How can I make more milk?

Correct nursing position

Feeding comfortably helps milk flow which in turn helps milk production and allows you enjoying the bonding between you and your baby. There are different positions for breastfeeding. You can choose the one that suits as different mothers and babies may prefer different positions. In whatever position you use, the following salient points should be noted:

• Your back, forearms and legs should be well supported. Sit in a chair that has supportive armrests or on a bed with pillows. Rest your feet on a stool or a raised surface to avoid leaning down toward your baby.
• Your baby’s position:
  • Facing the breast with your baby's nose (not the mouth) to the nipple before putting his mouth to your breast
  • Keep your baby’s body close to you (baby lying on his side with his face, stomach, and knees directly facing you, i.e. his tummy facing to your tummy)
  • Keep your baby’s head and body in a straight line, so that his neck is neither twisted nor bent forward or far back, and he can swallow breastmilk easily

The cradle hold

This is a classic breastfeeding position. In this position, you cradle your baby's head with the crook of your arm. Hold her in your lap (or on a pillow on your lap) so that his tummy is facing your tummy (see above). Tuck her lower arm under your own. If he is nursing on your right breast, rest his head in the crook of your right arm. Extend your forearm and hand down his back to support his neck, back and bottom. He should lie horizontally, or at a slight angle.

The cradle hold often works well for full-term babies who were delivered vaginally. Some mothers say this hold makes it hard to guide their newborn's mouth to the nipple. You may prefer to use this position once your baby has stronger neck muscles at about 1 month old. Women who have had a cesarean section may find it puts too much pressure on their abdomen.

The cross-cradle hold (cross-over hold)

This position differs from the cradle hold in that you don't support your baby's head with the crook of your arm. If you're nursing from your right breast, use your left hand and arm to hold your baby and support his head and neck. Rotate his body so his chest and tummy are directly facing you. With your thumb and fingers behind his head and below his ears, guide his mouth to your breast.

This hold may work well for small babies and for infants who have trouble latching on.

The football hold (The clutch hold)

In this position you tuck your baby under your arm (on the same side that you're nursing from) like a football or handbag. First, position your baby at your side, under your arm. He should be facing you with his nose level with your nipple and his feet pointing toward your back. Rest your arm on a pillow in your lap or right beside you, and support your baby's shoulders, neck, and head with your hand. Gently guide him to your nipple. Do not push him toward your breast so much that he resists and arches his head against your hand. Use your forearm to support his upper back.

This position works well for women who have large breasts or flat nipples, and for mothers of twins. However some women may find it difficult to position their babies in this way depending on their breast sizes and configuration. This hold may be suitable to you if you've had a Caesarean section (to avoid having the baby rest on your stomach). And if your baby is small or has trouble latching on, the hold allows you to guide her head to your nipple.

Reclining position

To nurse while lying on your side in bed, ask your partner or helper to place several pillows behind your back for support. The goal is to keep your back and hips in a straight line. With your baby facing you, draw him close and cradle his head towards you. He shouldn't strain to reach your nipple, and you shouldn't bend down toward him. You may need to lift your breast, with your fingers underneath, so he can reach comfortably.

You may want to nurse lying down if you're recovering from a cesarean or difficult delivery, sitting up is uncomfortable, or you're nursing in bed at night or during the day.

However, you may fall asleep while nursing in this position, and you should be EXTREMELY CAUTIOUS to avoid pressing on your baby or covering him with blanket accidentally, and this may suffocate the baby and can be LIFE THREATENING. Therefore you’d better avoid this position unless you are sure that you can stay alert throughout the process of breastfeeding.