Breastfeeding is such a special way to bond with your baby, but finding the right position can feel a bit confusing at first. Whether you're trying to soothe your baby, support digestion, or find more ease while recovering from birth, the way you position yourselves can make a big difference in your nursing experience.
It is all about experimenting and discovering what feels best for both you and your baby. Every parent and baby is unique, so it might take some trial and error to find what works for you. In this guide, we’ll walk you through a variety of breastfeeding positions to help you feel more confident and comfortable as you navigate this part of your parenting journey.
The classic cradle hold
This classic breastfeeding position is often the one most people think of when they imagine nursing. It’s a go-to position for many parents, especially in urban areas, as it can be done almost anywhere—on a park bench, in a café, or at home on the couch.
In the classic cradle hold, your baby is positioned close to you, belly to belly. This allows for good body contact and makes eye contact possible, fostering that special connection during feedings.
While this position may seem simple, it’s important to ensure your baby is positioned correctly to avoid unnecessary strain for both of you. For first-time mothers, it can sometimes feel tricky, as sitting upright and holding your baby in the right way might not provide the most comfortable support. Proper support is essential to help your baby latch properly and feed effectively. This is where a nursing pillow can come in handy—it can help elevate your baby to the right height and reduce the strain on your arms, back, and neck.
Here’s how to try the classic cradle hold:
- Lay your baby across your lap, facing you.
- Rest your baby’s head on your forearm, ensuring their nose is aligned with your nipple. Your hand should support their body from their back to their bottom.
- Tuck your baby’s lower arm underneath yours.
- Make sure their ear, shoulder, and hip are in a straight line.
If you plan to nurse in public, the cradle hold is often the easiest position to manage discreetly with a little practice. You can wear a top with easy access for feeding, and a muslin cloth over your shoulder can provide privacy if you prefer to cover up. As your baby grows and feeding routines become more familiar, you will find that you can confidently nurse in this position, whether you’re at home or out and about.
Lying-down on your side position
The lying-down breastfeeding position is one of the most comfortable and relaxing ways to nurse, and many parents swear by it, especially for nighttime feeds. It is a great way to nurse while getting some rest, as you can gently place your baby on the breast and close your eyes for a while. This position is also ideal for mothers who’ve had a caesarean section, as it reduces pressure on the incision, providing a more comfortable alternative to sitting or standing.
Here’s how to try it:
- Lie down on your side in a comfortable position, with your head supported by a pillow (but not too close to your baby’s head).
- Position your baby facing you, tummy to tummy, ensuring their ear, shoulder, and hip are in a straight line.
- Align your baby’s nose with your nipple to encourage proper neck bending for a good latch.
- Use pillows or cushions behind you for support, and place a rolled-up baby blanket behind your baby to help keep them in position. Remove the blanket after feeding.
- Tuck your arm under your head or pillow, ensuring it doesn’t disturb your baby’s position.
- Use your free arm to gently support and guide your baby’s head to your breast.
Laid back/biological nursing
This position is when you lie back in a comfortable semi-reclined position on a comfy sofa or bed. Your baby is placed belly to belly, either resting on your chest or across your body if you’ve had a caesarean.
If your milk flows quickly, this position can help slow things down and make feeding more comfortable for both you and your baby. The gentle, reclined angle helps ease a fast let-down reflex, preventing your little one from swallowing too quickly, reducing gas, or making them gulp milk too fast. In addition, the position is especially helpful for new moms recovering from surgery, as the baby can rest more gently across your body without pressing on your incision.
In the laid back position, the mother is half lying down and half sitting, while the baby is placed belly to belly. The little one can lie either directly on the mother's belly or across it. If you have had a caesarean section (c-section), your baby can lie across you is more comfortable for your incision.
Steps to try the laid-back position:
- Lean back comfortably on a soft sofa or bed, but don’t lie flat—make sure your back, shoulders, and neck are supported with pillows.
- Once you're comfy, place your baby on your chest, tummy to tummy. If you find this uncomfortable, you can also lie them to one side.
- Ensure you’re sitting up enough so you can make eye contact with your baby.
- With gentle support, guide your baby toward your nipple for a relaxed feed.
This position is a great way to enjoy a calm, relaxed feeding experience, giving both you and your baby time to connect without rushing.
