Position & Attachment
In breastfeeding, position refers to how the mother and baby are placed during a feed. A useful way to help you consider whether the position is useful is to think about whether the breastfeeding parent is comfortable and well supported, and that the baby's whole body is aligned in a straight line, facing the parent, with their tummy turned toward them. The baby should be held close, with their nose level with the nipple, so they can approach the breast easily without twisting or straining. Optimal positioning lays the foundation for effective feeding, as it allows the baby to reach and attach to the breast properly.
Attachment or sometimes referred to as the 'latch', describes how the baby/babies take the breast into their mouth. An effective latch is one where the baby's mouth is wide open with the chin pressed into the breast. The baby should take in not just the nipple but a large portion of the areola, with more of the lower areola inside the mouth than the upper, however areolae do come in many shapes and sizes so sometimes this is not useful to solely focus on if all else looks and feels positive. The lips should be turned outward and the sucking (once the let down has occurred) should be deep and rhythmic rather than shallow or nibbling.
Good positioning and proper latch are extremely important in breastfeeding. They ensure that baby gets enough milk to support healthy growth and development while also keeping the breastfeeding parent comfortable. When the latch is effective it is usually pain free, and challenges such as cracked or sore nipples, blocked ducts and mastitis are less likely to occur. It is also crucial to effective milk transfer, aiding an increase in milk supply in those early weeks and maintaining the supply subsequently. In summary, proper positioning supports proper attachment, encouraging a successful and enjoyable breastfeeding journey for both Mother and baby.
For more information see:
https://www.nhs.uk/baby/breastfeeding-and-bottle-feeding/breastfeeding/positioning-and-attachment/