Different breastfeeding holds may work better than others for you and baby. From football hold to cradle hold to laid-back, these are the breastfeeding positions nursing moms will want to know about.
Making milk might come naturally, but the delivery of it from breast to belly takes a little know-how and a lot of practice. For many new moms and babies, the first attempts at breastfeeding are haphazard and hapless, at best. But proper positioning is essential in helping your newborn latch on the right way, as well as preventing nipple soreness and other breastfeeding problems.
With some trial-and-error, you’ll find the breastfeeding position that works best for you. And in no time, you’ll be a pro at breastfeeding your baby.
How to hold baby when breastfeeding
Start by placing your baby on one side, toward your breasts. Make sure your baby’s whole body is facing your chest, with his ear, shoulder and hip in a straight line.
You don’t want your newborn’s head turned to the side — it should be straight in line with the body. Use a nursing or regular pillow to bring your baby to a height that makes maneuvering him to the breast easier.
Different breastfeeding positions
Once you and baby are set up, try one of these five best breastfeeding positions:
Cradle hold
To breastfeed baby in a cradle hold position, do the following:[1]
- Position your baby so his head rests in the bend of your elbow on the side you’ll be breastfeeding, with the hand on that side supporting the rest of the body.
- Cup your breast with your other hand, placing your thumb above your nipple and areola at the spot where your baby’s nose will touch your breast.
- Your index finger should be at the spot where your baby’s chin will make contact with the breast. Lightly compress your breast so that the nipple points slightly toward your baby’s nose. Your baby’s now ready to latch.
Crossover hold
To breastfeed baby in a crossover hold position, do the following:[2]
- Hold your baby’s head with the hand opposite to the breast you’ll be nursing from (i.e. if nursing from the right breast, hold the head with your left hand).
- Rest your wrist between your baby’s shoulder blades, your thumb behind one ear, your other fingers behind the other ear. Cradle the neck of your baby, allowing for his natural movement.
- Using your free hand, cup your breast as you would for the cradle hold.
Football hold
Also known as the clutch hold, the football hold position is especially useful if you have:
- Had a C-section and want to avoid placing your baby against your abdomen
- Large breasts
- A small or premature baby
- Twins
To breastfeed baby in a football hold position, do the following:
- Position your baby at your side, facing you, with his legs tucked under your arm (yes, like a football) on the same side as the breast you’re nursing from.
- Support your baby’s head with the same hand, and use your other hand to cup your breast as you would for the cradle hold.
Laid-back position (“biological nursing”)
A laid-back nursing position can be particularly helpful for moms who have smaller breasts, for newborns and for babies with sensitive tummies or excess gas.
To breastfeed baby in a laid-back position, do the following:
- Lean back on a bed or couch, well supported by pillows in a semi-reclining position, so that when you put your baby tummy-to-tummy onto your body with his head near your breast, gravity will keep him molded to you.
- Your baby can rest on you in any direction, as long as the whole front of the body is against yours and he can reach your breast.
- Your infant can naturally latch on in this position, or you can help by directing the nipple toward your little one’s mouth.
- Once your baby is set up at your breast, you don’t have to do much besides lie back and relax.
Side-lying position
This position is a good choice when you’re breastfeeding in the middle of the night.
To breastfeed baby in a side-lying position, do the following:
- Both you and your baby should lie on your sides, tummy to tummy.
- Use your hand on the side you’re not lying on to cup your breast if you need to.
- When using this position, there should be no excess bedding around the infant that could pose a suffocation hazard. This position shouldn’t be used on a recliner, couch or water bed for that same reason.
