According to research, mothers who breastfeed their newborn babies whilst lying down have a better chance of success.
Dr Suzanne Colson, senior midwifery lecturer at Canterbury Christ Church University, advises women on a technique called biological nurturing where the mother lies down and lets the baby lie on its tummy on top of her. During her study of 40 mothers, she videotaped them breastfeeding in a sitting up position and lying down or reclining. She observed that babies' natural reflexes - similar to other mammals - kicked in more easily when lying down. Breastfeeding in a sitting-up position only promoted the three normally seen reflexes - routing, latching and sucking, but 17 reflexes were seen in babies whose mothers lay down to feed them.
Dr Colson said the current study could not prove the technique was more successful than the standard sitting-up position, but challenged conventional breastfeeding positions.
"Nine out of 10 mothers who start breastfeeding stop because of problems," she said.
"What was interesting to note is that, when mothers were lying flat or semi-reclined, babies could find the breast easier and in many cases attach themselves and feed whilst asleep. The research suggests that babies when they are on their tummy display these primitive reflexes, head bobbing in particular, that is seen in other mammals who are abdominal feeders."
Dr Peter Carter, general secretary of the Royal College of Nursing, said, "For many new mothers breastfeeding can be difficult and challenging. Not being able to do something which is supposed to be as simple and as natural as feeding their own child can leave many new mothers feeling disappointed and let down. By challenging conventional breastfeeding positions this new research could go a long way to helping those mothers who are experiencing difficulties feeding their infants by suggesting other easy-to-adopt positions."
May 2007
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