Often, the pain associated with breastfeeding can largely be due to improper posture. The amount of time mothers spend breastfeeding and holding their babies undoubtedly adds up. Prolonged durations of improper posture can lead to lingering pain that can impact your overall well-being and ability to tackle all the things you want and need to do as a mom. Read more as we go over some tips, tricks, and tools for support to aid in the best posture for breastfeeding. 

Best Posture for Breastfeeding

Table of Contents

• Why does breastfeeding posture matter?
• What is proper breastfeeding posture?
• What position is best for breastfeeding?
• How can I fix my posture from breastfeeding?
• Can I lean back while breastfeeding?
• How do I support my back while breastfeeding?
• How can I prevent neck strain while breastfeeding?
• What else can I do to avoid aches and pains caused by breastfeeding?
• Does posture affect breast pumping?
• Do I need to lean forward when breastfeeding?

Why does breastfeeding posture matter?

Proper breastfeeding posture can help prevent or reduce the aches, pains, and strains that can come from holding and feeding your baby. Adopting the correct posture for breastfeeding from the beginning can save you from discomfort and prolonged pain. Having the proper posture for breastfeeding early on will be even more important as your baby grows and you are holding and supporting more weight. As you prepare for motherhood and your breastfeeding journey, read more for guidance on promoting good breastfeeding posture. 

What is proper breastfeeding posture?

To protect your body and create a comfortable breastfeeding experience, follow these tips for the best posture for breastfeeding: 

Sit fully back in your chair: By sitting all the way back in a chair with your feet planted on the floor, you will reduce the ability to slouch and cause any unwanted strain on your back and neck. If you need additional back support, you can slide a pillow between you and the back of your seat. This will help encourage good posture and provide extra cushioning for hard structured chairs. 

Keep a neutral neck: You will need to look down at your baby throughout feeding, but keeping your neck upright can help reduce any neck strain or pain. The temptation to stare at your child’s face the entire time will be there, but remember that you will be breastfeeding a lot, and improper posture can start to add up. 

Keep your shoulders relaxed: Holding your baby while they feed can lead to unintentional tensing of the shoulders. Try to keep your shoulders relaxed, and enlist the support of a Tushbaby Hip Seat Carrier whether you’re feeding at home or on the go. Our carrier offers four holding positions, including a feeding position, which allows you to have added support to reduce strain on your shoulders, arms, and neck during feeding. 

Bring your baby to your nipple, rather than leaning forward to bring your nipple to the baby: This is where the Tushbaby Carrier can make all the difference. You can position the carrier as high as comfortable to keep you from leaning forward and causing added stress to your lower back. Because the Tushbaby Hip Seat Carrier is designed with ergonomics in mind, the strap around the waist helps to evenly distribute your little one’s weight across your body during breastfeeding. Tushbaby has your back — literally!

What position is best for breastfeeding?

There are many options when it comes to positioning for mothers and their babies during breastfeeding. It may take practice or trials of various positions to find what ultimately works best for you and your baby. 

The cradle hold is one of the most traditional positions for breastfeeding. In this position, you will bring your baby across the front of your stomach, cradling your baby stomach to stomach. Your Tushbaby Hip Seat Carrier will provide a comfortable pillow for your baby and added support for your back and arms.

How can I fix my posture from breastfeeding?

As we’ve mentioned, having a support aid like the Tushbaby Carrier can help provide you with much-needed support and back relief for proper breastfeeding posture. Strap your Tushbaby on high and tight to make breastfeeding a more positive and supported experience for you and your little one. 

Also Read: Breastfeeding Must Haves for New Moms

Can I lean back while breastfeeding?

Leaning back or reclining is undoubtedly an option for breastfeeding. Some mothers find that the ability to lean back makes it easier for their baby to latch and reduces the strain on their back. For mothers with larger breasts, leaning back can eliminate some of the strain that the gravitational pull can have when sitting up. 

How do I support my back while breastfeeding?

If you’re experiencing back pain while breastfeeding, there are a few things to try.

• Using pillows behind your back may help promote proper posture to avoid that pain.
• Leaning back or reclining may also be useful if your baby can successfully latch on in that position.
• Using a nursing pillow with back support like the Tushbaby Carrier can be of great help for additional lumbar support and comfort. The carrier wraps around your waist and evenly distributes your baby’s weight across your body, saving your back from serious strain. The Tushbaby Carrier can offer back support while babywearing and feeding, making it a mommy must-have.

How can I prevent neck strain while breastfeeding?

As we mentioned early on, try to keep your neck as neutral as possible to prevent neck strain while breastfeeding. If you have a lot of neck and shoulder pain, try a heating pad to loosen up your muscles. Your relaxation will also help with the flow of milk. 

What else can I do to avoid aches and pains caused by breastfeeding?

Don’t forget, good posture and support don’t end when feeding stops. Following feedings, holding your baby upright is recommended to promote healthy digestion. With the aid of the Tushbaby Carrier, you get even more support for your lower back and arms as you hold your baby upright after their tummy is full! 

Does posture affect breast pumping?

How you are postured can affect your pumping experience. It’s recommended to sit upright, with feet on the floor and shoulders relaxed as you pump. Pro tip: you can even strap on your Tushbaby Carrier and use it for pump placement or added arm support. 

Do I need to lean forward when breastfeeding?

It’s best not to lean forward during breastfeeding. As we mentioned, you’ll want to sit fully back in your seat and hold your baby in a position where you bring them to your breasts rather than leaning forward to reach them. This is why having the support of the Tushbaby Hip Seat Carrier is so beneficial. 

By strapping the carrier around your waist, you can hold your baby in a feeding position with even more support. Your back, arms, and shoulders will thank you as you make breastfeeding an even more positive experience for you and your little one. An added benefit of using the Tushbaby Carrier for breastfeeding is its five storage pockets, which allow you to keep all the must-have feeding accessories handy and nearby. Stash away your breastfeeding must-haves like burping cloths, diapers, and wipes to be prepared for breastfeeding comfortably in any setting.

The Tushbaby makes life with a baby much more manageable: it’s easy to sit and stand, wear your baby, and even breastfeed them, too. Tushbaby knows the multitasking life of a mom isn’t easy, so we designed all of our products with love and the intention to make parenthood more comfortable and convenient. 

Love your body like you love your baby. . . order the Tushbaby Carrier for added breastfeeding and babywearing support!