Breast milk is nature’s perfect baby food, giving your baby the right nutrients in the right proportions for complete nourishment. Read our blog Colostrum, the Liquid Gold: Baby’s First Vaccine. It also supports mental and physical development. Breastfeeding is a good decision for both you and your baby. Read Benefits of Exclusive Breastfeeding. That said, there is not a one-size-fits-all way of breastfeeding your baby. It requires patience and practice for both mothers and infants.
Why breastfeeding position matters
Although babies are born with the instinct to seek their mother’s breast, many mothers often require assistance in positioning their baby correctly for breastfeeding and ensuring a proper latch. For most mums, breastfeeding is a learned skill.
Breastfeeding your newborn often involves experimentation and learning through trial and error. There is no universal approach that suits every mother and baby. What works for one mother might not work for another. Trying different breastfeeding positions or holds can help you and your baby figure out what works best.
General breastfeeding tips
Before we jump into the common breastfeeding positions, here are some general breastfeeding tips:
Be comfortable
Find a comfortable spot for breastfeeding and use pillows for back and arm support to avoid hunching over. If possible, prop up your feet for added comfort.
Position baby properly
For a comfortable latch while breastfeeding, position your baby facing your body, with their mouth and nose in line with your nipple. Use pillows to elevate your baby to the appropriate height. Special breastfeeding pillows are available for this purpose.
Chin to breast
To achieve a good latch during breastfeeding, ensure your baby opens their mouth wide and their chin touches your breast first. Direct your nipple towards the roof of their mouth to ensure they take in enough breast. Refer to the short video for further guidance on proper latching.
Signs of a good latch
A comfortable experience with no pain.
More areola is visible above your baby’s mouth than below.
Your baby’s mouth is wide open.
Their lower lip is turned out.
Their chin is touching, or nearly touching, your breast.
Signs of good positioning
Your baby’s head and body are in line. A baby cannot suckle or swallow easily if their head is twisted or bent.
Your baby is held close to your body. A baby cannot attach well to the breast if they are far away from it.
Your baby’s whole body is supported with your arm along their back. This is particularly important for newborns and young babies. For older babies, support of the upper part of the body is usually enough.
Your baby approaches breast nose to nipple, so that they come to your breast from underneath the nipple.
Signs of effective suckling
Your baby takes slow deep suckles, sometimes pausing.
You may be able to see or hear your baby swallowing after one or two suckles.
Suckling is comfortable and pain free for you.
Your baby finishes the feed, releases the breast and looks contented and relaxed.
Your breast is softer after the feed.
Common breastfeeding positions
1. Cradle hold
 | The cradle hold is the most common position and helps provide an enjoyable feeding and bonding experience for both of you. Watch Breastfeeding: Mini Parenting Master Class |
Sit somewhere with support to keep your arm at the right height, like an armed chair or couch. If needed, you can use pillows to support your arm.
Position your little one in your lap with their head in the crook of your arm.
Keep your baby’s chest against yours so they do not have to turn their head toward your breast. If necessary, use pillows to support your baby’s head.
2. Cross-cradle hold
 | This position is useful when first learning to breastfeed and is a great option for small babies. It allows you to have good control of your baby’s head while helping your little one to latch on. |
Think of this as the reverse of the cradle hold. To perform the cross-cradle hold, position your baby in the opposite direction of the cradle hold with their head in your hand, rather than the crook of your arm.|
3. Football hold or rugby hold
 | If you are dealing with engorged breasts or sore nipples, this is a great position to try. The football or rugby hold helps to prevent plugged ducts by positioning your baby to empty the bottom ducts. It is also helpful if you have undergone a Cesarean section. |
4. Side lying position
 | If you and your baby are more comfortable lying down, this is a great position to try. Lay on your side and place your baby on their side, facing you, with their head at your breast. Make sure that your baby’s nose isn’t obstructed. |
5. Reclining position
 | If your little one has difficulty latching or is restless and crying, this is a calming position to try. In fact, this position is sometimes called “biological nurturing.” |
Support yourself with pillows and lean far enough back for your baby to be fully supported on your reclined body, not completely flat.
Lay your baby prone on your chest. To engage in skin-to-skin contact, lay your naked baby on your bare chest and enjoy bonding with your little one.
Conclusion
This time of nourishing and bonding with your baby goes by quickly. Breastfeeding takes patience and time to get the hang of. Be kind to yourself and don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider if you need help.