Breastfeeding Positions

If you're experiencing difficulties, consult a lactation consultant or healthcare provider.

1. Principles of Good Positioning

Keys to a Comfortable Nursing Position

• Mom must be comfortable: No strain on back, shoulders, or arms
• Baby's whole body faces mom: Tummy to tummy contact
• Baby's head, neck, and spine aligned: No turning of the head
• Baby's mouth at nipple level: Bring baby to breast, not breast to baby

2. Five Basic Breastfeeding Positions

1) Cradle Hold

The classic breastfeeding position

• Hold baby with the arm on the same side as the nursing breast
• Baby's head rests in the crook of your elbow
• Your hand supports baby's bottom or thigh

Pros: Natural feeling, promotes intimacy

Cons: Can be difficult with newborns who need more head support

Best for: Once breastfeeding is established (after 1 month)

2) Cross-Cradle Hold

Recommended for beginners

• Hold baby with the arm opposite to the nursing breast
• Your hand supports the back of baby's head for precise control
• Use your other hand to support and guide your breast

Pros: Better control for achieving a deep latch

Cons: Arm may tire more quickly

Best for: Newborns, learning to latch, premature babies

3) Football Hold (Clutch Hold)

Recommended after C-section

• Tuck baby under your arm like a football
• Baby's legs point toward your back
• Support baby's head with your hand
• A nursing pillow makes this position easier

Pros: No pressure on abdomen, easy to see latch

Cons: Difficult without pillow support

Best for: C-section recovery, twins, large breasts, flat or inverted nipples

4) Side-Lying Position

Recommended for nighttime nursing

• Both mom and baby lie on their sides facing each other
• Tummy to tummy contact
• Support baby's head with your hand or a rolled towel

Pros: Mom can rest, perfect for night feeds

Cons: Latching can be tricky at first

Best for: Nighttime feeds, tired moms, C-section recovery

Caution: Be careful not to fall asleep while nursing (suffocation risk)

5) Laid-Back Position (Biological Nurturing)

The most natural position

• Mom reclines comfortably at about 45 degrees
• Baby lies tummy-down on mom's chest
• Baby instinctively finds the breast

Pros: Gravity assists latch, uses baby's natural reflexes, very comfortable

Cons: Requires space and comfortable seating

Best for: Right after birth, skin-to-skin bonding, babies with latch difficulties

3. Proper Latch Technique

Steps for Latching

1. Position your hand: Hold breast in C-hold or U-hold (fingers away from areola)
2. Stimulate: Gently touch baby's lips or nose with nipple
3. Wait: Wait until baby opens mouth wide (like a yawn)
4. Latch: Quickly bring baby to breast (not breast to baby)
5. Check: Verify that the latch is correct

Signs of a Good Latch

• Baby takes in the nipple AND most of the areola
• Baby's chin touches the breast
• Lips are flanged outward (like fish lips)
• Cheeks remain rounded (not sucked in)
• You hear swallowing sounds
• Little to no pain

Signs of a Poor Latch

• Severe pain during nursing
• Nipple appears flattened or pinched after feeding
• Only clicking/smacking sounds (no swallowing)
• Cheeks appear sucked in
• Nipple looks like a lipstick shape after feeding

Breaking the Latch Safely

Never pull baby off while still latched - this causes nipple damage! Insert your pinky finger into the corner of baby's mouth to break the suction, then gently remove baby.

4. Position Recommendations by Situation

5. Helpful Supplies

Nursing Pillow

Supports baby at the right height, reducing arm and back fatigue. Essential for the football hold position!

Nursing Chair or Back Support

A chair with armrests is ideal for comfortable nursing. If you don't have one, use cushions to support your arms.

Footstool

If your feet don't comfortably reach the floor, use a footstool or stack of books to support your feet.

Nipple Cream (Lanolin)

Helps soothe and heal sore nipples. Apply after nursing and no need to wipe off before the next feed.

6. Common Problems and Solutions

Sore Nipples

• Usually caused by improper latch
• Check and correct position and latch
• Apply expressed breast milk to nipples and air dry after nursing
• Use lanolin cream between feedings

Baby Refuses to Nurse

• Don't force when baby isn't hungry
• Increase skin-to-skin contact
• Try a different position
• Reduce bottle use to prevent nipple confusion

Mom's Back/Shoulder Pain

• Bring baby to breast instead of leaning forward
• Use a nursing pillow
• Choose a chair with good back support
• Switch positions frequently

Baby Falls Asleep While Nursing

• Switch sides to wake baby up
• Gently tickle baby's feet or stroke their back
• Change baby's diaper mid-feed
• Remove some of baby's clothing to keep them alert

7. Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Do I need to nurse from both breasts each session?

Alternate breasts to maintain balanced milk production. Empty one breast fully before offering the other. Start with the opposite breast at the next feeding.

Q. How long should each nursing session last?

About 10-20 minutes per breast. However, more important than time is whether baby seems satisfied (content expression, breast feels lighter).

Q. Can I nurse lying down at night?

Yes, side-lying is great for night feeds. Just be careful not to fall asleep, and keep soft bedding/pillows away from baby's face.

Q. When should I seek professional help?

See a lactation consultant (IBCLC) if you experience: persistent pain, cracked or bleeding nipples, baby not gaining weight, or concerns about milk supply.

8. Final Thoughts

Breastfeeding is a learning process for both mom and baby. It takes time to get comfortable, and that's completely normal. Try different positions until you find what works best for both of you.

If difficulties persist, don't hesitate to seek help from a lactation consultant. Don't give up—take it one feeding at a time!