Mastering Breastfeeding Positions: Finding What Works for You

Finding the right breastfeeding position can make a significant difference to both your comfort and your baby's ability to feed effectively. There is no single "correct" position—the best position is one where you are comfortable, your baby can latch well, and milk flows freely. Experimenting with different holds helps you find what works for various situations.

Before You Begin: Setting Up for Success

Regardless of which position you choose, some basic principles apply. Get comfortable before you start—use pillows to support your arms, back, and neck. Bring your baby to your breast rather than leaning over to bring your breast to the baby. Ensure your baby's ear, shoulder, and hip are aligned in a straight line, and their nose is level with your nipple before latching.

Have water, snacks, your phone, and the remote control within reach before you begin. Breastfeeding sessions, especially in the early days, can last a while, and you want to avoid needing to disturb a happily feeding baby.

Cradle Hold

The cradle hold is the most commonly pictured breastfeeding position. Your baby lies across your front, tummy-to-tummy, with their head resting in the crook of your arm on the same side as the breast they are feeding from.

To use this position, sit upright with good back support. Rest your baby's head in the bend of your elbow, supporting their spine along your forearm. Their bottom can rest in your hand or on your lap if baby is small. Use your free hand to support your breast if needed.

This position works well for older babies who have good head control and established latch skills, but can be challenging with newborns as it offers less head control.

Cross-Cradle Hold

Similar to the cradle hold but with opposite arm support. If feeding from your right breast, you hold your baby with your left arm, supporting the back of their head with your left hand. This gives you more control over positioning and is excellent for newborns or babies who need help latching.

Your right hand is free to support your breast and help guide your nipple to your baby's mouth. Once your baby is latched and feeding well, you can switch to the cradle hold if more comfortable.

Tips for Cross-Cradle Success

Place your hand behind your baby's shoulders and neck rather than pushing on the back of their head—pushing can cause babies to resist and pull away from the breast. Support their neck and let their head tilt back slightly for a deep latch.

Football (Clutch) Hold

In this position, your baby is tucked under your arm on the same side as the breast you are using, like holding a football (or clutch bag). Their body extends along your forearm, with their legs pointing behind you.

The football hold is particularly useful for:

• Mothers recovering from caesarean section (keeps baby away from the incision)
• Mothers with large breasts
• Mothers with flat or inverted nipples
• Babies who prefer one breast or need help latching
• Tandem feeding twins

Use pillows to bring your baby up to breast height. Support the back of their neck with your hand, leaving their head free to tilt back for latching.

Side-Lying Position

The side-lying position allows you to rest while breastfeeding, making it popular for night feeds and for mothers recovering from birth. Both you and your baby lie on your sides facing each other, with your baby's mouth level with your nipple.

Use your lower arm to cuddle your baby or place it above your head—whichever is more comfortable. A pillow behind your back provides support, and you might place a rolled towel behind your baby's back to keep them in position.

This position takes some practice but is worth mastering for its comfort benefits. It is especially helpful after a caesarean section, for mothers with back pain, or during growth spurts when feeding feels constant.

Laid-Back Breastfeeding (Biological Nurturing)

Laid-back breastfeeding uses gravity and your baby's natural reflexes to support feeding. You recline at a comfortable angle (not flat), and your baby lies on top of you, tummy-to-tummy. Your baby can approach the breast from any angle.

This position is particularly good for:

• Newborns, as it activates their innate feeding reflexes
• Mothers with a strong let-down, as gravity slows the milk flow
• Babies who frequently pull off or get overwhelmed during feeds
• Encouraging baby-led latching
• Skin-to-skin contact

In laid-back breastfeeding, your hands are free—you do not need to hold your baby as gravity keeps them in place. This can be wonderfully relaxing for both of you.

Koala Hold (Upright)

In the koala or upright hold, your baby sits straddling your thigh, facing your breast, in an upright position. You support their head and body while they latch on.

This position can be helpful for:

• Babies with reflux or ear infections
• Babies with tongue tie or low muscle tone
• Babies who prefer being upright
• Older babies and toddlers

Positions for Specific Challenges

For fast let-down: Laid-back or side-lying positions use gravity to slow milk flow, preventing your baby from choking or gulping.

For blocked ducts: Position your baby so their chin points toward the blocked area—the chin puts the most pressure on the breast and helps drain that section.

For nipple soreness: Try different positions to change the angle of pressure on your nipples, giving sore areas a chance to heal.

After caesarean: Football hold, side-lying, and laid-back positions all keep baby away from your incision.

Adjusting as Your Baby Grows

The position that works perfectly with a newborn may become awkward as your baby grows. Many mothers find they naturally shift to different positions over time. Older babies often develop their own preferred positions and may want to sit up, lie beside you, or even do acrobatics while feeding.

Stay flexible and willing to adapt. The goal is always comfortable, effective feeding for both of you.