Five Breastfeeding Positions and Tips

You and your baby each have unique needs, which is why one nursing style may not fit all moms and babies. There are many different breastfeeding positions, from the cross-cradle hold to the football hold. In fact, it’s a good idea to change breastfeeding positions from time to time to allow your breasts to fully empty and to prevent conditions like mastitis. Read more about the different positions, and discover some helpful breastfeeding tips.

The Cross-Cradle Hold

This is one of the best positions for your first time breastfeeding. Find a comfortable chair with arm rests, and sit up straight. Bring your baby across the front of your body, with her tummy touching yours. Hold her body in the crook of your arm, opposite the breast you’re going to feed from. Use the right arm for the left breast and left arm for the right breast. Support her head with your open hand, and with the other, support your breast from the underside in a u-shaped hold. Gently guide your baby’s mouth to your breast without bending over or leaning forward. You’ll want to cradle her close to your breast. This is a good position if your baby is having some difficulty latching on, because it makes it easier for you to guide her head into a better position by supporting the back of her neck between your fingers and thumb.

The Cradle Hold

This is similar to the cross-cradle hold, but instead, you support your baby with the arm that’s on the same side as the nursing breast. You should sit up straight in a comfy chair with armrests, and cradle your baby in your arm with her head comfortably resting in the crook of your elbow as she faces your breast. Make sure your baby’s head is aligned with the rest of her body, and not turned to the side. You can make things more comfortable with a little extra support from a standard pillow or breastfeeding pillow that is laid across your lap.

The Football Hold

If you’re recovering from a c-section, or if you have large breasts, the football hold for breastfeeding may be a comfortable position for you. It can be an easier position to maintain, because it keeps your baby’s weight off your abdomen. With your elbow bent, hold your baby beside you, level with your waist. Support your baby’s head with an open hand, and face her toward your breast. Her back will rest on your forearm, just like you're holding a clutch bag or a football. Support your breast with your other hand in a c-shape. This is also a good position for premature babies.

The Side Lying Hold

If you’re feeling tired after childbirth, or if you’re just generally sleepy, you can lie down to feed, but be sure to stay awake. Nursing while lying on your side, instead of sitting, is also a good option if you’ve had a c-section. You’ll want to lie on your side, and face your baby toward your breast, making sure she’s supported with one hand. Use the other hand to take your breast and touch the nipple to your baby’s lips. Once she latches on, you can then use one arm to support yourself and the other to hold your baby close.

The Feeding Twins Position

If you have twins, you might want to feed them separately, but if you want to do it at the same time, you can adopt the football hold, except this time, you'll hold one baby in each arm.

Breastfeeding Positions to Avoid

Take care to avoid certain positions that can be bad for you or your baby, including:

• Hunching over your baby

• Having your baby's body and head facing different directions

• Holding your baby's body far away from the breast.

Tips for Every Breastfeeding Position

No matter the position, you’ll want to do everything you can to make yourself and your baby comfortable. Try the following:

• Support your body. Pick a chair with armrests, and use plenty of pillows to support your back and arms. The average couch won’t give you enough support. Consider using a footrest, or improvise with a coffee table to prop you up.

• Support your breasts. Your breasts are probably feeling heavier as they fill up with milk. Use your hands to support them while feeding. Keep your fingers away from the nipple and areola, so your baby doesn’t accidentally suck on them instead. If you have large breasts, you can even place a rolled up towel or blanket beneath your breast to keep the nipple at a straight-on angle with your baby’s mouth.

• Support your baby. Make sure your baby is comfortable and secure, so she’ll nurse happily. Use your arm or hand to hold her in place, or place a blanket or pillow under her head and back for extra support, so your baby’s head is level with your breast. You can also place a breastfeeding pillow or normal pillow on your lap, with your baby on top, so you both feel more comfortable – this is especially recommended if you’ve had a c-section.

• Alternate nursing positions. This can help prevent nipple soreness, clogged milk ducts, and breast infection.

• Alternate between breasts. When your baby drains one breast, offer the other. Or, next time, start with the full breast first. This will help boost milk production and help prevent mastitis.

• Relax. Make sure you’re relaxed before and during breastfeeding, as this will make the experience better for both you and your baby. If you are in a public spot, it may also help you feel more comfortable to use a breastfeeding cover. Breastfeeding is a wonderful opportunity to bond with your baby, and once she’s latched on, it can be an enjoyable experience for you, too.

If you have any questions about how to breastfeed, or if you want to know more about breastfeeding in general, have a look at our breastfeeding FAQs.

The breastfeeding experience is different for every woman, and it’s OK to have a slow start. The more you feed, the easier it will get, and you and your baby can experience the benefits of breastfeeding. Turn to a lactation consultant or your healthcare provider if you’re worried or have questions.

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