
What breastfeeding positions to use for what occasion ? If you choose to breastfeed you will find yourself spending a lot of time doing it especially if you are following the recommended guidelines of breastfeeding on demand! Your baby may be feeding 10 times per day or even more if you had a baby like me!
Finding the right position is important while you breastfeed and here is why;
- Breastfeeding position creates comfort for the mother and the baby which will make breastfeeding feel comfortable for both
- Feeling comfortable and relaxed will allow you to produce the needed oxytocin that is needed to breastfeed , if you are feeling tense you will be producing the opposite hormones that will obstruct your milk flow
- The right position is essential to protect your nipples and not let them feel sore and cracked, if you are in the right position this will allow your baby to latch on properly to your breasts. ( check out my blog on cracked nipples)
- Certain breastfeeding positions can help babies with reflux and will minimise fussing at the breast
Here are a few breastfeeding positions that have worked for me and for many other mothers. As a breastfeeding Educator I am passionate in making your breastfeeding journey feel comfortable as much as possible!
laid back breastfeeding position

The ‘laid back’ position can work well when you and your baby are first learning to breastfeed. It is a relaxed position that helps to prevent muscle tension in your upper back and shoulders.
How to do it:
- Find a comfortable place where you can lean back and relax. Lean back far enough so that gravity will help to keep your baby close to your body. Use pillows to support your head and back as needed.
- Baby’s entire body should rest against your body with his cheek resting near your bare breast.
- Use your arms to support your baby in whatever way feels most comfortable.
- Your baby will lift his head and use his arms and legs to reposition himself until he finds the nipple. Some babies will need more help than others; use gentle guidance to nudge your baby towards the breast if needed. Remember, it takes practice to make any position work for you and your baby.
In the first few days of life, this position works best when both mom and baby are skin-to-skin (no shirt for mom, baby dressed in a diaper only).
Cross Cradle Breastfeeding Position
The cross cradle hold can also be helpful when you are learning to breastfeed. Premature babies or babies with lower muscle tone can benefit from the extra support this position provides.
How to do it:
- Sit comfortably with your feet supported on the floor or a low stool.
- Place a pillow on your lap to support your baby at the level of your breast. This will help to prevent your arm from getting tired.
- Turn baby on his side with his entire body facing you. His tummy should be tucked against your stomach with his ear, shoulder, and hip in a straight line. (To understand why this is important, try drinking a glass of water with your head turned to the side.)
- If you are nursing from your right breast, lay your left arm along your baby’s back with your hand resting between your baby’s shoulders. Support the base of your baby’s head, your thumb on one side and your index finger on the other side. (Avoid holding the back of your baby’s head, as most babies will react by pushing away from the breast.)
- Adjust your baby’s position so that his nose is near your nipple and his chin is resting on the breast.
- Support your breast with the other hand with your thumb and fingers well back from the areola (the brown part surrounding the nipple).
- Keep baby’s bottom close to you to prevent him from slipping away from the breast.
If your baby needs extra help with latching try this trick:
- Gently shape or “sandwich” the breast, using your thumb and fingers. (Imagine eating a large sandwich; it is easier to fit into your mouth if it is flattened first.) Please note: you sandwich the breast to help it fit into your baby’s mouth. The flattened part of the “sandwich” should be parallel to your baby’s lips.
- Encourage your baby to open wide by tickling his upper lip with your nipple. In response, your baby will lift his chin and gape widely. Aim the nipple towards the roof of baby’s mouth. Baby’s chin should touch the breast first.
- If your baby is crying or upset, calm him and then try again.
- Try to get baby’s bottom lip as far as possible from the base of the nipple. The lips should be flanged outwards when latched.
Once your baby consistently latches well, you will no longer need to use the cross cradle hold. You can simply cradle your baby in the crook of your arm for feeds or use one of the other breastfeeding positions.
FOOTBALL BREASTFEEDING POSITION
The football position works well for large breasted women. It can also be comfortable for those who have had a Cesarean section as it keeps your baby’s weight away from the surgical site.
How to do it:
- Sit in a comfortable chair with your feet supported on the floor or a low stool.
- Use pillows stacked at your side to support your baby at breast level. If you find baby’s feet push against the back of the chair, put a pillow behind your back. This will move your body forward and give a bit more space for baby’s legs.
- Tuck baby’s body against your own, legs tucked under your arm.
- Support baby with your hand between the shoulder blades.
- Hold baby’s head with your thumb on one side and your fingers on the opposite side, just behind baby’s ears.
- Use your other hand to support your breast.
- Position your baby so that his nose is near your nipple and his chin is resting on your breast. Your baby will need to tilt his head slightly and gape widely to latch.
- When baby’s mouth is wide open, you can gently guide your baby onto the breast with the palm of your hand.
Side Lying Breastfeeding Position
The breastfeeding position while lying down can be very helpful when you are tired or if your bottom is still sore from childbirth.
How to do it:
- Get comfortable lying on your side with a pillow under your head and another behind your back. Some moms also like a pillow between their knees for comfort.
- Allow your breast to be supported by the bed. You may need to lean back slightly so your nipple will be at a comfortable height for latching.
- Lay your baby on his side, facing you and tucked close to your body. Baby’s lower body will be touching your tummy. A rolled up blanket behind your baby’s back will help to keep him close.
- Position him so that his nose is opposite your nipple. Baby’s chin should touch your breast. Baby will gape and latch to the breast.
- When your baby is ready for the second breast, reposition yourself onto the other side.
I hope this will allow you to experiment the different breastfeeding positions available to you during your your breastfeeding journey! Remember that the best position is the one that works for both you and your baby!
Visit La Leche League for more information on the important of breastfeeding positions.