All Things Breastfeeding Episode 107: Why Early Breastfeeding Positions Matter

Why does early breastfeeding position matter? Nancy and Barbara discuss one of their favorite topics with friend and colleague, IBCLC Rene Fisher. Whether you are talking about the starter position, laid back breastfeeding, or biological nurturing from Suzanne Colson, they all mean the same thing. Relax, lean back at a comfortable angle (not flat on your back), and place the baby tummy-to-tummy on the parent’s body.

When this is done suddenly, the baby can move their body more easily, and many infant feeding reflexes are triggered, ensuring that at least one person knows what they are doing.

Nancy discusses her experience improving breastfeeding practices at a Chicago-area hospital, and Rene shares her experiences with her own grandson, which made her a firm believer. Rene took this simple, time-saving technique back to her hospital on the East Coast, where it was a great success.
Nancy’s ideas of adjusting your body, adjusting the baby, and adjusting the breast make it even easier to help families nurse easily and comfortably.

As is known, changing hospital practice is not easy. Nancy and Rene share their wins and hurdles.
There are three studies discussed in detail, which are listed below. Enjoy!

Milinco 2020 (RCT): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32248838/

Yin 2021 (RCT): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33913745/

Wang 2021 (Meta-analysis): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33761882/