Cross-cradle hold position
The cross-cradle hold is a variation of the classic breastfeeding position that offers more control over your baby’s head. This is especially helpful if you're having trouble getting a proper latch. It’s a great position for both new mothers and those who need a little extra support. Here’s how to do it:
- Sit in a comfortable chair with armrests to support your back and arms.
- Bring your baby across the front of your body, ensuring their tummy is aligned with yours.
- Use the arm opposite the breast you're feeding from to support the back of your baby’s head.
- With your other hand, support your breast from underneath in a U-shape.
- Gently guide your baby’s mouth to your breast.
If your baby is having trouble latching, this position can be a helpful way to provide extra support and control, making it easier for both of you to have a successful breastfeeding experience.
Football/rugby or upper arm hold
This breastfeeding position is known by several names, but it’s most commonly referred to as the "football" or "rugby" hold. It’s a versatile position with numerous benefits, making it especially helpful for a variety of situations. For babies with limited head control, this position provides extra support and stability, allowing them to nurse more easily. It’s also an excellent option for mothers recovering from a cesarean section, as it helps keep pressure off the healing incision area, offering more comfort during breastfeeding.
To do this position:
- Sit comfortably, with your baby positioned beside you, your elbow bent at a right angle.
- Use your open hand to support your baby’s head, with your palm gently cradling the base of their neck. Your baby’s back should rest on your forearm, aligning with your nipple.
- Place a nursing pillow under your baby and forearm to provide extra support if needed.
- With your other hand, support your breast using a C-shaped hold.
- Gently guide your baby’s mouth to your breast, ensuring their chin is not resting against their chest to allow for easier swallowing.
- The football hold is great for mothers nursing twins, as it allows for better control over both babies. It can also be ideal for those with larger breasts, as it helps position the baby more comfortably, or for parents dealing with flatter nipples, as it gives them better control to guide their baby’s latch.
Upright position/koala hold
The koala hold is an upright breastfeeding position where your baby rests comfortably on your thigh or hip, facing you. It is especially helpful for babies who experience reflux or gas, as the elevated position supports more comfortable feeding and helps reduce the chances of milk coming back up or gas getting trapped.
To do the koala hold:
- Sit upright and place your baby on your thigh or hip, with their body facing you. You may want to use a nursing pillow to help bring them to the right height for latching.
- Support your baby at their shoulders, with your fingers extending up their neck or from ear to ear. This allows you to guide their head gently without putting pressure on the back of it. Use your other hand to support their back if needed.
- Position your baby nose-to-nipple. As they open their mouth, let them tip their head back slightly, then bring them forward onto your breast for a deep latch.
- Make sure your baby’s back and head remain upright throughout the feed. You can stay upright or lean back slightly, allowing your baby’s weight to rest comfortably against your chest or tummy.
While this position may be easier for older babies, it can still be used with a newborn. If you’re trying it with a newborn, provide extra support, as they may not yet have the strength to sit up on their own. Additionally, if your baby is very young, you’ll need to be especially mindful of any changes in your position, as they can affect the latch.
As your baby grows and gains more control, they’ll likely be able to sit in this position independently. An older baby will usually manage movements more easily. The koala hold is a great option as your baby grows, offering you more freedom during feedings.
Dangle feeding
This position is quite different from the others and might look a little funny, but it is a lifesaver for breastfeeding moms dealing with clogged ducts or mastitis. Dangle feeding is a breastfeeding position where the mother positions herself over her baby, allowing gravity to assist in moving milk through the breast.
- Place your baby on a flat, secure surface such as a bed, couch, or changing table. Ensure the area is comfortable for your baby and at a height where you can easily position yourself without straining. Safety and stability are key to creating the right environment.
- Get into a position where your breast hangs over your baby’s mouth. You can either get on all fours above your baby or lean forward while supported by nursing pillows. Choose whichever position minimizes strain on your body and feels most comfortable.
- Align your baby’s nose or chin with the clogged area of your breast. This positioning directs suction and gravity to the blockage, increasing the likelihood of dislodging the milk duct clog.
- Encourage your baby to latch securely and begin nursing. Allow gravity to assist while keeping your breast positioned so milk flows effectively toward the nipple. Monitor your baby’s latch to ensure it’s deep and comfortable for both of you.
Breastfeeding in a baby wrap or carrier
Skin-to-skin contact is essential, especially in the early years of a baby’s life. This close contact fosters a unique bond between mother and child, and breastfeeding strengthens this connection. The baby wrap becomes a valuable tool, as it allows you to maintain that closeness while also giving you the freedom to use your arms.
