How can I teach her to nurse in other positions...

[poiyt]

...dont get me wrong. I LOVE that her favourite position is side lying, I love that I can lay down throughout the day on the couch with her and nurse her while my toddler reads us stories, or shares her toys.

But this appears to be the only position she is able to nurse effectively in. She is 6 weeks old, and when I nurse her in any other position (cradle, football, etc) she isnt able to hold her latch, she doesn't get as full (must eat again every 15-20minutes), and though she is a happy spitter she spits up more quantity wise and more often.

When we are at home I dont mind side nursing for every feed. But in public, well, as you can imagine that is slightly more challenging.

Any tips on how I can teach her to nurse in other positions? Will she get better at it when she is bigger you think? I never had this issue with dd#1...

[jecombs]

She will probably get better at other nursing positions as she gains more head and neck control. In the meantime, I would probably start out every nursing session using a position other than side-lying, just to give her a taste of what it's like. Then move to side-lying after a few minutes trying the other position. You could also try giving her plenty of "tummy time" during the day to help build her neck muscles and increase head control.

I do have a friend (IRL) whose 2nd child never would nurse in any other position than side-lying. She talked about having to nurse her DD in the back of their station wagon whenever they were in public!

[Louisep]

Originally Posted by jecombs

She will probably get better at other nursing positions as she gains more head and neck control. In the meantime, I would probably start out every nursing session using a position other than side-lying, just to give her a taste of what it's like. Then move to side-lying after a few minutes trying the other position. You could also try giving her plenty of "tummy time" during the day to help build her neck muscles and increase head control.

Great advice, and I agree, she will most likely be able to nurse in other positions with time.

[GoGoGirl]

I wish I knew, says the lady who today laid down on the floor of the airport to nurse my daughter.

I've been trying to do at least one non-side-lying nursing session every day. I'm hoping that DD just needs practice. My life would be WAY easier if I could breastfeed sitting up like everyone else, that's for sure!