There is no one “right” breastfeeding position.
Every breastfeeding dyad is unique and individual, so one position doesn’t suit everyone!
Your breast shape, body shape, birth experience, any areas of tenderness or discomfort, your baby’s gestation, weight, tone, oral function, and even your baby’s individual preferences can all influence which position feels most comfortable.
Sometimes finding the right position is a bit of trial and error.
The good news is that you don’t need to master every breastfeeding position. Instead, it can be really helpful to try a few positions so you can change things up when you need to.
Here are some of the most useful breastfeeding positions and when they may help.
Most useful breastfeeding positions and when they may help.
The football hold
The football or rugby hold can be a fantastic position for some breastfeeding parents, particularly those with larger breasts or certain body shapes.
In this position, your baby is tucked under your arm, with their legs pointing behind you and their head supported near your breast.
Why might it help?
- It can work particularly well with larger breasts.
- Some body shapes simply find this position more comfortable and easier to manage.
- It gives you a great view of your baby’s face and mouth while they are attaching.
- It can make it easier to shape and support the breast during the latch.
- It can be useful if you have had a caesarean birth, as your baby isn’t lying directly across your abdomen.
Having a baby’s weight resting across a sensitive scar can be uncomfortable, so bringing baby alongside you can take pressure away from that area.
Side-lying
Side-lying breastfeeding can be one of the most relaxing positions, particularly when you are tired and feeding frequently overnight.
You and your baby lie on your sides facing each other, with baby positioned close to your breast.
Why might it help?
- It allows you to rest while feeding.
- Gravity can sometimes assist your baby to maintain their position at the breast.
- Some babies become very relaxed and sleepy in this position.
- It can be a lovely option for babies who like to feed and then drift off to sleep.
- It is a comfortable position if your perineum is sore.
- It can relieve pressure on your wrist and reduce pain associated with Carpal tunnel or De Quervain’s.
Side-lying can be especially valuable during those early weeks when breastfeeding can feel like a full-time job and you are desperately looking for opportunities to rest.
Cradle hold
The traditional cradle hold is probably the breastfeeding position most people picture when they think about breastfeeding.
Your baby lies across your body, supported by the arm on the same side as the breast they are feeding from.
This can be a lovely position once breastfeeding is well established and you and your baby are comfortable with attaching.
It is often a natural and comfortable position for ongoing breastfeeding. It is discreet and easy to use when you are out and about.
Cross-cradle hold
The cross-cradle hold is similar to the cradle position, but you use the opposite arm to support your baby.
For example, if baby is feeding from your right breast, your left arm supports their body and head.
Why might it help?
Cross-cradle can give you a little more control over your baby’s head and body, which can be particularly useful when you are learning to attach your baby.
It can make it easier to:
- bring baby towards the breast
- keep baby close to your body
- support their shoulders and neck
- shape the breast
- watch what is happening during the latch
It can be a particularly useful position while you and your baby are still learning the mechanics of breastfeeding.
Koala position
The koala hold is an upright breastfeeding position where your baby sits or straddles your thigh while feeding.
This can be a really useful position for some babies, particularly babies who need a little more postural support.
It can be particularly helpful for preterm babies or babies with lower muscle tone, as the upright position can provide useful body support and stability.
Some babies also simply love being upright!
As with every position, the aim is to make sure your baby is well supported and able to maintain a deep, comfortable latch.
Laid Back positioning
Laid back breastfeeding involves positioning your baby tummy-down against your body while you recline
This position can provide babies with plenty of sensory and physical contact.
For some babies, particularly those who need additional body support, the contact and pressure against your body may help provide stability and strength during feeding.
This is also a good position to try if you have over supply or a forceful milk ejection reflex (let down).
Prone/ laid back positioning won’t suit every mum or baby, but it can be another option to explore with appropriate support.
How to Get a Deep Latch in Any Breastfeeding Position
Although breastfeeding positions can look very different, the principles for achieving a deep latch are the same.
Chin to breast
Bring your baby close to you, with their chin leading towards the breast.
Gently shape the breast
If needed, gently shape or compress your breast to help your baby take a larger mouthful.
Wait for a wide-open mouth
This is one of the most important parts.
Rather than putting the nipple into a baby’s mouth when their mouth is only slightly open, wait for them to open wide. When your baby’s mouth opens wide, their tongue can drop down and forward, creating more space for the breast.
Bring baby to the breast
Once their mouth is wide open, bring your baby in towards you and hug them in over the nipple. You are aiming for your baby to take a good mouthful of breast rather than latching on the nipple.
Which breastfeeding position is best?
The one that works for you and your baby.
There is no right or wrong position.
The football hold might be perfect for one parent and completely uncomfortable for another.
One baby might love side-lying while another feeds beautifully in an upright koala position.
And your favourite position might change as your baby grows.
A newborn may need lots of support and positioning assistance, while an older baby may become much more independent at the breast.
Your body changes too. Your breasts may feel different throughout the day, you may be recovering from birth, and different positions can be useful depending on whether you are feeding during the day, overnight, sitting on the couch or trying to work around a sore area.
Rather than trying to make your baby fit into a particular breastfeeding position, think about finding a position that allows you and your baby to work together.
Breastfeeding is a skill that you and your baby learn together.
Sometimes a small change in your baby’s position, the angle of their body, the way you shape your breast or how closely you bring them towards you can make a big difference.
If breastfeeding is painful, your baby is struggling to attach, or you feel like you are constantly trying different positions without finding one that works, getting individual breastfeeding support can help you work out what is happening and find a position that suits your body and your baby.
At Best Start Lactation Consultancy, we believe breastfeeding support should be individualised because there is no one-size-fits-all approach to breastfeeding.
Find the position that feels comfortable, supports your baby and helps you both feel confident at the breast. That’s your best position.
