There is no ‘best’ position for breastfeeding, but it is easiest when both you and your baby are comfortable and relaxed. Because every mum and baby are different, some positions can work better than others.
Some experts suggest alternating positions so your baby will not latch on and apply pressure at the same spot every time. If you are having trouble or discomfort breastfeeding then please refer to our guide to common breastfeeding problems and solutions.
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Here are some common breastfeeding positions:
The cradle hold
Sit in a comfortable chair with support for your arms and back. Try not to hunch your shoulders. Support your breast with your hand in a cupped C-shape. Place your baby across your stomach, tummy to tummy. Your baby's head should be in the bend of your elbow, and their mouth should be directly in front of your nipple. Use a pillow to support your arm. If correctly positioned, your baby's body should form a straight line from ear to shoulder to hip. Tuck their lower arm around your waist, out of the way.
The rugby ball hold
Like a rugby player cradles a rugby ball, you will cradle your baby over your arm. This lets you see if he is latching on properly.
This position often is preferred by mums who:
- Have large breasts
- Are concerned about latch-on
- Have a small or premature baby
- Are sore from a cesarean birth
Place pillows at your side to support your elbow and your baby's bottom. Tuck them into the side of your waist. Place their head in the palm of your hand. Support the base of their head between your thumb and forefinger. If your baby seems uncomfortable, place a soft blanket between your hand and their head for padding.
The cross-cradle hold
This position often is preferred by mothers who are having trouble with latch-on or those with small or premature babies. It lets you see the latch-on more clearly than the traditional cradle hold.
Hold your baby across your body in the arm opposite the breast from which they will be feeding. Their position will be the same as in the cradle hold, but you will use your other arm to hold them. Your baby should be level with your breast, with their body turned toward you. (Some mothers find they can tuck the baby's bottom into the crook of their arm.) When they open their mouth wide, pull them onto the breast far enough that the tip of their nose, cheeks, and chin are all touching your breast.
Lying down
This is a comfortable alternative position, especially at night or when sitting is uncomfortable.
Lie on your side, using one pillow to support your head and another along your back. Your head and neck should be comfortably propped up with pillows. Or lie on your side with one arm bent under your head and the other hand supporting your breast. Put a pillow or rolled-up blanket behind your baby's back. Lay your baby next to you on the bed so their mouth is aligned with your nipple
Your breastfeeding position might change over time
Even if one position works at first, many mums find different positions work better for older babies than for newborns. You might find that as your baby grows, varying how you feed helps relieve back strain. Using a footstool under your feet to help better position your baby during feedings may also help.
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