Common Breastfeeding Posture Mistakes & Fixes

Nursing can strain your body if you don’t pay attention to your posture. Here are common nursing posture mistakes and how to avoid them:

1. Hunching Over Your Baby

• Mistake: Leaning forward to bring your chest closer to your baby.

• Why It’s a Problem: Leads to back, neck, and shoulder pain.

• Fix: Bring the baby up to your chest by using a nursing pillow or cushions. Keep your back straight and shoulders relaxed.

2. Cradling Without Arm Support

• Mistake: Holding your baby with unsupported arms.

• Why It’s a Problem: Strains your shoulders, arms, and wrists.

• Fix: Use a nursing pillow or rest your arms on a cushion or armrest for support.

3. Crossing Your Legs, Twisting or Sitting Uncomfortably

• Mistake: Sitting with crossed legs or in an awkward position, and twisting your torso or leaning to one side to reach your baby or supplies.

• Why It’s a Problem: Misaligns your hips and can lead to lower back pain or poor circulation.

• Fix: Sit with feet flat on the floor or supported by a footrest. Keep everything you need (water, burp cloths, etc.) within reach before you start nursing. Adjust your chair or pillows to sit squarely.

4. Looking Down Constantly

• Mistake: Staring down at your baby for prolonged periods.

• Why It’s a Problem: Causes neck strain and stiffness.

• Fix: Use a nursing pillow to bring the baby to chest level, and take breaks to adjust your neck and shoulders.

5. Ignoring Wrist Position

• Mistake: Flexing your wrists too much while supporting your baby’s head.

• Why It’s a Problem: Can lead to wrist pain or “mommy thumb” (de Quervain’s tendinitis).

• Fix: Keep your wrists in a neutral position and let pillows support your baby’s weight.

By staying mindful of these mistakes and making adjustments, you can prevent discomfort and long-term strain while nursing.

-Dr.SK