Breastfeeding and Physical Therapy
Breastfeeding and Physical Therapy
Breastfeeding numerous times a day, no matter what position, can lead to pain in different areas of the body, most commonly in the neck and shoulders. The following describe common breastfeeding positions that moms use:
Breastfeeding Positions
- Laid-back/Biological
In this position, the mom is lying back comfortably on pillows in a supported reclining position, and the baby is on top of mom’s chest, skin-to-skin, and begins to search for the nipple. The baby is carefully held belly down on the mom’s stomach, resting on skin. Moms can rest and nurse simultaneously.
- Cradle Hold
This position is the most common and easy breastfeeding hold for a slightly older baby, 3 months+. The baby is laying on the side and is cradled in the arm of the same side as the breast the mom is feeding from. The mom can use pillows to prop up the arm and baby to line the baby’s mouth up to breast level.
- Cross-Cradle Hold
This position is similar to the cradle hold but is especially good for newborn babies who are still learning how to latch or for babies who are not feeding well. The baby is on a pillow or nursing pillow on the mom’s lap. If nursing on the left side, the baby’s head is cradled in the right hand, by placing the thumb by one ear and the index finger by the other ear to support the baby’s neck. The palm is supporting the baby’s upper back.
- Football Hold
This position is more comfortable for moms who have had a Caesarean birth, since it keeps the baby from putting pressure on the incision. It’s also helpful for moms of twins or a mom who is tandem nursing, so that each child can be latched on at the same time. The baby should be lying on their back next to the mom, with their legs at the mom’s side, supported by pillows to get the baby to breast level. Use the arm on the side your baby is on to support their head, like in the cross cradle hold. Hold your breast with the other hand, and then bring the baby’s face up to meet the breast.
- Side Lying
This position is difficult to do, but also the most helpful because the mom can lie down and nap while the baby is feeding. The mom is on the side with the arm under the head or around the baby or using a small rolled up blanket to keep the baby from rolling away. The baby should be on their side with their mouth near the nipple. Use the other hand to support your lower breast.The mom uses the lower arm to hold the baby in place, and the top arm to position the breast. The mom then slowly lies down after the baby is latched on. An alternate way is for the mom to lay the baby down on their side and then the mom lies down with the elbow propping up the upper body up until comfortable. The mom then pulls the baby closer to the body — or scoots the body closer to the baby until the baby is close enough to latch on. The mom can then position the breast in front of the baby for them to latch.
How can Physical Therapy Help?
Physical therapy can help to decrease body aches and pains from breastfeeding through manual therapy techniques, postural re-education, and therapeutic exercise. Lymph drainage therapy and therapeutic ultrasound can also be performed for moms who are having difficulty with breastfeeding due to clogged ducts.
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