Breastfeeding Positions

There are many different positions that can work while breastfeeding. Finding one that works for both you and your baby is to make the experience enjoyable for both of you.   Lets face it, over the coming months you two are going to be spending a lot of time together in what can seem like the same position over and over again. Try different positions and see which one works for you so that you are both comfortable, keeping in mind that if you are comfortable, you will be more relaxed and the process will be more natural.  Below, I have listed several different positions that you may want to try:

Cross-Cradle Hold:

This position is often the most helpful for moms right after birth until they become more confident that baby is latching on properly. You will use the arm on the opposite side you will be feeding from to hold and support your baby, while you use the hand on the side you are feeding from to support your breast.

Lay your baby next to you, tummy-to-tummy, with your opposite hand supporting the back of his head. You want to make sure you are holding at the neck, so you are just guiding the head. You will use the other hand (on the same side the baby is feeding from) to hold and navigate your breast and nipple. Once the baby is securely latched on, you can move your arms to the cradle hold.

Cradle Hold:

This position is often used after your baby is a few weeks old.  Your baby lays across your front at breast level with their tummy toward your chest.  Your baby’s head will be resting in the crook of your elbow, on your nursing side. You can use your opposite hand to hold your breast if baby needs help latching.

Football Hold:

Your baby will lay along your side under your arm, while your hand supports the back of your baby’s neck. The baby’s butt should be up against whatever you are sitting in (back of the chair, couch, etc.) Be sure to bend baby’s legs at the hip, so that they can't push against what your sitting on for support.  This hold is really great for a mom who had a cesarean birth and for women with large breasts.

Side-lying:

Lay your baby on their side with a pillow behind their back for support. You should also be on your side facing your baby.  You may want to use a pillow behind your back or between your knees for support. Your baby’s nose should be in line with your nipple.