Best Breastfeeding Positions: A Complete Guide for New Mothers

Finding the right breastfeeding position can make all the difference in your nursing journey. Whether you’re a first-time mother or adding to your family, understanding various breastfeeding positions helps ensure both you and your baby are comfortable during feeding time. This comprehensive guide explores different nursing positions, when to use them, and how to achieve the best latch for successful breastfeeding.

Why Breastfeeding Position Matters

The position you choose for breastfeeding affects more than just comfort. A proper breastfeeding position can prevent nipple soreness, reduce back and neck strain, help your baby latch correctly, and ensure adequate milk transfer. There’s no single “correct” position that works for everyone – factors like breast size, milk flow, your baby’s age and temperament, and any physical recovery needs all play a role in determining which position works best.

Many mothers find that different positions work better at different times. You might prefer one position for nighttime feedings and another when you’re out in public. Your baby’s preferences may also change as they grow and develop better head and neck control.

Preparing for Successful Breastfeeding

Before settling into any breastfeeding position, take a few moments to prepare your space. This preparation can make feeding sessions more relaxed and enjoyable for both you and your baby.

Gather pillows for support – they help reduce strain on your back, shoulders, arms, and wrists. While specialized nursing pillows are available, regular bed pillows or throw pillows work perfectly well. Have burp cloths or washcloths nearby for quick cleanup. Keep a glass of water within reach, as breastfeeding can make you thirsty. Some mothers also appreciate having a healthy snack nearby for longer feeding sessions.

Create a calm environment by silencing your phone, dimming lights if desired, and ensuring any other children are occupied. This helps both you and your baby relax and focus on feeding.

The Cradle Hold

The cradle hold is one of the most popular and recognizable breastfeeding positions. This classic position works well for babies of all ages and is particularly convenient when you’re away from home or need to nurse while doing other activities.

To use the cradle hold, sit in a comfortable chair with armrests if possible. Hold your baby in the arm on the same side as the breast they’ll feed from. Rest your baby’s head in the crook of your elbow, with their body facing toward you. Their entire body should face you, not just their head turned to the side.

Support your breast with your free hand, using either a C-shaped hold (thumb on top, fingers underneath) or a U-shaped hold (both thumb and fingers underneath). Guide your nipple to your baby’s mouth, bringing your baby to your breast rather than leaning forward.

Place a pillow on your lap to raise your baby to breast height, preventing you from hunching over. This position works beautifully with a baby sling, making it ideal for nursing while walking or during activities.

One consideration with the cradle hold is that as babies get older and more distractible, their head isn’t as securely supported, which can make maintaining a good latch more challenging.

The Cross-Cradle Hold

The cross-cradle hold is especially beneficial for newborns and babies who are learning to latch. This position gives you maximum control over your baby’s head position, which can be crucial during the early learning phase.

Sit upright in a comfortable chair with good back support. Hold your baby across your body with the arm opposite to the breast you’re using – your left arm supports your baby when nursing from the right breast, and vice versa. Your baby’s body should be tummy-to-tummy with yours.

Support the back of your baby’s head with your open hand, with your palm at the base of their neck. Use your other hand to support your breast from underneath. Bring your baby to your breast, not your breast to your baby, to maintain good posture.

This position excels when you’re troubleshooting latching difficulties. The control it gives you over your baby’s head position allows you to guide them into the optimal position for a deep, comfortable latch. Many lactation consultants recommend starting with this position until both mother and baby are confident with breastfeeding.

The Laid-Back or Reclined Position

The laid-back position, also called biological nurturing, works wonderfully for newborns and can be particularly helpful if you have a strong milk ejection reflex (let-down) or an abundant milk supply.

Recline comfortably on a bed or couch with pillows supporting your back and shoulders. You should be leaning back but not lying completely flat. Place your baby on your chest, tummy-down, positioned above your breasts.

In this position, gravity helps your baby latch on naturally. Babies have instinctive reflexes that help them find the breast and latch on when placed on the mother’s chest. Support your baby’s body and head as they wiggle and move toward your nipple. Once they find it, allow them to latch naturally without forcing it.

This position is excellent for skin-to-skin contact and can help slow down a fast milk flow, making it easier for babies to manage the milk without gulping or choking. It’s also very relaxing for mothers, as it requires less muscle tension to maintain.

Mothers with smaller breasts often find this position particularly comfortable, though it can work for any breast size.

The Side-Lying Position

The side-lying position is ideal for nighttime feedings, rest periods, or recovery after birth. It’s particularly helpful if you’re tired, recovering from a cesarean section, or have stitches from vaginal birth.

