Breastfeeding Positions For Colicky Babies

Introduction

What is colic? 

Babies cry a lot and it’s to be expected. But if you're finding that your baby is crying inconsolably for long periods of time and you’re not able to settle or soothe them no matter what you try, then it could be a sign of infantile colic - a common condition in otherwise healthy infants up to 4 months old which tends to self-resolve.^1,2 Some other signs you may see are fist clenching or drawing knees up.³

What is the cause? 

Although a clear cause of colic has not been identified, it has been suggested that it could be related to difficulties digesting food at a young age.⁴ Colic is estimated to affect up to 40% of infants across the world,⁵ so if you are also going through this with your baby, you should know you’re not alone. 

The importance of breastfeeding positions 

• Comfort for the baby: Finding the right position may help to partially alleviate the baby’s discomfort⁶ 
• Bonding with mother: The experience can help to calm the baby and help you feel connected⁷
• Improved digestion: Certain positions may reduce the risk of gas building up whilst feeding⁸ 
• Better latching and flow: Finding the right position will help to ensure that milk is flowing efficiently⁹ 

Common breastfeeding positions for clicky babies

Cradle hold

The cradle hold is a very common breastfeeding position as it is comfortable for both mother and baby¹⁰

1. Sit comfortably with baby lying across your lap facing you 
2. Cradle baby's head in the crook of your arm 
3. Support the baby's back with your forearm 
4. Bring baby’s nose to breast level 
5. Use your other hand to help support the process¹¹

Tip: use your other hand to guide baby to your breast to help with latching. 

Football hold

This hold is great if you have had a Caesarean section. This hold is particularly useful for colicky babies as it helps with reflux. 

1. Hold your baby at your side, facing upwards 
2. Place the baby’s head near the breast on that side 
3. Lay your baby across your arm so that their back is supported, holding their head with your hand¹²

Side-lying position

This is also another position that is beneficial if you’ve had a Caesarean section.¹³ 

1. Lie on your side with baby facing you (tummy to tummy) 
2. Tuck the arm you are lying on under a pillow 
3. Align baby's mouth to nipple level 
4. Support the baby's head with your free hand 
5. Allow baby to latch and feed comfortably¹⁴ 

Tip: use pillows or rolled-up blankets to support you and your baby.

Additional breastfeeding positions for colicky babies

Laid-back position

This is sometimes known as the “biological nursing”.¹⁵

1. Lie back in a semi-reclined position, supported by pillows 
2. Lay baby on chest, tummy-to-tummy 
3. Gently guide baby to breast¹⁶ 

Cross-cradle hold

This is particularly good for premature babies or those with a weak latch. 

1. Sit comfortably with your baby across your body 
2. Cradle the baby’s head and neck in your hand 
3. Gentle guide baby to your breast¹⁷ 

Techniques for calm feeding of colicky babies

Burping techniques

• Over the shoulder: With your baby facing you, place them over the shoulder with their chin resting on your shoulder. Support the head with one hand and then gently pat or rub the baby’s back to encourage burping 
• Sitting on lap: Sit your baby on your lap so they are facing away from you. Place one hand against their chest to gently support their chin and jaw. Lean the baby forwards slightly and with your other hand gently rub or pat their back 
• Lying across your lap: Try lying your baby across your lap, facing downwards. Gently support their chin with one hand and use your other hand to rub or pack their back¹⁸

Using nursing pillows or cushions

Having some added support from nursing pillows or cushions can relieve strain on your back, neck, and arms during feeding time, which may help you feel more relaxed. 

Skin-to-skin contact and kangaroo care

Named after how kangaroos keep their babies in their pouch, kangaroo care means that you allow for some uninterrupted skin-to-skin time by placing them on your bare chest. Skin-to-skin contact has a host of benefits – it can help regulate the baby’s heart rate and breathing, stimulate their digestion after feeding and help to relax them.¹⁹

Factors to consider when choosing a breastfeeding position

Baby's age and development

Depending on how old your baby is, they may need more head support than older infants. Consider the age and support needed for the baby to latch effectively.

Mother's comfort and condition

Your comfort is extremely important during feeding sessions. If you notice that you are sometimes leaning forward or that your back starts hurting during feed times, then try bringing the baby towards your body rather than leaning towards them. 

Baby's latch and feeding ability

The position you breastfeed in should always allow for a good latch so that milk can transfer properly. Certain positions mentioned above allow for a free hand to help support the breast, which is particularly useful in babies with latching difficulties. 

Observing and responding to cues

Observing how comfortable your baby is during feeding is important. If you're noticing that they are fussing, or that they appear distressed, try changing breastfeeding positions. Respond to cues for readiness to feed and fullness to maintain a positive experience. 

Managing colic beyond breastfeeding positions

Identifying triggers and modifying diet

In breastfeeding mothers, diet can affect the quality and nutrients in breast milk.

1. Keep a food diary: By keeping track of what you eat and how your baby reacts, you may help you pinpoint potential triggers that worsen colic. This will help to guide you in what may be best to reduce or eliminate in your diet 
2. Excluding cow’s milk: Although the evidence isn’t concrete, some specialists suggest that colic may be linked to cow’s milk protein intolerance in babies. Several studies have shown that removing cow’s milk from the mother’s diet resolved or improved colic symptoms and in their babies^20,21
3. ‘Low allergen’ maternal diet: Excluding not only cow’s milk but also nuts, wheat, soy and fish has also been found to help further reduce distress in some colicky babies²² 
4. Probiotics: Lactobacillus reuteri in particular has been found to reduce symptoms of colic in several clinical trials^23,24

Creating a calm feeding environment

Creating a calm feeding environment is essential for colicky babies as it can help reduce stress, discomfort, and fussiness during feeding sessions. 

1. Choose a quiet and comfortable space: Try and find a peaceful room to help you and your baby relax without any distractions
2. Stay patient: Breastfeeding babies that are uncomfortable due to colic can be challenging, but try to remain calm and patient throughout the process
3. Consider using white noise: You may find that having some soft, calming noise or nature noises such as rain sounds whilst feeding can create a more peaceful environment 

Seeking professional support

Seeing your baby distressed will no doubt affect parents as well, and professional help will provide you with some emotional support to navigate this. Paediatricians, lactation specialists and specialist nurses may be able to provide further guidance and reassurance.

Summary

It is important to remember that each baby is different, so try experimenting with these different breastfeeding positions to see how your baby responds. If you find yourself overwhelmed, try to remember that you are not alone and there is professional support that you can turn to for help.