Essential Breastfeeding Positions for a Happy Mom and Baby

While producing milk might be instinctual, effectively delivering it from breast to belly requires practice and understanding the different breastfeeding positions. For many new moms and babies, initial breastfeeding attempts can be challenging. However, mastering proper positioning is key to facilitating a correct latch and preventing issues like nipple soreness.

Through trial and error, you’ll discover the optimal breastfeeding position for you and your baby. With persistence, you’ll soon become adept at nurturing your little one through breastfeeding.

How to Hold Baby When Breastfeeding

To properly hold your baby while breastfeeding, begin by positioning your baby on one side, facing your breasts directly. Ensure that your baby’s entire body is aligned, with the ear, shoulder, and hip forming a straight line.

Avoid having your newborn’s head turned to the side; instead, keep it in line with the body. Utilize a nursing pillow or a regular pillow to adjust your baby’s height, making it easier to bring them to the breast comfortably.

Breastfeeding Positions

Different breastfeeding positions

Once you and your baby are set up, try one of these five best breastfeeding positions: 

Cradle Hold

To breastfeed your baby in a cradle-hold position, follow these steps:

1. Position your baby so that their head rests in the bend of your elbow on the side you’ll be breastfeeding. Use your hand on that side to support the rest of their body.
2. Cup your breast with your other hand, placing your thumb above your nipple and areola at the spot where your baby’s nose will touch your breast.
3. Position your index finger at the spot where your baby’s chin will make contact with the breast.
4. Lightly compress your breast so that the nipple points slightly toward your baby’s nose.

With these adjustments, your baby is ready to latch and begin breastfeeding.

Crossover hold or Cross Cradle Hold

To breastfeed your baby in a crossover hold position, follow these steps:

• Hold your baby’s head with the hand opposite to the breast you’ll be nursing from. For example, if nursing from the right breast, hold the head with your left hand.
• Rest your wrist between your baby’s shoulder blades, positioning your thumb behind one ear and your other fingers behind the other ear. Cradle your baby’s neck, allowing for their natural movement.
• With your free hand, cup your breast as you would for the cradle hold, ensuring proper support and alignment for comfortable breastfeeding.

Football hold

The football hold, also known as the clutch hold, is particularly beneficial for mothers who:

• Have had a C-section and wish to prevent putting pressure on their abdomen
• Have larger breasts
• Have a small or premature baby
• Are nursing twins

To breastfeed your baby in a football hold position, follow these steps:

1. Position your baby at your side, facing you, with their legs tucked under your arm (resembling a football) on the same side as the breast you’re nursing from.
2. Support your baby’s head with the same hand, ensuring they are comfortable and secure.
3. Use your other hand to cup your breast as you would in the cradle hold, providing adequate support for effective breastfeeding.

Laid-back position 

The laid-back nursing position, also known as biological nurturing, is particularly beneficial for moms with smaller breasts, newborns, and babies with sensitive tummies or excess gas.

To breastfeed your baby in a laid-back position, follow these steps:

1. Lean back on a bed or couch, ensuring you are well-supported by pillows in a semi-reclining position. This allows gravity to keep your baby molded to your body when you place them tummy-to-tummy with their head near your breast.
2. Your baby can rest on you in any direction, as long as their whole front body is against yours and they can reach your breast comfortably.
3. Your infant can naturally latch on in this position, or you can assist by directing the nipple toward your baby’s mouth if needed.
4. Once your baby is positioned at your breast, you can simply relax and enjoy the bonding experience while your baby feeds.

Side-lying position

The side-lying breastfeeding position is an excellent choice for nighttime feedings.

To breastfeed your baby in a side-lying position, follow these steps:

1. Both you and your baby should lie on your sides, facing each other with your tummies touching.
2. Use your hand on the side you’re not lying on to cup your breast if needed, helping to support and guide your baby to latch on.
3. Ensure there is no excess bedding around the infant that could pose a suffocation hazard. Avoid using this position on a recliner, couch, or water bed for safety reasons.

This position allows for a comfortable and relaxing feeding experience, ideal for nighttime feedings when both you and your baby may be more tired.

Getting a Proper Latch

Ensuring a proper latch is crucial for a comfortable breastfeeding experience. Follow these tips to latch your newborn onto your breast correctly:

1. Bring your baby close to your breast, with their mouth facing your nipple.
2. Wait until your baby opens their mouth wide, resembling a yawn.
3. Quickly bring your baby onto your breast, ensuring they take in a large portion of your areola (the darker area around your nipple), not just the nipple itself.
4. Check that your baby’s lips are flanged outwards, like fish lips, rather than tucked in. This ensures a deep latch and prevents nipple discomfort.
5. Your baby’s chin should be touching your breast, with their nose slightly away to allow for breathing.
6. Listen for swallowing sounds as your baby feeds, indicating they are effectively transferring milk.

Remember, a proper latch is key to preventing sore nipples and ensuring efficient milk transfer. Don’t hesitate to seek help from a lactation consultant if you’re experiencing difficulties with latching.

Can’t Tell if Baby is Getting Milk?

If you’re unsure whether your baby is effectively feeding, here are some signs to look for:

1. Check his cheeks: Look for a strong, steady, and rhythmic motion, indicating successful suckling and swallowing.
2. If you need to reposition your baby for a better latch, gently unlatch his grip and try again. You can encourage your baby to latch on properly by tickling his lips with your nipple and areola. It may take several attempts to achieve a comfortable and effective latch, so be patient and persistent.
3. When unlatching your baby, it’s essential to do so gently to avoid injuring your nipple. Abruptly pulling your breast out of your baby’s mouth can cause discomfort or damage. Break the suction first by pressing the breast near the mouth or gently inserting your finger into the corner of his mouth to release the latch.

By being attentive to these cues and techniques, you can ensure a positive breastfeeding experience for both you and your baby. Don’t hesitate to seek support from a lactation consultant if you encounter difficulties with breastfeeding or latching.

Breastfeeding Positions to Avoid

To ensure a successful breastfeeding experience and adequate milk supply, it’s important to avoid certain breastfeeding positions that may hinder proper latching and milk transfer. Here are some positions to steer clear of:

1. Hunching over your baby: Avoid hunching over your baby and pressing your breast into their mouth. Instead, maintain good posture by keeping your back straight and bringing your baby up to your breast level.
2. Misaligned body and head: Ensure that your baby’s body and head are facing the same direction during breastfeeding. Avoid situations where your baby’s head is turned to the side while their body faces a different direction, as this can make latching difficult and uncomfortable.
3. Baby’s body too far from the breast: Ensure that your baby’s body is positioned close to your breast during feeding. If your baby’s body is too far away, they may end up pulling on your nipple while feeding, which can lead to discomfort for you and may result in an unsatisfying feeding experience for your baby.

By avoiding these common breastfeeding positions, you can help promote a comfortable and effective breastfeeding experience for both you and your baby, ultimately supporting successful milk production and breastfeeding journey.