Lie on your side with pillows supporting your head and back. Some women also like a pillow between their knees for comfort. Position your baby on their side facing you, with their mouth level with your nipple. You may need to adjust your position or use a small pillow or rolled towel behind your baby for support.

Use your lower arm to support your own head, and use your upper arm to help position your baby and hold them close. Touch your nipple to your baby’s lips to encourage them to open wide and latch on.

Because it can be harder to see your baby’s latch in this position, it’s best to master side-lying nursing after you and your baby are comfortable with breastfeeding in other positions. However, once you get the hang of it, this position allows for relaxed, restful feeding sessions.

To switch breasts, you can either lean forward slightly to offer the upper breast, or turn onto your other side and reposition your baby.

Important safety note: While this position is excellent for nursing, always return your baby to their own safe sleep space afterward. Bed-sharing carries risks of suffocation and SIDS that parents should discuss with their healthcare provider.

The Football or Clutch Hold

The football hold, also called the clutch hold, is named for the way you tuck your baby under your arm like a football. This position offers several specific advantages that make it ideal for certain situations.

Sit in a comfortable chair with pillows beside you. Hold your baby at your side with their body tucked under your arm. Support their head in your hand with their body resting along your forearm, positioned at nipple level. Your baby should be facing you, not looking up at the ceiling.

Use your other hand to support your breast in a C-hold and guide your baby to latch. Your baby’s feet will point toward your back.

This position is particularly beneficial for:

• Mothers recovering from a cesarean section, as the baby’s weight doesn’t press on the incision
• Women with large breasts who need better visibility and control
• Babies with weak head control or premature infants
• Mothers with flat or inverted nipples who need a deeper latch
• Women with a strong let-down reflex, as this position gives babies better control
• Nursing twins simultaneously

Make sure your baby’s chin isn’t pressed against their chest, as this can make swallowing difficult. There should be space between chin and chest for comfortable feeding.

Breastfeeding Twins: Double Football Hold

If you’re blessed with twins, you can nurse them simultaneously using a double football hold. While you may choose to nurse them separately at first to monitor each baby’s feeding, many mothers of twins eventually prefer tandem nursing to save time and sometimes to stimulate greater milk production.

Position yourself in a chair with broad, supportive arms or on a couch with plenty of room. Use nursing pillows or regular pillows on your lap to support both babies at the right height. Hold one baby under each arm in the football hold position, with their bodies extending along your sides and their heads supported in your hands.

You can latch one baby first, then the second, or have a helper assist you in positioning both babies simultaneously. Once both are latched and feeding well, you can relax your arms and let the pillows do most of the supporting work.

This position keeps both babies’ weight off your abdomen, which is especially important after a cesarean birth. It also gives you good visibility and control over both babies’ latches.

Other Useful Breastfeeding Positions

Upright or Koala Hold

In the upright position, your baby sits straddling your thigh or hip while nursing. This position can be helpful for babies with reflux, ear infections, or those who prefer being more upright. Older babies often enjoy this position as it gives them more freedom to look around while feeding.

Dangle Feeding

While not comfortable for extended use, dangle feeding involves positioning yourself on hands and knees above your baby who lies on their back. Gravity helps milk flow, which can be useful for clearing blocked ducts or helping a baby who’s having difficulty getting milk. Use this position only for short periods and under guidance from a lactation consultant.

Finding Your Perfect Position

The best breastfeeding position is the one that works for you and your baby. Here are signs that you’ve found a good position:

• You feel comfortable and can maintain the position without strain
• Your baby’s body is well-supported and aligned
• Your baby doesn’t have to turn their head to reach your nipple
• You can hear or see your baby swallowing
• Breastfeeding doesn’t hurt beyond the first few seconds
• Your baby seems content during and after feeding
• Your baby is gaining weight appropriately

Don’t be discouraged if a position that worked yesterday doesn’t work today. Babies’ needs change, and flexibility is key. Experiment with different positions throughout the day and as your baby grows.

Common Breastfeeding Challenges and Position Solutions

Sore Nipples

If you’re experiencing sore nipples, your baby’s latch may need adjustment. Try the cross-cradle or football hold for better control over positioning. Ensure your baby opens wide and takes in enough breast tissue, not just the nipple.

Engorgement

When breasts are overly full, the laid-back position can help. The gentle pressure of your baby’s body and gravity’s assistance with milk flow can provide relief. The football hold also offers good control when breasts are very firm.

Strong Let-Down

If your milk flows very quickly, your baby might cough, choke, or pull away. Try the laid-back position so gravity works against the flow, giving your baby more control. You can also try side-lying or allowing the initial spray into a cloth before latching your baby.

Low Milk Supply Concerns

While position alone won’t increase milk supply, using positions that ensure effective milk transfer helps. The football and cross-cradle holds give you good visibility and control to ensure a deep latch and complete emptying of the breast, which signals your body to make more milk.

