.
• Other constituents: steroid hormones, peptides, insulins, growth
factors, minerals, vitamins, lipase.

11. Storage of Breast Milk
• Human milk can be stored at room temperature for 6-8 hours.
• Expressed milk can be stored in an insulated cooler bag with icepacks for
24hours.
• Breast milk can be stored in the refrigerator for about 5 days at about
40°F.
• It can also be kept in a freezer compartment of a fridge for up to two
weeks at 0 -5°F
• It can be stored in a deep freezer for about 3-12 months .
• Breast milk should be stored in BPA (Bisphenol A) free containers.

12. Achieving Optimal Breastfeeding
• Activities, attitudes and procedures during the delivery and
post partum period have an impact on breastfeeding .
• There is well documented evidence that skin to skin contact
between infant and mother helps to maintain the body
temperatures, reduce risk of hypoglycemia, enhance oxytocin
release and beneficial nutrition with intake of colostrum .
• Skin to skin contact should occur for about 1-2 hours after
delivery. Procedures after delivery like weighing,
administration of vitamin K, eye prophylaxis and other
procedures should be delayed.

13. Achieving Optimal Breastfeeding
(Cont’d)
• Breastfeeding should be started and fully established before discharge from
the hospital
• Physicians and health care professionals should observe at least one feeding
and ensure this is done properly and breast milk is produced.
• Lactation specialist should also work with parents that are having difficulty
with breast feeding.
• Early follow up after leaving the hospital is required.

14. Signs of Effective Breastfeeding
• Frequent feedings 8-12 times daily.
• Intermittent episodes of rhythmic sucking with audible swallows should be
heard while the infant is nursing.
• Infant should have about 6-8 wet diapers in a 24 hour period once breast
feeding is established.
• Infant should have minimum of 3-4 bowel movements every 24 hours.
• Stools should be about one tablespoon or larger and should be soft and
yellow after day 3.
• Average daily weight gain of 15 -30g.
• Infant has regained birth weight by day 10 of life.

15. Good Breastfeeding Techniques
• The baby should be properly positioned to achieve effective latching.
• The mother should wear comfortable apparel, with the breast well exposed for the
infant to be able to latch.
• The infant’s mouth, chin and umbilicus should be lined up with the head in a neutral
position.
• The infant is brought to the breast, with the nose touching or close to the breast.
• The gum line should overlap the areola, and the nipple straight back into the mouth.
• The tongue moves forward beyond the lower gum, cupped and forming a reservoir.
• Milk is removed for the lactiferous sinuses, the jaw moves down creating a negative
pressure gradient that helped transfer milk to the pharynx.

16. Good Breastfeeding Techniques

17. Breastfeeding Positions
Cradle Hold
• This is the most common position
used by mothers.
• Infant’s head is supported in the elbow,
the back and buttock is supported by the arm
and lifted to the breast.

18. Breastfeeding Positions
Football Hold Position
• The infant’s is placed under the arm, like
holding a football.
• Baby’s body is supported with the forearm
and the head is supported with the hand.
• Many mothers are not comfortable with this
position.
• Good position after operative procedures.

19. Breastfeeding Positions
Side Lying Position
• The mother lies on her side propping up her
head and shoulder with pillows.
• The infant is also lying down facing the
mother.
• Good position after Caesarean section.
• Allows the new mother some rest.
• Most mothers are scared of crushing the baby.

20. Breastfeeding Positions
Cross Cradle Hold Position
• Ideal for early breastfeeding.
• Mother holds the baby crosswise in the
crook of the arm opposite the breast
the infant is to be fed.
• The baby's trunk and head are supported
with the forearm and palm.
• The other hand is placed beneath
the breast in a U-shaped to guide the
baby's mouth to your breast.

21. Breastfeeding Positions
Australian Hold Position
• This is also called the saddle hold.
• Usually used for older infants.
• Not commonly used by mothers.
• Best used in older infants with runny
nose, ear infection.

22. Benefits of Breastfeeding to
Infants
• Helps in Gastrointestinal development and function.
• Helps in development of the immune system.
• Helps in cognitive development of the infant.
• Infants who are breastfed have reduced risk of infection compared to
formula fed infants.
• Breastfed infants have reduced risk of obesity later in life compared to
formula fed infants.
• Reduced risk of sudden infant death syndrome, Hodgkin's lymphoma,
Leukemia and Type 1 Diabetes.
• Lower risk of infections e.g. otitis media, Lower respiratory tract infection,
Diarrheal diseases, Allergies , eczema, Meningitis and inflammatory bowel
diseases.

23. Benefits of Breastfeeding to
Mothers
• Enhance early maternal –infant bond.
• Aids involution of the uterus.
• Long term breastfeeding helps in loss of the excess weight acquired during
pregnancy.
• Prolonged Breastfeeding prolongs anovulation.
• Documented long term effect of breastfeeding include reduced risk of
breast, ovarian and endometrial cancers.

24. Supplements that increase
lactation
Herbal dietary supplement
- Fennel fruit
- Aniseed fruit
- Coriander fruit
- Fenugreek seed
- Blessed thistle herb
- Not FDA approved.

25. Socio-economic Benefits of
Breastfeeding
• Income savings –average of $1000 -$1200 per infant per year.
• Reduced risk of infections and diseases hence reduced hospital visits and
attendant medical cost.
• Mothers are more economically productive since they will spend less time
caring for a sick child.

26. Barriers To Effective Breastfeeding
• Lack of confidence in mother.
• Belief that breast milk is not sufficient.
• Lack of adequate support system.
• History of previous breast surgery.
• Breast engorgement, cracked and sore nipples.
• Retractile nipples.
• Embarrassment by mother
• Jealousy by Partner and siblings
• Chronic illness in mother; psychosis, Cancer.

27. Contraindication to Breastfeeding
• HIV , HLTV 1 & 11 infections.
• Active Tuberculosis.
• Herpes lesions on mother’s breast.
• Infant with Inborn error of metabolism; galactosemia, phenylketonuria.
• Mothers on certain medications ; anticancer therapy, radioactive isotope
etc.

28. Reason for Supplementation
• Birth weight < 1500 g or GA < 32 weeks.
• Severe hypoglycemia.
• Acute water loss.
• Hyperbilirubinemia related to poor intake.
• Delayed bowel movement or dark stools at day 5.
• Delayed milk production.
• Weight loss >8% of birth weight.

29. Role of the Family Physician
• Provide education about breastfeeding at first prenatal visit.
• Physical exam should include breast exam.
• Ensure rooming-in after delivery.
• Ensure breastfeeding is started and established before discharge after
delivery.
• Observe at least a session of breastfeeding to ensure it is done correctly.
• Office should be breastfeeding friendly.
• Staff should be well trained and willing to answer questions mothers
might have.
• Prenatal package should have literatures and patient hand out that
outlines benefit of breastfeeding.
• Prenatal records should have a checklist that ensure all question are
addressed.

30. Conclusion
• Breastfeeding is the best source of nutrition for a healthy term infant.
• AAP, AAFP and WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six
month of life and for at least twelve month of life.
• Human milk is human specific and contains nutrients that are essential for
the proper growth and development of the newborn.
• Breast milk is beneficial to both infant and mother.
• Proper positioning on the breast helps ensure adequate latching on and
subsequently adequate breastfeeding.
• Breast milk can be stored away, and utilized later when needed.
• There are absolute contraindications to breastfeeding, these include HIV, 1
and 11 , HTLV 1 and 11, active TB and active herpes simplex lesions on the
breast.
• The family physician has a significant role in promoting breastfeeding.