If you use a baby wrap frequently, you'll likely need to breastfeed while your baby is in it. Both newborns and older babies can be breastfed in a carrier, but the approach differs depending on their age. There isn't a specific "breastfeeding position" for swaddling; instead, simply loosen the wrap so your baby is positioned belly to belly, right in front of your chest.
Breastfeeding in this position allows your baby to sit up, and you’ll often find that they peacefully fall asleep once they’re full.
Note to remember
Regardless of the breastfeeding position you choose, ensure your baby’s head and body are facing the breast. Gently guide them to latch chin-first, aiming the nipple toward the roof of their mouth when their mouth is wide open. Your baby should take a good portion of the areola into their mouth, with your nipple positioned deep at the back of their mouth for optimal latch and comfort.
Signs that your baby is attached correctly
- Your baby should have a wide mouthful of breast in their mouth.
- Their chin should be touching your breast.
- You should feel comfortable during the feed, and your nipples should not be sore.
- You should hear them swallowing as your breast milk volume increases.
- Their jaw should be moving, and you may also notice their ears twitching as they feed.
- They will start with short, quick sucks, then switch to long, deep sucks with pauses to breathe.
- You should not hear smacking or clicking sounds.
- They should feed calmly and not move on and off the breast.
- Your baby will finish feeding and seem satisfied.
- Their cheeks should be full and rounded — you should not see any dimpling in the cheeks when your baby sucks.
-
Their top and bottom lips should be curled outward.
Signs your baby is latched incorrectly
- You are in pain. You may feel discomfort or pain for the first few seconds, but it should not continue once your baby is latched and nursing properly.
- Your nipple looks flat or compressed. If your nipple appears flattened or compressed after nursing, it suggests that your baby is not latched deeply enough. It should look about the same as it did before nursing (perhaps a little longer but not misshapen).
- You can’t see or hear your baby swallow. Swallowing is an important indicator that your baby is feeding effectively. If you don’t hear or see it, the latch might not be correct.
- Your baby's lips are curled inward. This indicates a shallow latch. Your baby’s lips should be flanged outward, creating a seal around the areola.
- Your baby moves their head from side to side. This could suggest that your baby is struggling to latch correctly or is not able to reach the breast properly.
- Nipple pain that doesn’t subside. If the pain doesn’t go away after a few seconds of latching, it’s a sign that something’s wrong, such as a shallow latch or improper positioning.
- Squeezing or clicking sounds. These sounds can indicate that your baby isn’t getting a proper seal on the breast, leading to air being swallowed.
- If breastfeeding hurts even with a good latch
Breastfeeding should never hurt. Each time you nurse, it should be a comfortable experience for both you and your baby. While a poor latch is often the cause of pain, there can be other reasons as well. If your baby is latched correctly and you're still feeling discomfort, it could be because:
- Your nipples may be sore as they adjust to nursing. With time and practice, this tenderness will fade.
- Your milk might be taking longer to let down. This is normal and will improve as your body gets into a rhythm with breastfeeding.
- You could have a nipple fissure, which can happen from friction or dryness.
- You might be dealing with a clogged milk duct, which happens when milk gets backed up in the milk ducts and causes discomfort.
- Getting comfortable with breastfeeding can take time. If either of you or your baby is struggling, do not hesitate to reach out for support. The sooner you get help, the sooner you will both feel more comfortable.
Beyond the positions
As you and your baby gain more experience with breastfeeding, you will find that positions may change from one feeding to the next. What matters most is your comfort and your baby’s success. If something works for you, stick with it. If not, do not hesitate to try different positions.
Remember, breastfeeding should never hurt. Each time you nurse, it should be a positive experience for both you and your baby. If you feel pain, even after experimenting with different positions, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare professional. Together, you can figure out what’s causing the discomfort. Often, a small adjustment is all it takes to help things flow more smoothly.
And finally, it is okay to bottle-feed. If you have tried everything—different positions, advice, and tips—and it still is not working, trust your instincts. You know your baby best. If it feels like it is time to switch, go with what feels right for both of you. Bottle-feeding can also bring your partner into the picture, offering some relief for both of you, day or night.
In the end, remember that every journey is unique. Whether breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, the most important thing is that you and your baby are nourished, happy, and supported. Take it one step at a time, trust yourself, and know that you’re doing your best for your little one.