Sleepy Baby

If your baby tends to fall asleep at the breast, the football hold keeps them in a more alert position. The cross-cradle also works well as you have good control to gently rouse a drowsy baby.

Fussy or Distracted Baby

As babies get older, they become more aware of their surroundings. The cradle hold in a quiet, dimly lit room can help. Some mothers find the side-lying position in a quiet bedroom helps minimize distractions.

Tips for Breastfeeding Success in Any Position

Regardless of which position you choose, these tips will help ensure successful breastfeeding:

• Bring baby to breast: Always bring your baby to your breast rather than leaning forward and bringing your breast to your baby. This protects your back and neck from strain.
• Support the breast: Use your hand to support your breast, keeping fingers well back from the areola so your baby can latch on plenty of breast tissue.
• Align baby’s body: Your baby’s ear, shoulder, and hip should form a straight line. They shouldn’t have to twist their head to reach your nipple.
• Watch for hunger cues: Start feeding at early hunger signs (rooting, hand-to-mouth movements) rather than waiting until your baby cries.
• Ensure a wide latch: Wait for your baby to open their mouth wide before latching. Their lips should flank out like a fish, taking in areola as well as nipple.
• Listen for swallowing: You should hear rhythmic swallowing once your milk lets down.
• Stay relaxed: Tension can interfere with milk let-down. Take deep breaths, relax your shoulders, and get comfortable.

When to Seek Breastfeeding Help

Most breastfeeding challenges can be overcome with proper positioning, patience, and support. However, you should reach out for professional help if:

• Breastfeeding is painful beyond the first few days
• Your baby isn’t gaining weight adequately
• You notice your baby isn’t having enough wet diapers
• Your nipples are cracked, bleeding, or severely damaged
• You develop signs of infection such as fever, red streaks on your breast, or flu-like symptoms
• Your baby seems consistently frustrated at the breast
• You have concerns about your milk supply
• You’ve had previous breast surgery and aren’t sure about your milk production

A lactation consultant (IBCLC) is a healthcare professional specially trained in breastfeeding management. They can observe a feeding session, assess your baby’s latch, and provide personalized solutions. Many hospitals offer lactation support, and some insurance plans cover lactation consultation. Your pediatrician or obstetrician can also provide referrals.

Support groups, either in-person or online, can provide encouragement and practical advice from other breastfeeding mothers. Organizations like La Leche League offer free support through meetings and helplines. Peer counselors – experienced mothers trained to help others – can also be valuable resources.

Special Considerations

After Cesarean Birth

If you’ve had a cesarean section, protecting your incision while establishing breastfeeding is important. The football hold and side-lying position keep pressure off your abdomen. Use pillows strategically to prevent your baby from kicking or pressing on your incision.

Large Breasts

Women with large breasts may find it helpful to roll a small towel and place it under the breast for support, or use the football hold for better visibility of the latch. Some find that a firmer nursing pillow helps bring the baby to the right height.

Premature or Small Babies

Smaller babies need extra head and body support. The football and cross-cradle holds provide excellent control. Your healthcare team may have specific positioning recommendations based on your baby’s needs.

Tongue-Tie or Lip-Tie

If your baby has a tongue-tie or lip-tie that affects breastfeeding, certain positions may work better until the condition is addressed. The football hold often provides a deeper latch. Consult with your pediatrician and a lactation consultant for guidance.

Nursing in Public

When breastfeeding away from home, many mothers prefer the cradle hold as it’s discreet and doesn’t require much setup. A nursing cover, blanket, or strategic clothing can provide privacy if desired. Remember that in the United States, you have the legal right to breastfeed anywhere you’re allowed to be.

Conclusion

Breastfeeding is a learned skill for both mother and baby. While it’s natural, it doesn’t always come naturally at first. Finding comfortable breastfeeding positions is key to an enjoyable nursing relationship. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different positions, and remember that what works today might change tomorrow as your baby grows and develops.

Be patient with yourself and your baby during the learning process. With practice, positioning becomes second nature, and you’ll develop your own preferred techniques. If challenges arise, reach out for support – breastfeeding help is available and can make all the difference in your experience.

Every breastfeeding journey is unique. Trust yourself, listen to your baby, and don’t hesitate to seek help when needed. With the right position and proper support, breastfeeding can be a comfortable and rewarding experience for you and your baby.

Sources:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Breastfeeding
• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists – Breastfeeding
• Mayo Clinic – Breastfeeding Positions
• American Academy of Pediatrics – Breastfeeding Initiatives
• Office on Women’s Health – Breastfeeding
• La Leche League International – Breastfeeding Positioning